The Curcumin and Gingerol Combination as an Immune Regulator and Anti-Inflammatory Agent of SARS-CoV Infection According to a Nutrigenomic Approach: A Mini-Review

The COVID-19 pathophysiology caused by SARS-Cov-2 is closely related to immunoregulation and the process of inflammation. There are therapeutic targets in both, which are ideal for the healing process of infected patients. Phytonutrients are closely related to nutrigenomics. Curcumin and gingerol are two types of phytonutrients that have been studied, researched, and developed as therapeutic agents for diseases.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the potential of curcumin and gingerol as immune regulators and anti-inflammatory agents in SARS-CoV-2 infections using a nutrigenomic approach.

Methods: The literature review method was used in this study. Relevant information was gathered from scientific engines and databases (Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, PubMed) published during 2010-2021, and the data were analyzed by deductive qualitative descriptive technique.

Results and Discussion: Curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger have the potential to be used as a therapy for COVID-19 as they could be immune regulators and anti-inflammatory agents for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Curcumin and gingerol can act as primary and secondary antioxidants that can activate endogenous antioxidant enzymes, regulate cell signaling related to immunity such as interferons, nuclear factor-kappa beta, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as stimulate anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine homeostasis, especially interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-8). In silico, these two compounds were also proven to have potential as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals by acting as viral protease inhibitors.

Conclusion: The combination of curcumin and gingerol showed synergistic activity with increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Thus, it has great potential for use in COVID-19 therapy.