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Nutraceuticals have potential for boosting the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses including influenza and coronavirus.
McCarty, MF, DiNicolantonio, JJ
Progress in cardiovascular diseases. 2020;63(3):383-385
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This highly technical review paper summarises some known actions and mechanisms by which certain nutraceuticals can boost the type 1 interferon response, a specific immune response to viruses, including influenza and coronavirus. These include: Ferulate (ferulic acid) has been shown to stimulate type 1 interferon production, and enhanced survival in influenza A-infected mice. Sulforaphane (phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli) and lipoic acid have similar actions. Spirulina extract has been found to decrease mortality in influenza-infected mice. Clinical and preclinical evidence for the potential benefits of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor for the important antioxidant glutathione, and selenium are also discussed. A glucosamine-enriched diet increased survival of mice infected with influenza virus. The authors present a table with suggested dosages for the above nutrients, as well as yeast beta-glucans, zinc and elderberry extracts, for viral control, whilst calling for more research into these compounds.
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Ferulic Acid Supplementation Improves Lipid Profiles, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Status in Hyperlipidemic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Bumrungpert, A, Lilitchan, S, Tuntipopipat, S, Tirawanchai, N, Komindr, S
Nutrients. 2018;10(6)
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death. Smoking cessation, regular physical exercise and dietary modification can decrease the risk of developing CVD. Ferulic acid is a compound found in many plant foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of ferulic acid supplementation, 500mg twice daily for six weeks, on CVD risk markers in patients with hyperlipidaemia (elevated blood lipids). Ferulic acid significantly improved lipid profile, decreased oxidative stress and reduced inflammation compared to placebo. No adverse effects were reported. The authors conclude that ferulic acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in hyperlipidaemic subjects and may lower risk of CVD.
Abstract
Ferulic acid is the most abundant phenolic compound found in vegetables and cereal grains. In vitro and animal studies have shown ferulic acid has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of ferulic acid supplementation on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in hyperlipidemia. The study design is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects with hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 24) was given ferulic acid (1000 mg daily) and the control group (n = 24) was provided with a placebo for six weeks. Lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed before and after the intervention. Ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol (8.1%; p = 0.001), LDL-C (9.3%; p < 0.001), triglyceride (12.1%; p = 0.049), and increased HDL-C (4.3%; p = 0.045) compared with the placebo. Ferulic acid also significantly decreased the oxidative stress biomarker, MDA (24.5%; p < 0.001). Moreover, oxidized LDL-C was significantly decreased in the ferulic acid group (7.1%; p = 0.002) compared with the placebo group. In addition, ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the inflammatory markers hs-CRP (32.66%; p < 0.001) and TNF-α (13.06%; p < 0.001). These data indicate ferulic acid supplementation can improve lipid profiles and oxidative stress, oxidized LDL-C, and inflammation in hyperlipidemic subjects. Therefore, ferulic acid has the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.