Spanish researchers have begun trialing a food supplement made with polyphenols from olives and flavonoids from bitter oranges as a treatment for symptoms of post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV‑2 infection, also known as long Covid.
The Endothelyx 45 supplement will be given to patients who have passed the acute phase of the disease but continue to struggle with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain and memory loss.
The aim of the research is to study the effects of the supplement on endothelial cells, which are found in the inner lining of the arteries and play a key role in cardiovascular health.
It is thought that one of the ways in which Covid-19 attacks the body is by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in these cells resulting in the symptoms associated with long Covid.
Polyphenols are natural bioactive compounds present in fruit, vegetables and other plants, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In recent years, they have been credited with helping to prevent the development of certain diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular desease and neurodegenerative diseases.
In a separate trial being carried out by the University Hospital of Jaén, another food supplement containing polyphenols from olives is being administered to patients with mild or moderate Covid-19 symptoms to study its efficacy in preventing the illness from progressing to the acute stages.
According to a government study from the United Kingdom, reported in the Guardian, more than two million adults in England have experienced coronavirus symptoms lasting for more than 12 weeks, twice as long as the previous estimate for long Covid.
The clinical trial, which is being carried out by the Regional University Hospital of Málaga, in collaboration with the Spanish companies Genosa, Synlab and Solvitae Medical, will last for six months.
Sources:
Olive Oil Times
Nutraceutical Business Review
Fundaciòn para la Investigaciòn Biosanitaria de Andalucìa Oriental
The Guardian
