“
TL;DR
This narrative review discusses how nutrients, herbal compounds, and probiotics might lower SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by modulating viral entry factors like ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
Frontiers in Nutrition · 9 authors, 4 centres
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
This narrative review discusses how nutrients, herbal compounds, and probiotics might lower SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by modulating viral entry factors like ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
This narrative review examines the potential of nutrients, herbal bioactive derivatives, and commensal microbiota to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. It discusses the virus's entry strategy via the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 protease, and reviews preclinical evidence that various natural products can interfere with this process. The review highlights that vitamins (A, E, D) and minerals (zinc) may be deficient in some populations, and that supplementation could support immunity and prevent viral entry. Herbal compounds like licorice, theaflavin, and withanone are noted to inhibit viral entry in vitro by affecting ACE2 expression or TMPRSS2 activity. Probiotics are also reviewed for their potential to reshape immunity and reduce infection.