Tropical Fruits and Vegetables as Immune Boosters against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Call for Cautious Optimism
doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v5i9.1
Keywords:
Coronavirus, Functional foods, Immunity, Food processing, Covid-19, PolyphenolsAbstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues as the major health challenge of today, primarily due to a delay in global access to definitive therapeutic interventions.Therefore, prevention still remains the major containment option globally, even as the race against time to develop lasting therapeutics continues. One of such preventive approaches being advocated is the maintenance of healthy diets to boost the immune system. Specifically, in sub-Saharan Africa, this option is receiving huge attention owing to her richness in tropical foods such as fruits and vegetables with immune-boosting properties. However, while fruits and vegetables score high as immune boosters, it is important to properly lay out the facts in order to be well informed. Therefore, this short-review outline some findings supporting tropical fruits and vegetables as rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals including phenolic compounds with immune-boosting properties alongside the effect of processing/culinary practices on such properties which could significantly influence their overall medicinal properties. This review chronicles some tropical fruits and vegetables as well as their therapeutic properties. Also, the influence of culinary practices/processing methods on their bioactive components and therapeutic properties were presented. Fruits and vegetables remain a rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that have been widely acclaimed to help in the management of some degenerative diseases and boost the immune system. However, it is important to be well informed on how various processing and culinary practices could influence the medicinal properties of these foods in order to be able to explore them for their maximum benefits.
References
The World Health Organization (WHO). Novel coronavirus 2019. [Online]. 2020. [cited 2021 July 27] Available from:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019
Rothan HA and Byrareddy SN. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
outbreak. J Autoimmun. 2020; 109(102433):1-4.
Jayawardena R, Sooriyaarachchi P, Chourdakis M, Jeewandara C, Ranasinghe P. Enhancing immunity in viral
infections, with special emphasis on COVID-19: A review. Diab Metab Syndrome: Clin Res Rev. 2020; 14(4): 367-382.
Lawson M, Jomova K, Poprac P, Kuča K, Musílek K, Valko M. Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Human Disease. In: Al-Gubory K, Laher I. (Eds). Nutritional Antioxidant Therapies: Treatments and Perspectives. Springer, 2017. 283-305 p.
Zhou P, Yang XL, Hu B, Zhang L, Zhang W, Si HR, Zhu Y, Li B, Huang CL, Chen HD, Chen J, Luo Y, Guo H, Jiang RD, Liu MQ, Chen Y, Shen XR, Wang X, Zheng XS, Zhao K, Chen QJ, Deng F, Liu LL, Yan B, Zhan FX, Wiang YY, Xiao GF, Shi ZL. A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin. Nature 2020; 579(7798):270‐273.
Yan R Zhang Y, Li Y, Xia L, Guo Y, Zhou Q. Structural basis for the recognition of SARS-CoV-2 by full-length human ACE2. Sci. 2020; 367(6485):1444-1448.
Cevik M, Bamford CGG, Ho A. COVID-19 pandemic-a focused review for clinicians. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2020; 26(7):842-847.
Monteil V, Kwon H, Prado P, Hagelkrüys A, Wimmer RA, Stahl M, Leopoldi A, Garreta E, Hurtado del Pozo C, Prosper F, Romero JP, Wirnsberger G, Zhang H, Slutsky AS, Conder R, Montserrat N, Mirazimi A, Penninger JM. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infections in engineered human tissues using clinical-grade soluble human ACE2. Cell 2020; 181(4):905-913.
Korber B, Fischer WM, Gnanakaran S, Yoon H, Theiler J, Abfalterer W, Hengartner N, Giorgi EE, Bhattacharya T,
Foley B, Hastie KM, Parker MD, Partridge DG, Evans CM, Freeman TM, de Silva TI. Sheffield COVID-19 Genomics Group. Tracking changes in SARS-CoV-2 spike: evidence that D614G increases infectivity of the covid-19 virus. Cell 2020; 182(4):812-827.
Ben Addi A, Lefort A, Hua X, Libert F, Communi D, Ledent C, Macours P, Tilley SL, Boeynaems JM, Robaye B. Modulation of murine dendritic cell function by adenine nucleotides and adenosine: involvement of the A(2B) receptor. Eur J Immunol. 2008; 38 (6):1610–1620.
Lazear HM, Schoggins JW, Diamond MS. Shared and Distinct Functions of Type I and Type III Interferons. Immun. 2019; 50(4):907–923.
Channappanavar R and Perlman S. Pathogenic human coronavirus infections: causes and consequences of cytokine storm and immunopathology. Semin Immunopathol. 2017; 39(5): 529–539.
Kindler E, Thiel V, Weber F. Interaction of SARS and MERS Coronaviruses with the Antiviral Interferon Response. Adv Virus Res. 2016; 96(2016):219-243.
Lu X, Pan J, Tao J, Guo D. SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein antagonizes IFN-beta response by targeting initial step of IFN-beta induction pathway, and its C-terminal region is critical for the antagonism. Virus Genes. 2011; 42(1):37-45.
De Wit E, Van Doremalen N, Falzarano D, Munster VJ. SARS and MERS: recent insights into emerging coronaviruses. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2016; 14(8):523-534.
Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007; 51(4):301-323.
Patel N, Penkert RR, Jones BG, Sealy RE, Surman SL, Sun Y, Tang L, DeBeauchamp J, Webb A, Richardson J, Heine
R, Dallas RH, Ross AC, Webby R, Hurwitz JL. Baseline Serum Vitamin A and D Levels Determine Benefit of Oral Vitamin A&D Supplements to Humoral Immune Responses Following Pediatric Influenza --+Vaccination. Viruses 2019; 11(10):907-918.
Iovino L, Mazziota F, Carulli G, Guerrini F, Morganti R, Mazzoti V, Maggi F, Macera L, Orcioulo E, Buda G, Benedetti E, Caracciolo F, Galimberti S, Pistello M, Petrini M. High-dose zinc oral supplementation after stem cell transplantation causes an increase of TRECs and CD4+naive lymphocytes and prevents TTV reactivation. Leuk Res. 2018; 70(2018):20-24.
Ivory K, Prieto E, Spinks C, Armah CN, Goldson AJ, Dainty JR, Nicoletti C. Selenium supplementation has beneficial and detrimental effects on immunity to influenza vaccine in older adults. Clin Nutr. 2017. 36(2):407-415.
McCarty MF and Di Nicolantonio JJ. Nutraceuticals have potential for boosting the type 1 interferon response to RNA
viruses including influenza and coronavirus. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020; 63(3):383-385.
Kang EJ, Kim SY, Hwang IH, Ji YJ. The effect of probiotics on prevention of common cold: a meta- analysis of randomized controlled trial studies. Korean J Fam Med.2013. 34(1):2-10.
Lubega AM, Bbosa GS, Musisi N, Erume J, Ogwal-Okeng J. Effect of the total crude extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa
on the immune system in the Wistar albino rats. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol. 2013; 7(28):1942-1949.
Li Y, Yao J, Han C, Yang J, Chaudhry MT, Wang S, Yin Y. Quercetin, inflammation and immunity. Nutr. 2016; 8(3):167.
Oboh G. Functional foods: Paradigm for Health and Wellness (2017). In: 85th Inaugural Lecture, The Federal University of Technology Akure, Eds. Ganiyu Oboh. 2017. FUTA Press. 2017.
Sarfraz I, Rasul A, Hussain G, Adem S, Ali M. Natural Immune Boosters as First-Line Armours to Combat Viral Infection-COVID19: Myth or Science? ´Preprints 2020; 202003042: 1-6.
Wang S, Melnyk JP, Tsao R, Marcone MF. How natural dietary antioxidants in fruits, vegetables and legumes promote vascular health. Food Res Int. 2011; 44(1):14-22.
Aslani BA and Ghobadi S. Studies on oxidants and antioxidants with a brief glance at their relevance to the immune system. Life Sci. 2016; 146(2016):163-173.
Sinbad OO, Folorunsho AA, Olabisi OL, Ayoola OA, Temitope EJ. Vitamins as Antioxidants. J Food Sci. 2019; 2(3):214-235.
Lawson M, Jomova K, Poprac P, Kuča K, Musílek, K, Valko M. Free radicals and antioxidants in human disease. In Nutritional Antioxidant Therapies: Treatments and Perspectives, Springer, Cham. 2017. 283-305 p.
Olabiyi AA, Carvalho FB, Bottari NB, Lopes TF, da Costa P, Stefanelo N, Morsch VM, Akindahunsi AA, Oboh G, Schetinger MR. Dietary supplementation of tiger nut alters biochemical parameters relevant to erectile function in LNAME treated rats. Food Res Int. 2018; 109(2018):358-367.
Hajian S. Positive effect of antioxidants on immune system. Immunopathologia Persa. 2014; 1(1):e02.
Arulselvan P, Fard MT, Tan WS, Gothai S, Fakurazi S, Norhaizan ME, Kumar SS. Role of antioxidants and natural
products in inflammation. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016; 2016:1-16.
Al Juhaimi F, Ozcan MM, Adiamo OQ, Alsawmahi ON, Ghafoor K, Babiker EE. Effect of date varieties on hysicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, tocopherol contents, and phenolic compounds of some date seed and oils. J Food Proc Preserv. 2018; 42(4): e13584.
Akinyemi AJ, Thomé GR9, Morsch VM, Bottari NB, Baldissarelli J, de Oliveira LS, Boligon AA. Effect of ginger and turmeric rhizomes on inflammatory cytokines levels and enzyme activities of cholinergic and purinergic systems in hypertensive rats. Planta Med. 2016; 82(07):612-620.
Liu RH. Health benefits of fruit and vegetables are from additive and synergistic combinations of phytochemicals. The Am J Clin Nutri. 2003; 78(3):517S-520S.
Yang X, Yu Y, Xu J, Shu H, Xia J, Liu H, Wu Y, Zhang L, Yu Z, Fang M, Yu T, Wang Y, Pan S, Zou X, Yuan S, Shang Y. Clinical course and outcomes of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a single-centered, retrospective, observational study. The Lancet Resp Med. 2020; 8(5):475-481.
Fang L, Karakiulakis G, Roth M. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at increased risk for COVID-19 infection? The Lancet. Resp Med. 2020; 8(4): e21.
Guan WJ, Ni ZY, Hu Y, Liang WH, Ou CQ, He JX, Du B. Clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in China. New Engl J Med. 2020; 382(18):1708-1720.
Oboh G, Saliu JA, Adefegha SA, Ademosun AO. Hypoglycemic potentials and antioxidative properties of phenolic extracts of African padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) leaves. Adv Food Res. 2013; 35(2):51-56.
Odubanjo VO, Oboh G, Makinde OA. Inhibitory effect of aqueuos extracts of avocado pear (Persea americana) leaf
and seed on angiotensin 1-converting enzyme: a possible means in treating/managing hypertension. J Appl Life Sci
Int. 2016;4(1):1-9.
Oboh G, Oyeleye SI, Akintemi OA, Olasehinde TA. Moringa oleifera supplemented diet modulates nootropicrelated biomolecules in the brain of STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with acarbose. Metab Brain Dis. 2018; 33(2):457-466.
Saliu JA, Ademiluyi AO, Boligon AA, Oboh G, Schetinger MRC, Rocha JBT. Dietary supplementation of jute leaf (Corchorus olitorius) modulates hepatic delta‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ‐ALAD) activity and oxidative status in high‐fat fed/low streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. J Food Biochem. 2019; 43(8):e12949.
Ademiluyi AO, Oboh G, Ogunsuyi OB, Oloruntoba FM. A comparative study on antihypertensive and antioxidant
properties of phenolic extracts from fruit and leaf of some guava (Psidium guajava L.) varieties. Comp Clin Pathol. 2016; 25(2):363-374.
Oboh G, Ademiluyi AO, Faloye YM. Effect of combination on the antioxidant and inhibitory properties of tropical
pepper varieties against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in vitro. J Med Food. 2011; 14(10):1152-1158.
Oboh G and Ademosun AO. Phenolic-rich extracts from orange peels (Citrus sinensis) inhibit key enzymes linked to
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and hypertension. La Rivista Italiana Delle Sostanze Grasse. 2011; 88(1):16-23.
Oboh G and Ademosun AO. Shaddock peels (Citrus maxima) phenolic extracts inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase and angiotensin I-converting enzyme activities: A nutraceutical approach to diabetes management. Diab Metab Syndrome: Clin Res Rev. 2011; 5(3):148-152.
Oboh G, Ademosun AO, Akinleye M, Omojokun OS, Boligon AA, Athayde ML. Starch composition, glycemic indices, phenolic constituents, and antioxidative and antidiabetic properties of some common tropical fruits. J Ethnic Foods. 2015; 2(2):64-73.
Ademosun AO, Oboh G, Passamonti S, Tramer F, Ziberna L, Boligon AA, Athayde ML. Inhibition of metalloproteinase and proteasome activities in colon cancer cells by citrus peel extracts. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2015; 26(5):471-477.
Ademosun AO, Oboh G, Passamonti S, Tramer F, Ziberna L, Boligon AA, Athayde ML. Phenolics from grapefruit peels inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and angiotensin-I converting enzyme and show antioxidative properties in endothelial EA. Hy 926 cells. Food Sci Human Well. 2015; 4(2):80-85.
Nicoli MC, Anese M, Parpinel M. Influence of processing on the antioxidant properties of fruit and vegetables. Trends Food Sci Technol. 1999; 10(3):94-100.
Puupponen‐Pimiä R, Häkkinen ST, Aarni M, Suortti T, Lampi AM, Eurola M, Oksman‐Caldentey KM. Blanching and long‐term freezing affect various bioactive compoundsof vegetables in different ways. J Sci Food Agric. 2003; 83(14):1389-1402.
Chuah AM, Lee YC, Yamaguchi T, Takamura H, Yin LJ, Matoba T. Effect of cooking on the antioxidant properties of coloured peppers. Food Chem. 2008; 111(1):20-28.
Oboh G and Rocha JB. Distribution and antioxidant activity of polyphenols in ripe and unripe tree pepper (Capsicum
pubescens). J Food Biochem. 2007; 31(4):456-473.
Oboh G and Akindahunsi AA. Change in the ascorbic acid, total phenol and antioxidant activity of sun-dried commonly consumed green leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Nutr Health. 2004; 18(1):29-36.
Ademiluyi AO, Aladeselu OH, Oboh G, Boligon AA. Drying alters the phenolic constituents, antioxidant properties, α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf. Food Sci Nutr. 2018; 6(8): 2123-2133.
Khan MK, Paniwnyk L, Hassan S. Polyphenols as Natural Antioxidants: Sources, Extraction and Applications in Food,
Cosmetics and Drugs. In Plant Based “Green Chemistry 2.0” Green Chemistry and Sustainable Technology. Springer, Singapore. 2019; 197-235.
Oboh G, Bello FO, Ademosun AO, Akinyemi AJ, Adewuni TM. Antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and anti-angiotensin-1-
converting enzyme properties of lemon (Citrus limon) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juices. Comp Clin Pathol. 2015; 24(6):1395-1406.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
