COVID-19: food compounds that inhibit a key enzyme in SARS-CoV-2 gene expression and replication

Chemical compounds in foods can inhibit a key SARS-CoV-2 enzyme (phys.org)

Link to the full paper: Frontiers | Docking Characterization and in vitro Inhibitory Activity of Flavan-3-ols and Dimeric Proanthocyanidins Against the Main Protease Activity of SARS-Cov-2 | Plant Science (frontiersin.org)

Although the study covered in the paper (link above) involved a combination of computer simulation & benchtop experiments, I know from decades of interaction with medical information & product consumers that some of you reading this will want to know “the bottom-line” — mainly so you can go out and buy the foods and/or food concentrates or extracts in question. OK then, here it is:

Most effective in inhibiting the SAR-Co-2 (Covid-19) Mpro enzyme activity were certain green tea compounds such as EGCG and extracts from two muscadine grape cultivars (grapes + skin & seeds).

Cocoa and raw chocolate compounds were the “runners up”.

From the paper: “Conclusion, both docking simulation and in vitro assay showed that (–)-catechin-3-O-gallate (7), (–)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (8), (–)-gallocatechin-3-O-gallate (9), and (–)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (10), procyanidin B1 (11) and B2 (12) inhibited the M^pro activity of SARS-Cov-2. Moreover, these compound-rich extracts of green tea, muscadine grape, cacao, and dark chocolate also inhibited the M^pro activity.”

Green tea, muscadine, cacao and raw chocolate extracts, concentrates and such are sold all across cyber-land. Here are a few for you to check out (Note that I have no commercial, financial or other vested interest in these products):

Green tea extract capsules:

Vitacost Green Tea Extract – Standardized — 500 mg – 100 Capsules – Vitacost

Zhou Green Tea Extract 500 mg 120 Veg Caps – Swanson Health Products (swansonvitamins.com)

Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) capsules:

NOW Foods EGCg Green Tea Extract 400 mg 180 Veg Caps – Swanson Health Products (swansonvitamins.com)

Amazon.com: NOW Supplements, EGCg Green Tea Extract 400 mg, Free Radical Scavenger*, 180 Veg Capsules: Health & Personal Care

Amazon.com: EGCG Green Tea Extract Pills | 1200 mg 180 Capsules | Max Potency | Non-GMO & Gluten Free Supplement | by Horbaach: Health & Personal Care

Muscadine grape products

Vitacost Muscadine Grape Seed — 500 mg – 120 Capsules – Vitacost

VineLife Muscadine Grape Seed & Skin 650mg – 60 Veggie … (searchwellness.com)

Amazon.com : muscadine

Cacao & dark chocolate

Swanson Premium Full Spectrum Cacao (Raw Cocoa) 400 mg 60 Caps – Swanson Health Products (swansonvitamins.com)

VitaDigest.com Offer – Earth Circle Organics, Organic Raw 70% Dark Chocolate, 8.8 oz (250 g)

Click to access cacao powder search results on Google