Considerations regarding food supplements and plant extracts used in preventing and combating SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is an absolute novelty for the medical systems around the world, both in the variety of forms of manifestation, the effects on the human body and in the economic and social consequences produced globally. This paper presents some scientific remedies useful in SARS-CoV-2 infection, scientifically confirmed. Their maximum effect on the body can be achieved, only by the combination with antiviral drugs, obtaining in the end the treatment of COVID-19.


2.Food supplements that increase immunity and reduce the chances of infection with the new coronavirus. Vitamins
More and more specialized studies show that vitamin D has an effect on the immune system and stops the spread of infections, being used in the treatment plan of COVID-19. Studies in Spain on COVID-19 infection conclude that 80% of coronavirus patients have vitamin D deficiencies.
Vitamin D is a hormone produced by the kidneys that controls the concentration of calcium in the blood and adjusts the immune system. This could help in the fight with COVID-19, to prevent certain strong reactions, the so-called cytokine storm, which occurs in most severe cases of coronavirus. Vitamin D deficiencies increase the risks for the development of autoimmune diseases, such as asthma, HIV, various types of cancer. At the same time, vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of respiratory infections. [4,5] Along with the skin and liver, the following products are also rich in vitamin D, respectively multivitamins D: egg yolk, fish oil, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, cereals, orange juice.
The structure of vitamin D3 All vitamins D come from the corresponding sterols by opening their β cycle and forming a system of conjugated double bonds. Thus, vitamin D3 is formed from 7-dehydrocholesterol, which has the following chemical structure:

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
The active form of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is actually 1,25-dihydrocholecalceferol resulting from the hydroxylation of chalceferol in liver cell microsomes at position 25, then it is hydroxylated at position 1, the process taking place in the mitochondria of renal cells and resulting in 1,25dihydroxycholec , which behaves like a hormone. [6] Use of vitamin D3 in the control of COVD-19 COVD-19 patients, with severe forms, have been found to have a small amount of D3 in the body. In the intensive care unit, it was observed that at the intubated patients, who were given 100,000 U.I. for at least 5 days, the number of intubation days decreased greatly, and the hemoglobin level increased as well. For the absorption of vitamin D3, it was recommended to infuse a large amount of serum + magnesium. This vitamin is fat-soluble, is administered after a meal, the duration of oral administration is 14 days, with high doses in the first days of the disease, and then decreases (5,000 IU / day), using minimum doses even three months.
Vitamin C and the immunity The C vitamin has anti-inflammatory properties, influences cellular immunity and vascular integrity, which is why it helps in situations where the body would be subjected to stress, as in the case of infection with the new coronavirus. Vitamin C helps the body to function properly and contributes to the formation of collagen, a protein that helps heal wounds, keeps skin and bones healthy. Vitamin C also increases the level of iron absorption in the body.
All green vegetables and fruits contain vitamin C. Among the vegetables rich in vitamin C we can find: peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cucumbers and tomatoes. Fruits rich in vitamin C are: oranges, lemons, strawberries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, kiwis and strawberries. [7] The physiological role of the ascorbic acid The ascorbic acid is γ-lactone of the 2,3-endiol-L-gluconic acid and has strong redox properties in solution. By oxidation it passes into dehydroascorbic acid, which participates easily in the reduction reaction by reversibly passing into ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid has an asymmetric carbon atom (C5). Only the L isomer and the reduced form shows biological activity. The acidic character is given by endiolic groups that can dissociate with the release of protons. Vitamin C has a highly reactive furanosic structure; by substitutions in the furanosic cycle, the biological activity decreases and even disappears. The ascorbic acid can be biosynthesized from glucose by the animal body except humans, primates and guinea pigs. These mammals do not have the enzyme Lgluconoxidase in the liver, which is involved in the biosynthesis of vitamin C.
The dehydroascorbic acid participates in various metabolic processes due to its ability to form a reversible redox system.The ascorbic acid stimulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, glycoproteins and many amino acids; it behaves in some enzymatic systems as a hydrogen transporter intervening in reactions catalyzed by oxidoreductases (dehydrogenases, catalases, peroxidases, cytochromoxidases etc.). In the cellular respiration, the ascorbic acid reacts with oxygen reducing it to water or hydrogen peroxide. It intervenes in the normal metabolism of some amino acids (such as tyrosine, phenylalanine), in hydroxylation reactions of some amino acids, aromatic compounds and fatty acids and in the formation in the body of ketone compounds such as 17-ketosteroid hormones or of the α-ketoglutaric acid from the citric acid. Vitamin C stimulates the activity of deaminases and other enzymes of liver and muscle glycogenase. It has a role in the biosynthesis of mucopolysaccharides, in the formation of collagen fibers, intervening in the conversion of hydroxyproline necessary for the biosynthesis of the collagen molecule, it intervenes in the formation of bone tissue. Vitamin C has antitoxic action, increasing the body's resistance to infections, promotes blood clotting, transport and iron storage, participating in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and nervous system. [8] Use of vitamin C in the control of COVD-19 Vitamin C has been used successfully especially in the intensive care and COVID rooms, in therapy in high doses continuously, intravenously 20 g / day and for the unintubated patients, in low doses (causes diarrhea), having a good antiviral, anti-inflammatory action; it is known that the immune cells and kidney cells consume the highest quantity of vitamin C in the body, the excess leading to the formation of kidney stones. It helps the immune system by the antioxidant effect on the tissues and by inhibiting the inflammatory effect of polysaccharides involved in the so-called cytokine storm in very serious conditions of SARS-Cov-2 infection, which ultimately results in the destruction of the lungs. [9] 3.The role of the trace elements in increasing the immunity Selenium It helps the human body because it is an essential trace element from selenium proteins with a protective role, meaning that it inhibits SARS-CoV-2 proteases. Zinc This element is generally a good stimulant of the deficient immune system in certain diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease. In COVID-19, it is beneficial, reducing the replication of the virus (50 mg / day) as well as pneumonia. In colds, zinc reduces the duration of the disease, by being present in the oral and nasal cavity. It prevents the virus from entering the cell of the human body, it prevents its multiplication. It has been observed that in COVID-19 patients, zinc associated with Plaqenil has given good results, the patients recovering faster. [9] Omega 3 Used as a supplement in COVID-19, it prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines, reduces triglycerides and improves the liver function.

Echinacea
It is one of the most known and used medicinal plants in the world, and of the 9 species there are only 3 species of medical interest: Echinacea purpureea, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea angustifolia. For Echinacea purpureea herba, the recommendations are for strengthening the immune system and supporting the body in colds and upper respiratory tract infections, flue infections.
Wormwood Contains artemisinin, with hydroxychloroquine-like action, it is used as a drug in the treatment regimen of COVID-19, is a plant with antiviral, antibacterial, immunostimulatory and antipyretic effect.

Oregano oil
It is used internally in the nasopharyngeal cavity, preventing the entry of viruses into the body, being an effective natural antiviral and antibacterial. Nebulization or nasal washes, with sea water or plant extracts, helps to a better breathe in case of disease, leading to a significant increase in immunity of the affected body.
Astha 15 Natural product, a combination of 12 extracts and volatile oils, used for the health of mucous membranes (respiratory system), increasing the efficiency of the immune system, calming wheezing (dyspnea) and coughing. It comes in the form of capsules and syrup, administered in the morning and evening (two capsules / 2 teaspoons / day) with a sufficient quantity of water after a meal. It is used with good post-COVID-19 results, for a minimum period of 4 months.
Cough, one of the symptoms present at all patients with COVID-19, can be treated with: -dry cough-the combination of hemoderivative extraction of Honeysuckle with Hornbeam and Blackcurrant; -productive cough-the combination of black poplar hemoderivative with Hornbeam and Blackcurrant. Hemoderivatives are administered as such, 25 drops in water, 2-3 times a day. Gemotherapy in rosehip branches contains a high quantity of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and dehydroascorbic acid (vitamin P -to reduce the permeability and fragility of capillaries) and is one of the most used preparations in situations of exhaustion of the body, general impairment of immunity, relief of symptoms of respiratory tract infections, convalescence, post-flue and postinfectious asthenia. It can be administered together with extracts from Blackcurrant buds, birch buds, fir buds. [13][14][15]

4.Conclusions
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, of which dramatic consequences affects the population and economy of the entire planet, it is required a documentation on the treatments for COVID-19, including natural remedies, dietary supplements, plant substances and extracts associated with antiviral drugs, which have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating the SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is necessary for medical staff to be documented on these issues, so that, through interaction with the population, they can contribute to the joint effort to combat the pandemic. Medicinal plants are an important source of effective natural remedies for curing various diseases. The use of natural resources, especially plants with traditional value and dietary supplements (vitamins, trace elements) has been and is a major part of research aimed at associating them with antiviral drug treatment, in order to increase the immunity and prevent respiratory diseases. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 infection, numerous studies have argued that naturopathy should be used in combination with conventional medicine in the treatment of patients with Covid-19.