A Review on Measures to Rejuvenate Immune System: Natural Mode of Protection Against Coronavirus Infection

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, a novel Corona virus strain, was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of December 16, 2021, almost 4,822,472 people had died and over 236,132,082 were infected with this lethal viral infection. It is believed that the human immune system is thought to play a critical role in the initial phase of infection when the viruses invade the host cells. Although some effective vaccines have already been on the market, researchers and many bio-pharmaceuticals are still working hard to develop a fully functional vaccine or more effective therapeutic agent against the COVID-19. Other efforts, in addition to functional vaccines, can help strengthen the immune system to defeat the corona virus infection. Herein, we have reviewed some of those proven measures, following which a more efficient immune system can be better prepared to fight viral infection. Among these, dietary supplements like- fresh vegetables and fruits offer a plentiful of vitamins and antioxidants, enabling to build of a healthy immune system. While the pharmacologically active components of medicinal plants directly aid in fighting against viral infection, supplementary supplements combined with a healthy diet will assist to regulate the immune system and will prevent viral infection. In addition, some personal habits, like- regular physical exercise, intermittent fasting, and adequate sleep, had also been proven to aid the immune system in becoming an efficient one. Maintaining each of these will strengthen the immune system, allowing innate immunity to become a more defensive and active antagonistic mechanism against corona-virus infection. However, because dietary treatments take longer to produce beneficial effects in adaptive maturation, personalized nutrition cannot be expected to have an immediate impact on the global outbreak.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antioxidants; antiviral drugs; herbal plants and medicine; natural diet and exercise; revive immunity; vitamins and minerals.

Figure 1

Overview of measures essential to boost immunity against COVID-19. One can boost immunity by using proper guidelines of a healthy lifestyle (Adequate food, physical exercise, sleeping).

Figure 2

(A) Role of vitamin C in phagocytosis (Vitamin C promotes neutrophil movement in response to chemoattractants and microbes engulfment, as well as formation of reactive oxygen species and microbial death. It also stimulates caspase-dependent apoptosis, boosting macrophage uptake and clearance, and suppresses necrosis, including NETosis, promoting inflammatory resolution and reducing tissue damage). (B) Amount of vitamin C in selected fruits (per 100 g) (–126).

Figure 3

Role of vitamin D against COVID-19: It has an impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes through a variety of mechanisms, such as inducing anti-inflammatory effects and/or lowering neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, provoking innate and acquired anti-viral responses, interacting with cellular factor ACE2, conversing with viral aspects, and/or disrupting virus life span.

Figure 4

Modification of some metabolic pathways due to viral infection. Human cell metabolism systems alter by viral infection as they rely on host cell machinery to multiply; viruses promote human anabolism for the generation of macromolecules for replication and assembly. *Herpes-virus family; #Flavivirus family; **down-regulates this metabolic activity; ##up-regulates lipid synthesis but down-regulates cholesterol synthesis (199).

Figure 5

Symptoms of depression for COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 has changed emotions, behaviours, thoughts, and physical condition. Anxiety and stress are the common outcomes in pandemics.