D.SAP, an apple-based formulation could treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, and reduce associated inflammatory responses in COVID-19 infected mice model

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a virus that may cause severe respiratory disorders with an unclear rate of death. Natural vinegar may have an immune-boosting quality that effectively fights influenza-like respiratory infections. We aimed to evaluate the role of a specially formulated Iranian apple vinegar called Dezhakam sap (D.SAP) in the mice model of covid-19 in the treatment of infection and reduction of covid19-associated lung inflammation. Methods: We designed a covid-19-positive model of male inbred BALB/c mice by viral exposure. Then all mice were examined for active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mice with positive covid-19 infection were separated into different groups to study the effect of treatment by different concentrations of D.SAP smoke for seven days. Expression assessments for viral RNA on covid-19 affected mice models for three SARS-CoV-2 genes (RDRP, N, and E) and three inflammation markers (IL6, IL1b, and TNF) in lung tissue of all mice were assessed using Real-time PCR. Results: Results showed a significant decrease in viral load in the RDRP gene, N gene, and E gene in all infected rats treated with D.SAP compared with off-treatment mice. In addition, all three inflammation factor genes in infected mice that were treated with D.SAP were significantly reduced compared to the off-treatment infected mice. Conclusion: Findings showed the effectiveness of specially formulated apple vinegar D.SAP to attack new coronavirus. In addition, results may suggest the effectiveness of D.SAP to reduce the lethal inflammation in COVID-19 infection with low side effects. Anti-inflammatory agents block certain substances in the body that cause inflammation. D.SAP may consider a potential natural anti-inflammatory that may increase the survival rate of COVID-19 infection. It seems these effects could be related to the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of D.SAP due to its polyphenolic compounds.