Glutathione as an adjunctive therapy for the management of COVID-19

Glutathione as an adjunctive therapy for the management of COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a public healthcare challenge all over the world despite availability of several vaccines and drugs. To date, no antiviral has shown efficacy against SARS-Cov-2. Nutraceuticals may help in boosting the immune system, reducing the viral load and inflammation in people with COVID-19. Use of nutraceuticals in combination with standard treatment is a simple and effective strategy to limit infection and severe disease.

Glutathione, a cellular antioxidant is a vital part of cells that is naturally created and recycled inside the body. It is synthesized from three amino acids – cysteine, glycine, glutamate. Reduced form of Glutathione helps in removal of reactive oxygen species (free radicals or oxidants). High levels of free radicals lead to inflammation. In cases of high oxidative stress, organs may get damaged which can potentially lead to multi system organ failure and death. Glutathione, the powerful antioxidant helps in combatting the enormous oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients. Research shows the role of glutathione in protecting against severe inflammatory response triggered by COVID-19. The antiviral action of glutathione can prevent the virus from replicating efficiently, producing lower viral loads and, therefore, milder symptoms.

Research supports the use of glutathione in pre-COVID (prevention), during COVID (management) and post-COVID (recovery). An interesting fact is that Paracetamol, the medicine used to treat fever, depletes the levels of glutathione. Considering the amount of Paracetamol use in Covid-19 patient, glutathione levels deplete rapidly.

Immunity can be enhanced to fight infection caused by various pathogens. In a one-month pilot study, Glutathione supplementation in the dose of 500mg or 1000 mg/day reduced oxidative stress markers and improved immune function. Thus, immunity boosters such as glutathione may help in preventing severe COVID-19.

There are certain reasons why most COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic or have mild-moderate disease, while only very few people suffer from severe COVID-19. If the body`s defense system is not strong enough to withstand the “cytokine storm (period of high inflammation in the body), the patient may progress from mild to severe infection or even die. Glutathione reduces inflammation in the lungs and other organs, lowers viral load and thus may speed up the recovery process. Thus, oral and intravenous glutathione may represent a new treatment approach to control “cytokine storm syndrome”in patients with COVID-19-derived pneumonia.

The dose is not clearly defined but research suggests that up to 2gm of glutathione can be used in COVID-19 patients depending on CRP, fever, ferritin and other laboratory tests. Clinical trials are being conducted for glutathione in managing COVID-19. Glutathione also helps detoxify the liver. COVID-19 patients may be prescribed many drugs including Paracetamol, antibiotics and antiviral. These drugs may put stress on the already stressed liver. Glutathione removes viral toxins and harmful chemicals (unused or metabolized drug) thereby making the organs stronger. Thus, glutathione can be used in combination with other medicines to combat COVID-19. It also helps to improve physical strength and endurance. To summarize, oral glutathione can be used for prevention and recovery, while intravenous glutathione may be beneficial in the management of COVID-19. Certain people at risk of low levels of glutathione may be benefitted from glutathione supplements. Various GSH replenishing molecules such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) have been used in management of Covid-19.

References :

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