Wheat bran as a natural remedy for COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 severity is not only due to the viral infection but also due to the host immune responses. Destructive inflammatory responses are intensely implicated in airway damage. Besides, the massive release of cytokines, including interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by the immune system, results in a cytokine storm with an aggressive fulminant systemic inflammatory response, organ failure, and septic shock. Evidence suggests that the repressed antioxidant defense and overproduction of reactive oxygen species also have a role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. There is an urgent need for control measures against the overwhelming COVID-19 pandemic regarding antiviral and immune-modulating agents. Wheat bran [WB] has copious amounts of fiber, minerals, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, and several phytochemicals as phenolic compounds. Wheat bran has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Our experience of using wheat bran as adjuvant therapy for acute lower respiratory tract infections showed that it was safe, well-tolerated, had fast and superb treatment responses, and improved the patients’ general health. For that reason, we strongly praise using oral wheat bran as adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 cases.