Functional role of natural antioxidants for controlling oxidative stress associated with SARS-Cov-2 infection

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pathogenic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019, resulting in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 can be potentially fatal among a certain group of patients. Older age and underlying medical illness are the major risk factors for COVID-19 related fatal respiratory dysfunction. The reason for the pathogenicity of COVID-19 in the older age group remains unclear. Factors such as coagulopathy, cytokine storm, metabolic disruption, and impaired T cell function may worsen the symptoms of the disease. Recent literature has indicated that viral infections are particularly associated with a high degree of oxidative stress and imbalance of antioxidant response. Although pharmacological management has taken its place in reducing the severity of COVID-19, the antioxidants can serve as an adjunct therapy to protect an individual from oxidative damage triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In general, antioxidant enzymes and molecules scavenge free radicals or prevent their formation. The exact functional role of antioxidant supplements in reducing disease symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains mostly unknown. In this review, the functional role of natural antioxidants in SARS-Cov-2 infection management is discussed in brief.