Uso de produtos naturais versus Covid-19 uma revisão de escopo de ensaios clínicos randomizados

Abstract

Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is considered a complex infectious disease capable of affecting the human body in different ways. Affected individuals may remain asymptomatic throughout the period of infection, or have nonspecific symptoms ranging from mild, moderate, severe or critical degrees of intensity. Its etiological agent is the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can be transmitted through inhalation or ingestion of particles or aerosols containing the virus, or through contact with objects or contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the nose, eyes or mouth. SARS-CoV-2 infected and killed millions of individuals worldwide, it is believed that individual factors such as advanced age, presence of comorbidities and immunological conditions are related to the severity of the infection. In this sense, in recent years there has been an increase in research on the use of natural products as a form of complementary treatment against covid-19. Since there is currently no specific pharmacological treatment against the virus, in addition, such products have a wide variety of antiinflammatory, antiviral and immunological properties, recognized for many years and which could be able to benefit affected individuals. Aiming to contribute to the discussion on this topic, this dissertation presents two chapters: The first is composed of a general introduction and literature review on the general aspects of covid-19 and the use of natural products for medicinal purposes. The second chapter corresponds to a scope review article, designed with the aim of highlighting which natural products are used to assist in the treatment of covid-19, with the outcome of reducing the hospitalization time of individuals diagnosed with the disease. In general, this review found several scientific evidences regarding the use of different vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, bee products, dietary patterns and herbal formulations, based on traditional medicine, which can contribute to the clinical evolution and reduction of time hospitalization of individuals infected with SARS-CoV2. However, despite the positive effects pointed out in this review, the data found need to be interpreted with caution, since there is no standardization regarding dosage or specific recommendations regarding the use of these products for medicinal purposes in individuals with covid-19. However, it is expected that this review will contribute to the formulation and standardization of new studies that address the topic addressed and fill in the gaps highlighted.