Supplementary medicines and antioxidants in viral infections: A review of proposed effects for COVID-19

Abstract

The use of supplementary medicines and antioxidant drugs is not restricted to just preventing deficiencies or inhibiting the production of free radicals. There are a plethora of indications that supplements and antioxidants may suffice for and they include viral infections. Hence, the importance of understanding the potential efficacy and activity of supplements and antioxidants in the management of viral infections, specifically the coronavirus disease, cannot be overemphasized. This article aims to explain what supplements and antioxidants are, their proven efficacy in the management/treatment of the existing viral infections, and the possibility of their usefulness in the management/treatment of coronavirus disease. The coronavirus pandemic affected almost 10 million people worldwide and has contributed to hundreds of thousands of deaths, while research is ongoing for the development of a vaccine and if possible, a cure, it is important to explore every available option including traditional medicines, antioxidants, and complementary and supplementary medicines. A comprehensive review of this study was achieved by evaluating recent existing literature on the activity of supplements and antioxidants against viral infections and the coronavirus disease. It was discovered that although Vitamins C and D, zinc, and elderberry have antiviral properties and may be effective in managing preexisting viral infections, their activity against COVID-19 is still unknown and speculative. Therefore, there are no recent guidelines provided for the treatment of COVID-19 that recommend dietary supplements and/or antioxidants as pharmacological interventions.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• covid-19
• sars-cov-2
• supplementary medicines
• viral infections