Summary:
The COVID-19 virus primarily targets the respiratory system, triggering inflammatory cascades and altered immune responses that contribute to disease progression and adverse outcomes. Sumac and pomegranate juice, rich in bioactive compounds, are potential sources of anti-viral properties. This study aims to explore the impact of a diet incorporating sumac and pomegranate juice for the treatment of COVID-19. A total of 182 COVID-19 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving a diet comprising of pomegranate juice and sumac alongside standard pharmaceutical treatment, and the control group (group 2) receiving standard treatment alone. The results showed that the group consuming pomegranate juice and sumac experienced a significant reduction in symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, weakness, smell and taste disorders, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain, compared to those receiving only the standard pharmaceutical treatment. The authors therefore concluded that consuming pomegranate juice and sumac appears to be effective in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms.
Abstract:
Introduction: COVID-19, an epidemic of coronavirus infection, has become a major global threat. The coronavirus mainly targets the human respiratory system, followed by cytokine storm, and altered immune responses associated with disease progression and adverse outcomes. Sumac and pomegranate juice are rich in bioactive compounds, which potentially have antiviral activities. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of a diet based on the use of sumac and pomegranate juice on the treatment of outpatients with COVID-19.
Methods: In this study, 182 outpatients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups receiving a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac along with standard treatment and the control group (group 2) receiving standard treatment.
Results: Consumption of a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac in outpatients with COVID-19, who were receiving standard-of-care treatment, led to a significant decrease in fever, chills, cough, weakness, smell and taste disorders, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain compared with outpatients with COVID-19 who received only standard treatment.
Conclusion: Clinical trials of outpatients have limitations such as patients’ resilience to post-COVID-19 follow-up. However, the use of pomegranate juice and sumac can be efficacious in reducing COVID-19 symptoms. This trial is registered with IRCT20190406043175N3.
Article Publication Date: 30/11/2022
DOI: 10.1155/2022/6850342
