The role of gum Arabic as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune modulator in COVID-19: A review

Authors

  • Rasha Babiker Department of Physiology, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University
  • Lamis Kaddam Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alneelain University-Khartoum, Sudan
  • Abdalbasit Mariod Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, University of Jeddah, Alkamil, KSA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31989/ffs.v2i10.1019

Abstract

Background: Down-regulation of the lung inflammatory response seems to preserve pulmonary functions and improve survival in COVID-19. The key factor in overcoming the cytokine storm caused by COVID-19 by immunomodulation, rather than immunosuppression. Identifying the right mechanism to manipulate the immune regulatory networks in the lung—with minimal side effects—represents one of the many challenges in the treatment of COVID-19 disease. Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut-regulatory activities are the most significant properties of prebiotics. Therefore, it could be beneficial to consider them as an adjuvant dietary intervention among COVID-19 patients. Understanding the exact mechanism of prebiotic defense against infection and regulation of immune processes involved in COVID-19 are crucial for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Several studies considered Gum Arabic (GA) as a potent prebiotic with cytoprotective properties.  This review aims to discuss and display the possibility of utilizing the beneficial effects of GA to modulate COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Keywords: COVID-19, Gum Arabic, Immunomodulation, dietary intervention, Gut microbiota, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

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Published

2022-10-31

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 10 (2022): October 2022

Section

Review Articles

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