Some Remarkable Over The Counter Antivirals

The threat of COVID-19 has prompted a lot of questions regarding over the counter antiviral remedies. I thought I would discuss a few herbs that are thought to possess activity against viruses in general. We do not have specific information regarding COVID-19 because it is too new.  

Presently, the only known weapons we have against the spread of COVID-19 are handwashing, social distancing, and wearing masks. 

Until a vaccine is available, our options are limited. I take dietary supplements for several reasons. Some of these may help decrease my risk of contracting this virus. 

I believe benefit far outweighs the risk in this situation.

I have written about many of these herbs in the past. For more information, click the highlighted link to visit the corresponding blog post.

Green Tea

Green tea (Camelia sinensis) consumption can have significant positive effects on human health.1

Green tea contains catechins, which are polyphenolic compounds. These substances, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have shown broad antiviral effects.2

Green tea extract has the potential to cause liver toxicity. Products that contain the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verification stamp must be labeled with the following:

Due to the potential risk for hepatotoxicity with green tea extracts, products that carry the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verification stamp must include the following text on the label: “Do not take on an empty stomach. Take with food. Do not use if you have a liver problem and discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if you develop symptoms of liver trouble, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)”3

Ascorbic Acid ( Vitamin C)

Studies have shown that patients with acute infections have low circulating ascorbic acid levels.4

 

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We also know that vitamin C modulates interferons and cytokines in patients with viral infections.6

Ascorbic acid has also been shown to reduce neuralgia pain associated with the herpes virus.7

There have also been instances where influenza A patients with life-threatening respiratory failure have rapidly improved after receiving ascorbic acid and thiamine.8

Elderberry

Elderberry is a dark purple berry that grows on the European elder tree. There is evidence that elderberry fruit extract taken four times daily can reduce the symptoms and duration of influenza infection if started within 48 hours of symptoms. This extract can reduce the duration of symptoms by 56% on average.9

Another study found that lozenges containing elderberries taken four times daily within 24 hours of influenza onset improved flu-like symptoms compared with placebo 10

Zinc

Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the human body. This element is essential for growth, development, DNA synthesis, and RNA transcription.11

A review article published in 2019 concluded that zinc can stimulate the body’s viral response.12

In vitro studies have also shown zinc may possess antiviral effects. This paper also stated that zinc treatment at therapeutic doses can drastically improve the clearance of acute and chronic viral infections.13

We know that Zinc lozenges can decrease the duration of the common cold by up to 40%.14

Quercetin

Quercetin is a common flavonoid found in many Chinese herbs and fruits, vegetables, and red wine.  

Quercetin has been shown to possess anti-influenza activity. This is likely due to its ability to inhibit the entry of the virus into the cell.15

This substance has also exhibited the ability to inhibit virus replication in the initial stages of influenza infections.16

Echinacea

Echinacea is the name given to some flowering plants in the daisy family. This plant has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat many illnesses. 

Currently, Echinacea is used primarily as an herbal remedy in the treatment of the common cold and flu.

 Echinacea extracts have shown antiviral activity against several different viruses.17

 

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There are also studies claiming Echinacea is an efficacious immunomodulator. There is still insufficient evidence available to make therapeutic recommendations for specific disease states.20

We all want to protect ourselves from infection. 

It is much easier to prevent an illness than to treat it. There are some simple steps we can take to stay healthy.

  • Eat whole foods.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid bad habits.
  • Get enough sleep.

I also believe herbal products can help us stay healthy. One of the biggest causes of sickness is oxidative stress. Our cells are bombarded with free radicals daily. 

Just breathing the air can introduce toxins into the body.  

In addition to my products, I take ProtandimTM Tri-Synergizer daily. This not only helps protect my cells from free radical damage but also makes me feel better and improves my energy level. I strongly recommend giving this supplement a try.

With COVID-19 comes uncertainty and fear. Besides staying as healthy as possible, we should also wash our hands often, wear masks when near others, and practice social distancing. Although the products mentioned in this post are not proven to treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19, some have good evidence against other viruses. I think the benefits of taking them far outweigh the risks.

Nutraceuticals have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Large, randomized-controlled studies are not always available to support these agents due to prohibitive costs. This does not mean they are ineffective. It usually means there is not enough profit to be made from them to justify the high costs of the studies.

If you have any questions regarding this post or about medications or nutraceuticals, please send me a message. I would also like to invite you to join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter. Our newsletter will keep you up to date on new products, our influencers, and sales.

Until next week, stay happy, healthy, and safe!

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

 

 

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.

Zinc Rich Foods for Vegetarians

Zinc is an essential trace element that is necessary for many functions in our body.  Animal studies have shown those deficient in this element are at risk for alopecia, testicular atrophy, thickening of the epidermis, and growth failure.1

Zinc deficiency is prevalent in developing countries, but the elderly as well as vegetarians and vegans, are also at risk.2

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Low levels of zinc may also predispose people to many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.  Other possible effects are an increase in chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired cognition.7

 

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Vegans and vegetarians do not consume meat, which is a rich source of zinc.  Foods containing unrefined cereals, legumes, or plants rich in phylates bind zinc, decreasing its absorption.11

This article will review some of the foods other than meat that are a good source of this element.  Keep in mind that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc in adults is 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men.

Hemp Seeds (Hulled) – (9.9 mg zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Hemp seeds are actually nuts.  They are very nutritious and have been used as food and medicine in China for 3,000 years.12

Hemp seeds may reduce the risk of heart disease by increasing nitric oxide concentrations, which help blood vessels dilate and relax.13

Hemp seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids and can be used to make salad dressings or sprinkled over vegetables, pasta, or popcorn.

Pumpkin Seeds (Organic) (6.43 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Pumpkin seeds are not only high in zinc, but also can lower blood sugar levels, improve prostate, heart and bladder health, and protect you from certain types of cancer. 

These seeds also contain antioxidants, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Pumpkins seeds can be eaten raw or roasted as a snack, added to smoothies, or sprinkled on fruit.  They can also add “crunch” to salads or baked into bread.

Cashews – (5.36 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Cashews have many uses and can be used to make vegan cheese.

Click for Vegan Cheese Recipe

Cashews come from a tree (Anacardium occidentale) native to the tropical regions of Brazil.  They are fruits, not nuts.  Cashews are found at the end of cashew apples.  Cashews are poisonous prior to roasting. 

Tofu (Silken, Firm) – (0.61 mg per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Tofu is food our family enjoys often.  I fry the tofu in coconut oil until browned and add different vegetables, coconut milk, and curry paste.  I serve this with rice.  Very tasty and nutritious.

Tofu has many uses. 

Click here for tofu recipe ideas

 

Quinoa – (2.68 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Quinoa is one of the most popular health foods available.  This grain is high in fiber, protein and contains all nine essential amino acids.

Quinoa contains high amounts of quercetin and kaempferol, which are strong antioxidants.14

Quinoa can be added to salads, soups and vegan garden-burgers.  It can also be added to pancake batter for an easy health boost.

Chia Seed – (4 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Chia seeds are one of the superfoods.  These seeds contain a fantastic amount of nutrition with few calories.  Even though chia seeds contain 12 grams of carbohydrates per ounce, 11 of these are non-digestible fiber. 

These seeds are able to absorb 10-12 times their weight in water.  This helps expand the stomach making one feel full.15

Chia seeds can be mixed with water and used as an egg substitute in vegan cooking.  They can be added to smoothies, sprinkled on cereals or oatmeal.  They can also be added to bread or muffin and baked.

Lentils, pink or red, raw – (3.6 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Lentils have always been a food I enjoy.  Red lentil curry is delicious and nutritious.  This recipe is fantastic.

Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils

Lentils can also be added to soups or eaten as a side dish.  They can also be made into a loaf as a substitute for meatloaf. 

Walnuts (3.09 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

My grandparents had walnut trees, and we used to crack them open and sell them to neighbors. 

These nuts are probably most often used in baking. 

Walnuts can be added to fudge, bread, and cakes. 

They are rich in antioxidants and are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dark Red Kidney Beans (3.29 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Kidney beans can be used for chili, added to soups, or added to salads. 

Kidney beans are a good source of protein and fiber.

  They also contain antioxidants and can help promote colon health.

All-Purpose Enriched, Bleached Wheat Flour (0.72 mg Zinc per 100 g)

Nutritional Information

Wheat flour can be used for many baked goods. 

My favorite use of wheat flour is to make sweet potato muffins. 

I have included this recipe because it is one of my favorites. 

This recipe came from Runner’s World magazine.  I discovered this while training for a marathon.

Sweet Potato Muffins

Zinc is vital for many functions of the body.  We must obtain zinc from our diet.  Since vegans and vegetarians don’t consume meat products, it is critical to get this trace element from other sources. 

Some seeds, nuts, and legumes can provide the zinc necessary to keep our body healthy.  Zinc can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.

I hope you have found this post useful.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me an email. 

Enjoy your summer, and stay healthy and safe!

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.