Good news: scientists have named vegetable plants that help fight COVID-19

Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported that a compound found in vegetable plants in the cabbage family prevents coronaviruses from replicating in cells. This is stated in articleSulforaphane exhibits antiviral activity against pandemic SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal HCoV-OC43 coronaviruses in vitro and in mice scientific journal Communications Biology.

We are talking about sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in common sprouts, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi, broccoli and watercress, which are the same species.

Previously, the positive impact of this substance on the health of people adhering to the so-called green diet has already been proven. Sulforaphane has also been shown to be useful in treatmentAssessing Brain Metabolism With 7-T Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis psychosis and damage lungsProtective mechanism of sulforaphane in Nrf2 and anti-lung injury in ARDS rabbits with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Researchers are now studying the use of sulforaphane against viruses in human cells. They confirmed that molecules that work against pathogens have been proven effective in mice.

In testing, the researchers exposed tissues to sulforaphane and then infected them with either the SARS-CoV virus or another coronavirus, HcoV-OC43, which causes the common cold. Even at concentrations of a few parts per million, exposure to sulforaphane reduced viral replication by about 50%. The results were similar to the far more expensive remdesivir, the first drug approved for COVID-19 in some countries.

Low doses of the two worked better together than higher concentrations of either alone. Even when the virus was first used, sulforaphane reduced its replication rate.

Importantly, these results are relevant for six strains of COVID-19, including delta and omicron. If the results are applicable to humans, then in the long term sulforaphane may be even more reliable tool than current vaccines, which may not be effective enough against future strains.

The authors think: This benefit is due to the fact that sulforaphane is a “host directed therapy” that alters the mechanisms in cells, allowing viruses to infect them and multiply, rather than directly attacking themselves virus. The antioxidant effects of sulforaphane also play a role.

Experimental mice treated with this substance had a lower viral load, lost less weight when infected with SARS-CoV-2, and, most importantly, they had less lung damage.

The benefits of sulforaphane for other health problems have been known for a long time, so the substance in the form of a dietary supplement has long been available for sale. However, the authors warn that it is not worth rushing to buy and use it. The benefits and possible harms of the compound paired with coronavirus require further study.

And of course, it is important to remember that taking these or any other nutritional supplements is not a reason to refuse vaccinations and other ways to prevent the disease.