IISER Bhopal links COVID-19, ageing, and diabetes using natural compounds

The scientists believe that natural compounds such as curcumin and resveratrol have potential to get tested extensively for the treatment of COVID-19 and post-coronavirus syndrome

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal scientists have recently published a review of the biomolecular relationships among COVID-19, ageing, and diabetes.

The researchers believe that an ideal therapeutic candidate for COVID-19 should be able to target the pathways that are common to diabetes, ageing and the SARS-CoV-2 infection. 

“There are classes of compounds such as polyphenols found in plant-based food – curcumin (found in turmeric), and resveratrol (found in grapes), have been shown to not only slow down the ageing process, but also possess anti-viral properties,” the researchers said. 

Some other polyphenols that the researchers have identified as being useful for both COVID-19 treatment and comorbidity conditions such as diabetes and ageing may include catechins (present in  green tea, cocoa and berries), procyanidins (found in apples, cinnamon and grape skin), and theaflavin (found in black tea).

Natural compounds such as polyphenols may affect the binding of the virus to host receptors and the molecular interactions required for virus replication and release, thereby stopping the infection in its early stages.