Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed a Candidate Protein Source with Potential for Combating SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Obesity

Morais, Ana H. de A.; de Medeiros, Amanda F.; Medeiros, Isaiane; de Lima, Vanessa C. O.; Luz, Anna B. S.; Maciel, Bruna L. L.; Passos, Thaís S.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 are overlapping pandemics, and one might worsen the other. METHODS: This narrative review discusses one of the primary mechanisms to initiate acute respiratory distress syndrome, uncontrolled systemic inflammation in COVID-19, and presents a potential candidate for adjuvant treatment. Blocking the S protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and the 3C-like protease (3CL (pro)) is an effective strategy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. RESULTS: Host proteases such as FURIN, trypsin, and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS) act in S protein activation. Tamarind trypsin inhibitor (TTI) shows several beneficial effects on the reduction of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], leptin) and biochemical parameters (fasting glycemia, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL]), in addition to improving pancreatic function and mucosal integrity in an obesity model. TTI may inhibit the action of proteases that collaborate with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the neutrophil activity characteristic of lung injury promoted by the virus. CONCLUSION: Thus, TTI may contribute to combating two severe overlapping problems with high cost and social complex implications, obesity and COVID-19.