Potential use of Turmeric in COVID‐19

Gupta, H.; Gupta, M.; Bhargava, S.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an integral part of Asian culture which has been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha owing to its wide array of medicinal properties since centuries. Curcumin, the predominant curcumoid in turmeric, influences multiple signaling pathways and been found to possess anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, wound healing, chemopreventive, chemosensitising and radiosensitising properties.(1) To enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, newer technologies such as adjuvant, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and phospholipid complexes are evaluated in the process of drug development. It is documented to be most efficacious in high doses at around 6‐7 gm per day which is well tolerated orally.(1) It has been widely used as a common household remedy for cough, sore throat and respiratory ailments in Asia.