Prospectives of algae derived nutraceuticals as supplements for combating COVID-19 and human coronavirus diseases

Ratha, Sachitra K.; Renuka, Nirmal; Rawat, Ismail; Bux, Faizal

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) that has created huge trepidation worldwide, has a mortality rate of 0.5-1% which is growing incessantly. There are currently no therapies and/or vaccines that may help to abate this viral disease but the use of masks and social distancing can limit the spread. Boosting immunity has been a simple way to resist viral infection and limit fatalities. In this context, the use of nutraceuticals appears to be a potential panacea. The ability of algae-based nutraceuticals, mainly Spirulina for boosting immunity against viral diseases has already been reported clinically. Spirulina-based nutraceuticals boost the adaptive and innate immunity, and bioactive compounds such as ACE inhibitor peptides, phycobiliproteins, sulfated polysaccharides, and calcium-spirulan can serve as antiviral agents. The presence of these molecules indicates its potential role in resisting infection and the COVID-19 disease progression. This review focuses on the potential role of algal nutraceuticals as immune boosters for combating human coronavirus and other viral diseases. The potential use of Spirulina-based nutraceuticals for combating COVID-19, its mechanism, and future directions have also been discussed.