Drugs Made from Neem Bark Extracts May Help Fight COVID-19 Variants: IISER Study

Extract from the bark of the neem tree, indigenous to India, may help treat and reduce the spread of coronavirus, a team of international researchers found.

Used for thousands of years, Neem is known for its pesticidal, insecticidal, and medicinal properties.

The bark extract has helped treat malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases and many other diseases. People also use it in hair and dental products.

The study, led by a team from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, shows that components of neem bark may target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging variants of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

The Indian researchers tested it in animal models and showed antiviral properties against coronavirus.

Using computer modelling, the researchers predicted that Neem bark extract would bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at various locations, preventing virus entry to host cells.

Further, a team at the University of Colorado, US, tested the Neem bark extract in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells. It proved as effective as a preventive drug for infection and decreased virus replication and spread after infection.

The findings are reported in the journal Virology.

"The goal of this research is to develop a Neem-based medication that can reduce the risk of serious illness when someone is infected with coronaviruses," said study co-author Maria Nagel, research professor in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at the varsity's School of Medicine.

"We hope that scientists won't have to continuously develop new therapies every time a new SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges.

"Just like how we take penicillin for strep throat, we envision taking the Neem-based drug for COVID-19, allowing us to resume our normal lives without fear of hospitalisation and death," Nagel said.

The scientists believe this research could guide new antiviral therapeutic efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic while promising to treat new coronavirus strains.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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How to combat nutritional deficiencies on a vegan diet

How to combat nutritional deficiencies on a vegan diet

With the increasing awareness towards animal cruelty and being vegan prevalent amongst celebrities, there's been a rise in people adopting veganism. Being vegan can be a big lifestyle change and also mean that you derive your nutritional needs from plant-based produce, entirely.

Given that while there are incredibly good health benefits a well-planned vegan diet has to offer, but it can also be a deficient diet if you don't source your food well and can even lead to serious health issues due to the nutritional deficiencies, invalidating all its benefits. For example, primarily, When a person follows veganism, he/she desists oneself from consuming meat, eggs, dairy products or any animal-derived product which are inevitably a great source of vitamin B12. However, if a person fails to add B12 supplements to the daily diet, then no wonder he can be vulnerable to a blood deficiency or some irreversible neurological damage.

Here are some steps that can help you to combat nutritional deficiencies when observing veganism. 

​Include B12 rich foods and supplements

A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can make you fall prey to anemia or ataxia or memory-related problems, that too because of your diet practice. Hence try increasing the amount of vitamin B12 intake. Make sure that you add rich sources of multivitamins, iron, magnesium and fiber such as soya bean, soy or almond milk, mushrooms, avocados to ward off the unnecessary vitamin deficiency.

​Have plenty of iron-rich foods

Iron is the most vital element for blood production and the main constituent of haemoglobin as well as myoglobin. It is not only essential for the blood but also for respiratory activity, energy metabolism, synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters. Include ample amounts of beans and legumes as they are a great source of iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium. Also, try combining them with citric fruits or vegetables in order to ease the iron absorption process.

​Include essential nuts and seeds in your meals

When your body flushes out harmful toxic elements, it can automatically function and respond better. Having seeds routinely can help you to overcome uninvited fatigue and energy loss. Seeds such as chia, flax, sunflower, watermelon and pumpkin contain a good amount of monounsaturated fats, vitamins, fibre and polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 fatty acids) aids the metabolic activity of the body as well as combats certain nutrient deficiencies.

Green leafy vegetables are a must-have

Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of protein, dietary fibres, vitamin A, C, K, carotenoids, folate, and manganese. In order to keep distance from blood or nutrient deficiencies, increase the intake of spinach, kale or broccoli etc. Remember to go green to keep your bones and immune health happy.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement