Phytochemicals, also sometimes referred to as phytonutrients or polyphenols these are actually a subclass of phytochemicals are biologically active compounds of plant origin.

These bioactive chemicals are a plants natural pesticides that it uses to protect from predators. Normally the noxious properties of phytochemicals are activated by damage to the plant e.

eating or chopping and are liberated to dissuade insects and pests from eating them. Natural plants have been used to prevent and to treat various diseases for thousands of years and these properties are now attributed to the abundance of phytochemicals.

Lifestyle factors can act as a guide. If you smoke or live in a heavily polluted area, deal with high stress or high risk of infection you need them even more to help your body quash and protect against infection and free radicals that are attacking your cells.

Also, probably due to lack of understanding of their properties and clear proof regarding how a lack of a phytochemicals in the diet affects health. Science has only just begun to scratch the surface, but in the last few years there is a significant body of evidence supporting their significant contribution to protection against disease.

See end of document for some specific examples. Numerous studies support the health-giving properties of these compounds. They can even potentially destroy cancer-forming cells.

They play a crucial role in both your chronic inflammatory disease e. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found a link between high polyphenol consumption and a 30 percent decrease in mortality in elderly adults. The general message is to take advantage of the huge health potential of phytochemicals and eat more of them and a diverse selection.

It is important to understand many foods have complex mixtures of different kinds of polyphenols and that not all polyphenols have identical effects, so variety is key.

Although some attempts have been made to harness the benefits of phytochemicals in supplements. Phytochemicals can be easily degraded by certain processing techniques and studies looking at the quality have found huge variations in bioavailability.

Sometimes the method of extraction used may influence the nature of the compounds ingested and thus the safety of the product. Phytochemicals are broad and varied. Some are more readily absorbed bioavailable and utilized by the human body than others.

It is well known that carotenoids like beta-carotene seem to reduce damage from free radicals. Sweet potato is also rich in vitamin C, which is also a boost for the immune system.

Enhance your meals with a boost of color and nutrients using sweet potato in stews, roasted in the oven, either alone or with other vegetables, or steamed.

Garlic has been used in traditional medicine to prevent or treat diseases. Due to different bioactive molecules, garlic compounds can help with DNA repair, slow the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation. Garlic is rich in phytochemicals, inducing many health benefits, with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Garlic is largely used as a flavoring in many Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Yogurt and other probiotic foods help build up a healthy microbiome, playing a key role in immune function.

Diet can determine which kinds of microbes live in our gut. Probiotic foods —such as yogurt with live active culture, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso and fermented vegetables — contain live active bacteria.

Including some of these natural probiotics in your eating pattern will help boost your immune system. Skip to main content. We then shortlisted those to 37 studies in accordance with Inclusion and Exclusion process Fig.

The clinical trial studies associated with antiviral effects against respiratory viruses and SARS-CoV-2 were included in our criteria as well.

The studies more than or equal to10 years old and other than Mammalian system were excluded. Coexisting with this situation high levels of inflammation inducing cytokines and chemokines like tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-2R, IL-6, IL 7, IL 10, G-CSF, IP 10, MCP-1and MIP 1A are observed.

All these parameters were found to be elevated in extreme conditions in contrast with less severely infected people. The introductory defense mechanism against viral invasion includes IFN-I, which are recognized by the IFNAR receptors present at the plasma membrane in most cell types.

The interaction of interferon with IFNAR prompts the phosphorylation of STAT1 causing their nuclear transposition and initiating activation of interferon-stimulated genes ISG. Most ISGs are associated with inflammation and immunomodulation, hinder viral replication by stagnation of cell metabolism or cytokine secretion aiding in activation of the adaptive immunity.

The analogy of novel corona virus with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV prompts us to speculate that it utilizes a similar strategy to destabilize innate immune response. Different viral proteins may alter different points of the interferon signaling route, which are likely to aid in replication of virus, and increased level of pyroptosis thus leading to anomalous inflammatory reaction [ 53 ].

Reports of accumulation of monocytes and T cells in the lungs, declined levels of hyperactive T lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation, lymphopenia in patients indicate that T cells accumulate at the site of infection away from the peripheral circulation to combat viral infection [ 53 ].

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cell population regulate the amelioration of the infection. The number of NK cells and T C cells decrease while the expression of NKG2A increases in severe cases. Percentage of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α and granzyme B producing NK cells and Tc cells decreases with disease progression, suggesting the collapse of active Tc cells in infected people [ 68 ].

Serum levels of IL6 contribute significantly in disease severity due to its pleiotropic properties. The high mortality rate of Covid patients may be related to the elevated level of IL 6 Amp in aged patients [ 13 ] Fig. Several respiratory viruses either cause dysregulation of ROS formation or disrupt antioxidant mechanisms leading to increased recruitment of inflammatory cells at the infection site and subsequent oxidative cell damage respectively.

The pathophysiological process of SARS-CoV-2 has a link with the overabundance of reactive oxygen species which is very crucial for raised inflammatory cell engagement at the point of infection [ 44 ]. According to some studies the commencement of acute lung damage in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection relies on triggering of reactive oxidative stress mechanism which is integrated with non-specific immunity and turns on transcription factors NF-kB , resulting in the rise of proinflammatory cytokines.

It has also been suggested that 3CLpro-induced ROS-activated NF-kB signal transduction pathway, might be considered a principal factor in SARS-CoV associated pathogenicity [ 44 ].

The pulmonary surfactant lipids and proteins are adversely affected by resulting inflammation and oxidative stress, thus disrupting gas exchange. The innate host defense mechanism mediated by surfactant—protein is also compromised.

ROS is essential in controlling the immunological response correctly for viral infection clearance but an excessive amount of ROS oxidize cellular biomolecules like protein, membrane lipids responsible to destroy not only viral infected cell but also normal cells of the lung, heart resulting multiple organ failure [ 61 ].

Elevated Level of ROS implicated injury of lung tissue and epithelial barrier dysfunction with increased susceptibility to secondary infection [ 15 ] Fig.

Indian herbal medicines are used by people globally and has been confirmed to reduce the ramifications of flu-like illnesses.

Therapy involving phytochemicals may be a worthy, unconventional and safe alternative for treating viral diseases due to their negligible side effects and affordability.

Ayurveda system of medicine has proposed a pragmatic plan for managing different stages of COVID patients [ 41 ]. Phytochemicals inhibit viral adsorption, cell receptor binding, penetration into the host cell and regulating activation of intracellular signaling pathway [ 17 ].

They are reported to be potential in balancing antioxidants and free radicals in our body. We have tried to select certain phytochemicals among numerous, based on their efficacy on the pathways that have been focused in our discussion on the etiology of COVID A recent study found that Kamferol, curcumin, pterostilbene, bind with the C-terminal of S1 domain.

It has also been reported that resveratrol, Fisetin, genistein quercetin, isorhamnetin, luteolin, and apigenin inter react with the S2 domain of spike protein. These compounds have significantly high binding affinity than hydroxychloroquinone.

ADME absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion exploration authenticated the attributes of these compounds for use as drugs [ 40 ]. A recent study has also revealed the effficacy of phytochemicals by displaying higher docking scores, stronger binding energies, and closer interactions with the conserved catalytic dyad residues Cys and His of 3CLpro enzyme, than Nelfinavir, Prulifloxacin and Colistin [ 38 ].

Thus, it is evident that the phyto-formulations may be employed as potential therapy in COVID Phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We have analysed eighteen phytochemicals in respect to our selection criteria.

These phytochemicals were curcumin, genistein, garlic extract, resveratrol, ashwagandha extract, tulsi holy basil , ginseng, kumquat pericarp extract, prostratin, eugenol, capsaicin, eucalyptol, green tea extract, black tea extract, gingerol, cinnamon bark extract, sulforaphane and glycyrrhizin Fig.

Out of these eighteen, eleven were chosen in accordance with their effectiveness on all the four criteria selected. Effectiveness of these phytochemicals on various viral proteins in addition to our specified immunomodulatory pathways have also been mentioned in a tabular form Table 1.

Of these, five phytochemicals Curcumin, Garlic extract, Green tea extract, Sulforaphane and Ginseng were chosen based on their application in clinical trial against SARS-CoV-2 or Influenza or respiratory virus Table 2.

The clinical trials of SinaCurcumin which is a registered nanocurcumin formulation of oral dose in Iran IRC: involving three different parameters of COVID gave significant positive results Table 3. Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin DMC and bisdemethoxycurcumin BDMC are three carotenoids in addition to volatile oils, proteins, carbohydrates, and resins, in turmeric ingredients.

This needs further trial on a large group to be actually established into a valid drug against SARS-CoV Clinical trial of ashwagandha in combination with Swasari Ras, Giloy Ghanvati, Tulsi Ghanvati and Anu Taila was done on mildly affected and asymptomatic patients Clinical Trial Registry-India CTRI CTRI No.

It was found that the time of health restoration was brought down in response to the treatment and reduced serum levels of hs-CRP and pro-inflammatory markers, interleukin-6 IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha TNF-α [ 9 ].

All these observations provide a constructive lead towards their usage as drugs or dietary supplement in a dose specific manner for managing the progression of this viral disease. Schematic representation of possible immunomodulatory pathway in COVID targeted by phytochemicals.

Virus sensing can trigger unregulated NFkB induced inflammatory pathway to produce IL6, TNFα, MCP Cytokine induced inflammation promote accumulation of reactive oxygen species ROS and tissue damage in severe disease progression.

Abbreviations- IL: Interlukin, IFN: Interferon, MCP Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein -1, GM- CSF: Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, IP: Interferon gamma induced protein.

Phytochemicals have a great potency to minimize the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants where inflammatory cells are responsible for promoting pathogenesis.

They are highly effective in arresting inflammatory disorders by lowering the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The phytochemicals have shown the presence of significant anti-inflammatory characteristic based on their scoring functions and together with the possibility of being formulated as drugs based on their physico-chemical properties, makes way for their future investigation in the production of innovative compounds which could prohibit the binding and fusion of S1 and S2 proteins of SARS-CoV On the basis of recent evidences on the action of phytochemicals against inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro activity and hence viral replication, possible role of the phytochemicals as potential drugs in COVID has been intensified.

The physical and chemical properties of the phytochemicals like melting point, molecular weight, affinity to lipids and their chemical configuration affect the method of drug formulation so as to make it more permeable.

Nanomedicines that are highly target specific, evade cellular defense reaction, balance oxidative stress and can release the drug in reaction to specific signals can be efficacious for this purpose. The antiinflammatory, immunostimulatory, antiasthmatic, anticold, and antioxidative properties of phytochemicals make them very popular choice in the diet of the pregnant women like cowpea, garlic, turnip, tomatoes, guava, cauliflower, drumstick leaves [ 21 ].

There have been positive reports of antioxidative activity of garlic based on random double blind clinical trials taking mg of garlic and 1 mg of allicin per day for nine weeks in pregnant women having no side effects [ 1 ].

Obesity has been an important factor leading to many comorbidities as Type I diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney ailments etc. Phytochemicals have been shown to be effective in dealing with these conditions, however there have been reports for toxic effects in case of long term use of glycyrrhizin, curcumin, green tea and garlic extract [ 62 ].

Glycyrrhizin has been reported to cause physiological complications related to heart and blood vascular diseases when consumed daily at low doses [ 34 , 47 ]. However, there are reports of Curcumin at doses of mg twice a day for 30 days orally was found to be nontoxic for humans [ 48 ].

It is very important to formulate correct doses for the consumption of these functional food plants to evade any sort of adverse reactions. Therefore, more long-term clinical trials become mandatory for finding a safe dose. Drugs in the form of nanoformulations such as green nanoparticles or carrier nanodrug or designing site specific nano medicines can be the way out so that high affectivity can be procured in spite of a low dose of the phyto formulation.

Nanoparticle mediated drug delivery is a protected means of medicine application in pregnant women because of its low chance of interfering with the development of foetus [ 18 ]. Our observation regarding the potential act of phytochemicals as therapeutic agents in managing COVID is further strengthened by the evidences from clinical trials of some phytochemicals like curcumin and ashwagandha against SARS-CoV-2 have further strengthened their beneficial use in boosting immunity against this virus.

The phytochemicals like Garlic extract, Green tea extract, Sulforaphane and Ginseng applied in the clinical trial against virus causing respiratory diseases also indicate towards a possibility for their application in managing SARS-CoV The clinical trial of Black Tea extract and Glycyrrhizin is also recommended by us keeping in view their use in Indian perspective, pointing towards their prospective role in challenging this virus.

Further in vitro and in vivo studies regarding their combinatorial and dose specific effects should be undertaken so as to formulate adjuvant drugs to tackle this dreaded viral disease.

This will definitely go a long way in benefiting our country as far as its sizeable population is concerned and the continuance of the vaccination process with its respect.

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Phytochemicals are produced by plants and has disease preventative properties and important to include to keep your body at peak while getting treatment for CC.

They boost immune system and are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants. These are several foods to include in your daily diet: Dark colored vegetables Kale Carrots Broccoli Citrus Fruits Green Tea Dark Chocolate yes, you get a treat Flaxseed Oil Tomatoes Celery Berries.

The list can go on and on…Start small and gradually add more servings. This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 9 months ago by gavin. Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 of 2 total. May 2, at pm Flavonoids are one of the largest groups of phytonutrients. This compound is rich in antioxidant properties and anticancer activity.

There are many subgroups of flavonoids, including:. These compounds are associated with reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease , and osteoporosis. Phytoestrogen mimics estrogen in the body, which may be beneficial for women in relieving discomfort from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

However, some studies have shown phytoestrogens may disrupt hormone function. Be mindful of your intake of phytoestrogens and get to know how they may impact your body, as everyone is different. Glucosinolates are compounds found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables.

They are known for helping to regulate inflammation, metabolic function, and stress responses. Glucosinolates have also been associated with cancer prevention. Studies in rats and mice found that the compounds that form from broken down glucosinololates inactivate carcinogens and protect cells from DNA damage.

However, this has not been proven in human studies. Common foods rich in glucosinolates include:. Increasing the amount of phytonutrient-rich foods in your diet can boost antioxidant activity and your immune health.

Although these compounds are available in supplement form, they are best consumed through natural foods, specifically fruits and vegetables. This is a detailed article about bananas.

What they are, what they look like, along with in-depth information on nutrition and health benefits. Cruciferous vegetables are low-calorie, and rich in folate, vitamins C, E, and K, and fiber. Want to add more fruit to your daily diet, but tired of apples and bananas?

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It has many health benefits, and is usually consumed as cranberry juice. Understanding which body type you are may help you achieve your health and fitness goals more effectively. The only rule about having mocktails is that they are zero-proof.

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Benefits Types Outlook What are phytonutrients? Phytonutrient health benefits.