Formulation Based on Natural Molecules to Combat COVID-19

Intense research has been going on world over on how to arrest the inexorably quick spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The COVID – 19 virus is dangerous mainly because of its uncontrollable replications and the protein that causes this is the COVID-19 Mpro protein. If the replication of the virus can be blocked then the COVID-19 virus can no longer multiply. When that happens, the virus responds better to current modalities that are being administered. Research in India has also been going on particularly to find out natural molecules that can block this protein.

According to a press release issued by Shreepad Shree Vallabh, SSV Phytopharmaceuticals and their sales and marketing partner Rukhmini Enterprises, they have been successful in identifying these molecules from natural products, which they claim can effectively block the Mpro protein. The company has made a formulation using these molecules which they claim is effective in combating COVID-19 virus. Two such molecules are Curcumin (Tetrahydro) and Vitamin K2-7 (PureK2^TM).

Clinical Study

According to the company researchers, it has been observed from in silico studies that both these molecules possess the potent activity required to block this protein.

A research paper on this topic based on these studies titled ‘Preventive Strategies for Management of COVID-19 Using Natural Molecules’ has been submitted to the reputed journal ‘Nature’ and is available as Pre-print.

According to the company, a clinical study of the formulation branded as Curvic^TM comprising of the above two ingredients has been conducted with 30 COVID-19 patients who were symptomatic positive, at Nifad medical hospital, government hospitals in Maharashtra. The trial is CTRI registered (CTRI/2020/04/024659). Primary outcome of the trial was to assess the improvement in ambulatory patients who were assessed daily for symptoms which include cough, fever with or without chills and difficulty in breathing. Secondary outcome was to assess the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, which is considered as potential biomarkers in COVID-19 cases, which is indicative of the immunity.

The results of this study (not yet published) showed a substantial reduction in existing symptoms such as cough, cold, breathlessness, and fever of the patients, within 2 days of starting treatment and showed an overall improvement within 5-7 days.  It was also observed that after 14 days of medicament, patients had substantial reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, suggesting that the formulation has boosted the immunity, and also stopped the progression of disease further. It was also observed that throughout the study period there were no incidences of any side effects in any of the patients.

Given these favorable results, the company proposes to use a formulation, which combines a special form of standardized Curcumin, Vitamin K2-7 (PureK2^TM), Vitamin C, and L- selenomethionine (RightSel^TM), as prophylaxis for COVID-19 outbreaks. The formulation, the company claims can be taken along with the standard medicines used in the management of COVID-19.

Properties, Techniques and Dosages

The biggest advantage of this formulation is its bidirectional properties. While boosting immunity, it also attacks the virus by blocking the replication protein. It is the presence of Vitamin C and L- selenomethionine (RightSel^TM), which helps boosts immunity, while the Curcumin and Vitamin K2-7 (PureK2^TM) acts as an antiviral agent.

By utilizing special formulation techniques — such as microencapsulation — the company claims that they have been able to enhance bioavailability. This has resulted in better efficiency.

The company has made this formulation available in tablet form. The company advices a dosage of the tablet twice a day for quarantined or infected patients along with the standard care of medicines and/or as per the direction of the health care professional. Ideally the formulation should be taken along with food.

The press release states that this tablet can also be taken once a day for those not infected also for prevention or for immunity boosting.

According to the company, a patent (IN202021022497) has been applied for the formulation.