Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, and has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. As of 28 September 2020, more than 33.1 million cases have been reported across 188 countries and territories with more than 997,000 deaths; more than 22.9 million people have recovered.Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath or breathing ...

covid-19

Traditional-Chinese-Medicine-for-Respiratory-Viruses

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Viruses

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The outbreak and spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused huge losses of lives and property around the world. Globally, as of 24 January 2023, there were 664,097,132 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,716,108 deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). &nbsp;<a href="https://covid19.who.int/" target="_blank" data-ref="WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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SARS-CoV-2 is a wrapped, single-stranded, positive, β-coronavirus RNA virus that belongs to the subfamily Coronavirinae, family Coronavirdiae, order Nidovirales. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, a high concentration of aerosols, and sometimes through feces or urine. Currently, no approved specific antiviral drug is recommended to deal with COVID-19. Infection with it in more severe cases can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and even death.&nbsp;

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It is well documented that traditional Chinese medicine has accumulated abundant clinical experience and effective prescriptions for the control and treatment of infectious diseases in about 500 epidemics that have occurred in China for more than 3,000 years in the past. &nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11655-020-3192-6?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=fe04f653-1cd7-469c-a455-8ebe8038b5f9" target="_blank" data-ref="Can Chinese Medicine Be Used for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs - Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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The combination therapy of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine significantly reduces mortality, shortens the duration of fever, reduces abnormalities of chest X-rays, and relieves secondary fungal infections among patients receiving glucocorticoids in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 3</a>] There is also evidence on the positive role of traditional Chinese medicine&nbsp; in the treatment of previous coronavirus pneumonias such as SARS, MERS and other epidemic diseases. <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0192415X05002965" target="_blank" data-ref="Using Herbal Medicine as a Means of Prevention Experience During the SARS Crisis | The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;&nbsp;

Traditional-Chinese-medicine-in-the-treatment-of-COVID-19

Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 

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From the perspective of this medical system, the different stages of COVID-19 disease can be divided into mild, moderate, severe and critical. The main models in the mild stage include balancing the lungs and removing pathogenic factors. The main models in the moderate stage include elimination of heat and moisture, detoxification and invigoration of the spleen. The main heavy-stage models focus on toning qi and yin, ventilating qi on the lungs, co-healing the lungs and intestines. Finally, critical stage models require toning qi and preventing exhaustion, cooling blood and nourishing yin and restoring consciousness. Distinguishing each stage is one of the most important principles of TCM for the treatment of COVID-19.&nbsp;

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Traditional Chinese medicine's recommended remedies for each stage of COVID-19 treatment include more than 18 natural remedies. Among them, highly recommended Chinese herbs are Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqing), Rheum palmatum (Da Huang), Bupleurum&nbsp; chinense&nbsp; (Chai Hu), Gingko Biloba (Ping Yin), Artemisia annua (Huanghua Hao), Glycyrrhiza glabra&nbsp; (Gan Cao)&nbsp; and Zingiber officinale&nbsp; (Shen Jian).

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Potential mechanisms of the most commonly used Chinese herbs with proven antiviral effect

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Huangqing)

Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqing)  

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Scutellaria baicalensis, commonly known as Shlenmnik Baikal or Chinese helmet, is a type of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. &nbsp; The main bioactive compounds extracted from the root of S. baicalensis are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikalin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vogonozide</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikalein Vogonin&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S209592731630024X" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Each of these active components is known to have physiological effects as well as cytotoxic or side effects when used in high concentrations. These flavones have been reported to have different pharmacological functions, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antiviral, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.&nbsp;

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Lung Fufang, a type of traditional recipe using Huangqing, has been found to be able to prolong the survival rate of patients with primary bronchial lung squamous cell carcinoma and has a similar effect in patients with NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). &nbsp;<a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=J+Tradit+Chin+Med+Pharm&amp;title=Reports+for+80+patients+with+bronchial+lung+squamous+carcinoma+(Mid+or+Late+Stage)+treated+Lung+FuFang+and+chemotherapy&amp;author=MQ+Pan&amp;author=YH+Li&amp;author=JA+Liu&amp;author=YX+Tan&amp;volume=5&amp;publication_year=1990&amp;pages=19-21&amp;" target="_blank" data-ref="Sorry..." rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;

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The plant exerts an antiviral effect and inhibits the activity of 3CLpro. It has a beneficial effect on the proper activity of the nervous system, favors the normal processes of sleep, nervous system, immune system and cardiovascular system.&nbsp;

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It is not recommended for people suffering from liver diseases, as well as those using anti-weight loss drugs and some painkillers.

Rheum-palmatum-(Da-Huang)

Rheum palmatum (Da Huang) 

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Rheum palmatum (Dahuang) - Rheum palmatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly called Chinese rhubarb and contains the active ingredient emodin, which is thought to be able to block the pinning of the spiked protein to&nbsp; ACE2 in the case of COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

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Emodin is a naturally occurring derivative of anthraquinone, found in the roots and leaves of various plants, fungi and lichens. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an active ingredient in herbs. Emodin has a wide range of biological actions, including diuretic, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9522" target="_blank" data-ref="The Health Benefits of Emodin, a Natural Anthraquinone Derived from Rhubarb&mdash;A Summary Update" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;7]&nbsp;

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The use of Rheum palmatum&nbsp; (Da Huang) is also recommended for bacterial infections, overactive immune system, cough, tumors and high blood pressure.&nbsp;

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In rare cases, Rheum palmatum can irritate the digestive tract.

Bupleurum-chinense-(Chai-Hu)

Bupleurum chinense (Chai Hu)  

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Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) is derived from Bupleurum chinense and has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Phytochemical studies have shown that this plant contains essential oils, triterpenoid saponins, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and sterols.&nbsp;

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Crude extracts and pure compounds isolated from Radix Bupleuri showed various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects.

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However, Radix Bupleuri can also lead to hepatotoxicity, especially in high doses and with long-term use. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the main bioactive compounds in Chai Hu are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saicosaponini a</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Saicosaponi B2</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saicosaponini c</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">saicosaponini d</li></ul>According to scientific data, Radix Bupleuri extract has a significant antiviral effect in acute respiratory tract infections with H1N1 and inhibits influenza virus-induced RANTES secretion in H1N1-infected A549 cells at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg/ml. This suggests that Radix Bupleuri may be beneficial for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, followed by a viral infection.&nbsp;

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In another study, the antiviral activity of saicosaponins (a, b2, c and d) and their mode of action was investigated. The results showed that all saicosaponines exhibited antiviral activity on human coronavirus-229E at concentrations of 0.25–25 μm, and the strongest activity was observed for saicosaponin b2 with an IC50 of 1.7 μm. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1681.2006.04415.x" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref.</a> &nbsp;8]&nbsp;

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At high doses, it can have the opposite effect on the liver.

Gingko-Biloba-(Pin-Yin)

Gingko Biloba (Pin Yin) 

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Ginkgo biloba, the oldest tree on the planet, originated in China and has been cultivated for thousands of years for various purposes. Ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. It may also be beneficial for heart health, brain function, and eye health, along with several other conditions.

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Ginkgo biloba may reduce the risk of infection due to the content of quercetin and other ingredients such as ginkgolic acid (GA), which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, acting by reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. &nbsp; The antiviral effect of ginkgo extract is mediated by various mechanisms, including blocking SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ardp.202200188" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;

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Ginkgo Biloba, in addition to viral infection, is also recommended for inflammation, cough, tumors and stomach ulcers.&nbsp;

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In rare cases, the following side effects can be caused: nausea, diarrhea, dizziness.

Artemisia-annua-(Huanghua-Hao)

Artemisia annua (Huanghua Hao)

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Artemisia annua (Qinghao) is the plant Sweet wormwood, which contains the active ingredient artemisinin - a natural bioactive sesquiterpene lactone. It inhibits viral replication, inflammation, and certain cancers as described in studies. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/3/217" target="_blank" data-ref="Antiviral and Immunomodulation Effects of Artemisia" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

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Artemisinin may exhibit anti-cancer properties, according to a scientific review noting that many studies have been done on the anti-cancer effects of sweet wormwood. The researchers note that this impact is due to artemisinin's ability to stop cell growth or disrupt steps in the cell cycle through proliferation pathways. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm the promising potential effects.

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There has also been a lot of research looking at the benefits of traditional herbs to help against COVID-19. Different constituents in A. annua may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 attachment, internalization in host cells, and inhibit viral replication and transcription process. Clinical trials are needed to test whether these effects are possible in humans. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2095496421000637" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp;

Glycyrrhiza-glabra-(Gan-Cao)

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gan Cao)  

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Licorice root is a famous aphrodisiac that is considered one of the oldest herbal remedies in the world. Historical sources for the use of Glycyrrhiza species include ancient manuscripts from China, India, and Greece. All of them mention its use in symptoms of viral infections of the respiratory tract and hepatitis.&nbsp;

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Animal studies have shown reductions in mortality and viral activity in encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus and pneumonia caused by influenza A virus. In vitro studies reveal antiviral activity against HIV-1 associated with SARS coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, arboviruses, and others. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2295" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;12]&nbsp;

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The glycyrrhizin found in Glycyrrhiza glabra has been shown to be effective in viral hepatitis, bronchitis, gastritis and jaundice. Other main ingredients of licorice root are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhetinic acid</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flavonoids</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hydroxyl coumarins</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Β-sitosterol.&nbsp;</li></ul>Very high doses of intake can increase stress, which can lead to a decrease in potassium levels, high blood pressure, muscle weakness or arrhythmia. It is contraindicated for use by people with a history of ascites, hypertension or kidney failure or who are currently using Digitalis.

Zingiber-officinale-(Shen-Jian)

Zingiber officinale (Shen Jian) 

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Ginger is a powerful antioxidant, supports the function of the urinary system and protects the functions of the brain. It has been found to be able to exert anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects and prevent inflammation. Ginger contains various components, including oils, proteins, carbohydrates, crude fiber, ash, water and volatile oil. Chemically, ginger contains over 400 different compounds, but its pharmacological effects are largely due to its terpene and phenolic compounds.&nbsp;

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The terpene ingredients of ginger include:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiberen</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bisabolen</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Farnesen</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sesquiphelandrene</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Limonene</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cineole</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Linalool</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Borneol</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Geranial</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Turmeric</li></ul>Phenolic compounds derived from ginger include:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gingeroli</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paradols</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shogaoli</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingeroni.</li></ul>The listed active ingredients of ginger have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, gastroprotective and neuroprotective effects, described in a large number of studies. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754821000661" target="_blank" data-ref="ScienceDirectScience DirectScienceDirect helpElsevierRELX Group" rel="noopener">[ref. 13]</a>&nbsp;

How-to-Make-Tea-With-These-Herbs

How to Make Tea With These Herbs 

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If you have all the necessary herbs in the form of loose tea, brew a teaspoon of the herbal mixture in 200 ml. boiling water for 7 minutes at room temperature. Strain through gauze. Drink 200 ml. up to 2 times a day.

The potential mechanisms of herbs of traditional Chinese medicine may be beneficial in multiple viral infections. Many of the active ingredients of these herbs have been scientifically documented and studied for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and replication-inhibiting effects. The integration of available clinical and fundamental evidence into the treatment approach provides more opportunities to address various respiratory viruses, in which Chinese traditional medicine may also be useful.

7 Chinese herbs with proven antiviral effect

Бетина Цветкова

What-are-the-causes-of-hair-loss?

What are the causes of hair loss?

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People who experience hair loss after a sars-CoV-2 infection may notice large hairballs falling off during their daily combing or while washing their hair. The phenomenon is known as telogen effluvium but is not strictly specific to coronavirus infection.

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About 90 percent of the hairs on our scalp are in a growth phase called anagen, and about 10 percent of the hairs are in a resting phase called telogen. On our scalp, the anagen lasts about three years, and then the hairs begin to pass into telogen, which lasts between two to six months. At the end of the telogen, our hairs are separated from their follicles and gradually replaced by new anagen hairs. Then the growth cycle continues.

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On average, people lose about 100 to 150 hairs a day. But when a person experiences a stressful event, including COVID-19 infection, our bodies can prematurely move more of the normal part of growing homogeneous hairs into a telogen state of rest. "Instead of the usual 10 percent of hairs that are in the rest and fall phase, up to 50 percent of hairs rest and fall, which is much more than normal," says Powell Perng, M.D., a dermatologist and hair loss specialist (alopecia) at Utah Health University. &nbsp;<a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2022/02/long-covid.php" target="_blank" data-ref="Understanding Post-COVID Conditions " rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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Scalp condition changes after illness 

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As already mentioned, sudden and temporary hair loss has a medical name: telogen effluvium. This occurs when stress or illness causes much more dripping than the typical 50 to 100 hairs a person loses per day. It is not specific to Covid-19, however: experts have known for a long time that severe illness, surgery, blood loss, hospitalization, childbirth, and extreme emotional events, such as the loss of a loved one, can cause telogen effluvium. Researchers found that people with a history of Covid-19 infection were four times more likely to develop hair loss than those who were not infected. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01909-w" target="_blank" data-ref="Symptoms and risk factors for long COVID in non-hospitalized adults - Nature Medicine" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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We don't know the complete explanation of how these physical and emotional stressors cause telogen effluvium. Many dermatologists believe the stress hormone cortisol may play a role, although there may be other chemicals that tell hair follicles it's time to fall, according to Dr. Luis Garza, a professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03417-2?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=72556022-f732-4c24-a39f-a727fe91d36f" target="_blank" data-ref="Corticosterone inhibits GAS6 to govern hair follicle stem-cell quiescence - Nature" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

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In normal times, each of your hair goes through three phases &ndash; a growth phase called an anagen phase, a transient or catagenic phase, and a phase of rest, also known as the telogen phase &ndash; after which the thread falls and the follicle repeats the whole process. Threads pass through different phases of the cycle at different times; only five to 10 percent of your hair should be in the telogen phase at any given time.

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COVID-19-infection-and-hair-loss

COVID-19 infection and hair loss 

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Unlike most COVID symptoms that occur days or weeks after infection, you will usually notice hair loss two to three months later. In general, cases of telogen efflovium, other than COVID, cause the hair to begin to fall out after about three months.

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According to published reports, hair loss after a COVID-19 infection can occur a little earlier than usual. Other <a href="https://secure.jbs.elsevierhealth.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="DEFINE_ME" rel="noopener">studies also reported</a> faster recovery, about two to three months compared to an average of six months. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jaadinternational.org/article/S2666-3287(21)00056-0/fulltext" target="_blank" data-ref="Trichodynia and telogen effluvium in COVID-19 patients: Results of an international expert opinion survey on diagnosis and management" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;]&nbsp;

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Since more hair follicles than normal are in a latent phase and have begun to separate, people usually see changes in their hair with each hair movement and combing. Initially, hairballs will appear when combing your hair or after a shower. Then the hair will begin to thin within a few weeks, after having such balls with hair.

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It is important to remember that the fall of hair is due to a disruption of the growth-regeneration process, not actual hair damage. The hair will grow again over time, because the follicles are still there.

How-long-does-COVID-hair-loss-last?

How long does COVID hair loss last? 

How-long-does-COVID-hair-loss-last?_2_0

For those interested, the good news is that COVID-related hair loss is generally a temporary problem and eventually the hair will grow back. However, patience is needed, as re-growth can take six to nine months and possibly up to 18 months.&nbsp;

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Usually women are more severely affected, and in this regard we need to take into account the role of hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, female hormones, may play a role in hair loss during COVID-19, since most such patients are women. They have anti-inflammatory effects, as estradiol acts on hair follicles to enhance their growth and improve hair cycle. Progesterone can reduce the conversion of testosterone into its active form, which in turn is associated with alopecia.

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Therefore, in the acute phase of COVID-19, the balance of these hormones can change, causing a decrease in their levels leading to hair loss in women.&nbsp;

How-to-deal-with-hair-loss-after-COVID-19-with-natural-methods

How to deal with hair loss after COVID-19 with natural methods

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Onion juice - The idea is that sulfur in onion juice helps restore hair. There is not much research on this, but a small study tests it in people with alopecia areata, which causes stain hair loss. Half put onion juice on their scalp twice a day; others used tap water. After 2 weeks, 74% of the group who used onion juice had more new hairs, compared to 13% of tap water users.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iron - This extremely important nutrient helps the body to produce blood, and its low levels are associated with hair loss. The reason for this is not clear, so consume iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, poultry, tofu, broccoli, and all kinds of vegetables. However, talk to your doctor before taking iron-containing pills. In high doses, iron can cause vomiting and constipation.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Biotin - Some doctors prescribe biotin (aka vitamin B7) for hair loss and to achieve good results. Eggs, wheat germ, and mushrooms contain a large amount of biotin.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zinc - Since zinc helps most processes in the body that keep you alive, it's no surprise that it also strengthens the follicles under your scalp that nourish your hair. Your body has no way to store zinc, so you need a little of it in your diet every day. If zinc levels are low, there is some evidence that taking zinc orally can help with hair loss, but more research is needed.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aromatherapy - Sandalwood oils [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15988" target="_blank" data-ref="Santalum album" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a> ], lavender [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14546" target="_blank" data-ref="Lavandula" rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a> ], rosemary [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14703" target="_blank" data-ref="Rosmarinus" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a> ] and thyme [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14334" target="_blank" data-ref="Thymus" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;] are used to treat hair loss for more than 100 years. It is believed that compounds in them stimulate hair growth. You can try rubbing one or more of these oils into your scalp for at least 2 minutes each night. Then wrap your head with a warm cloth to soak.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hair mask with aloe vera and fenugreek - Fenugreek seeds [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14762" target="_blank" data-ref="Trigonella" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a> ] have a high content of proteins known to be useful against hair loss and dandruff, as well as in the treatment of dry hair, baldness, and thinning hair. Aloe Vera [ <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14536" target="_blank" data-ref="Aloe vera" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp;is widely known as the "elixir of life". These two ingredients together will make the perfect hair mask and counteract hair loss. To do this, soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in warm water. Make a paste by mixing it with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a blender after the fenugreek seeds are soaked for an hour in water. Massage this paste into the scalp and hold for 30 minutes before washing.</li></ul>

As the coronavirus continues to infect people around the world, many people fall victim to hair loss months later. This development makes many people wonder if COVID can cause hair loss and actually turns out to be able to. After a while, normal hair growth recovers and it thickens again, but it is good to consult a doctor if hair loss lasts more than three months. The reason for it may be different.&nbsp; Meanwhile, for those who are ill with COVID, there are many natural methods and means to try to improve the condition of the hair.

How to Deal with Hair Loss After COVID-19 - Natural Methods and Tools

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What-are-COVID-19-and-SARS-CoV-2

What are COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2

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COVID-19 is a pandemic disease and is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Coronavirus also causes a higher rate of serious illness and death compared to the flu. But symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. This virus spreads mainly by respiratory means - through droplets of saliva or excreted from the nose when an infected person coughs. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19" target="_blank" data-ref="Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;]

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SARS-CoV-2 is a member of a large family of viruses called "coronaviruses". These viruses can infect humans and some animals. Sars-CoV-2 was first known to infect humans in 2019. However, cases of morbidity have not yet been completely zeroed in, and some therapeutic approaches include both medications and herbal products. One&nbsp;<a href="https://search.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/resource/en/covidwho-819599" target="_blank" data-ref="Knowledge and awareness about ginger and turmeric as a herbal cure for COVID-19 | Int. J. Pharm. Res.;(12): 768-777, 20200701. | COVIDWHO | ELSEVIER " rel="noopener">of them, which has</a>&nbsp;been studied for its potential against COVID-19, is ginger.&nbsp;

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What-are-the-health-benefits-provided-by-ginger

What are the health benefits provided by ginger

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The health benefits of ginger are painkillers, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating. In particular, the beneficial properties of ginger are shown in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, respiratory distress, liver diseases and primary dysmenorrhea. Ginger, or more precisely its compounds, exhibit a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant influence in numerous animal models. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754821000661?fbclid=IwAR0Gqf_rhiT5F1B45XM1jI2MWxMx_IHTZycnFdptcwbyJSwK3piiOha2qvQ" target="_blank" data-ref="Therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: Is there enough evidence?" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a> ] Experimentally and clinically ginger (the rhinity of Zingiber officinale) exhibits numerous therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, neuroprotective, antimygrenosis, hepatoprotective, respiratory, antidiabetic effects. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Bioactive_Compounds_and_Bioactivities_of_Ginger_Zingiber_officinale_Roscoe_31151279" target="_blank" data-ref="Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a> ] In this regard, ginger also shows direct antiviral effects and may have a protective role against ARDS, which is the main cause of mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. ARDS - Acute respiratory distress syndrome, is an acute respiratory distress syndrome and a serious lung condition that causes low levels of oxygen in the blood. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ards" target="_blank" data-ref="Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - What Is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome? | NHLBI, NIH" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;] Due to its antiviral action, ginger can have a beneficial effect on many organs that are affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Chemically speaking, ginger contains over 400 different compounds, but its pharmacological effects are largely due to its terpenes and phenolic compounds. The terpene ingredients of ginger include zingiberen, bisabolic, farnesen, cesifelandren, limoneol, linalool, borneol, geranial and curcumen. Phenolic compounds derived from ginger include gingerols, paradoli, shogaoli and zingeron. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286320305180" target="_blank" data-ref="Nutritional implications of ginger: chemistry, biological activities and signaling pathways" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;]

Evidence-of-the-potential-of-ginger-against-COVID-19-and-other-viruses

Evidence of the potential of ginger against COVID-19 and other viruses 

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Fresh ginger has powerful antiviral effects against human respiratory singial virus (HRSV) and rhinovirus, as well as against several subtypes of influenza virus A. Results of in vitro experiments show that gingerol directly inactivates hepatitis A viruses and inhibits the replication of human norovirus in an infected cell line. In addition to direct antiviral effects, ginger can multiply congenital antiviral immunity. IFN is the first protective line against viral infections and in vitro analyses show that gingerols promote the secretion of IFN-γ by activated T cells. In addition, fresh ginger extract stimulates the secretion of IFN-α and IFN-β of HRSV -infected epithelial cells.

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With regard to coronavirus, the SARS-CoV-2-related papain-like protease (PLpro) cleaves polyprotein a/b (PP a/b) in different locations, giving several proteins needed for survival and replication of the virus. By molecular modeling, it becomes clear that 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-gingerol and another class of ginger ingredients strongly inhibit PLpro. They also found that 6-gingerol exhibits a high affinity for binding to a number of viral proteins (main protease, molecule such as SARS-CoV3C and catepsin K), which are essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication.

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Meanwhile, some of the other terpenes such as geraniol, shogaol, zingiberen, zingiberenol and zingerone may interfere with the binding of S protein-ACE2. The results of a computational analysis show that the turpene derived from ginger, namely sesquifelandren, binds to the S protein and thus interferes with the interaction S protein-ACE2.&nbsp;

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However, it is important to note that these study data should be supported by in vitro and in vivo observations .&nbsp;

Inflammation-mediated effects of SARS-CoV-2 on COVID-19 pathogenesis

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Hyperinvention, which is characteristic of infection with coronavirus, and the direct effects mediated by SARS-CoV-2 promote tissue damage. Ginger is one of the means that can counteract SARS-CoV-2 and prevent inflammation. Ginger modulates oxidative stress and prostaglandins as harmful factors in COVID-19. Ginger is also able to modulate incorrect effector T-cell responses in COVID-19. The effect of ginger-derived ingredients applied during COVID-19 infection using appropriate animal models should be evaluated in future studies. The same applies to clinical trials among groups of people.

The therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: is there sufficient evidence

The therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: is there a sufficient

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What-is-curcumin

What is curcumin

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Like many spices, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its main ingredient is curcumin, which is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits as well as potential benefits associated with slowing down the aging process and preventing Alzheimer's disease. Ayurvedic medicine - a traditional Indian treatment system, recommends turmeric for various health conditions that proceed with chronic pain and inflammation because of the strong anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin and other active compounds in turmeric.&nbsp;

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With regard to inflammatory conditions, natural compounds such as curcumin have shown a beneficial effect on the progression of inflammatory diseases due to their numerous mechanisms of action: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiplatelet and cytoprotective. These and many other effects of curcumin make it a promising tool in the adjuvant treatment of COVID-19.

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The antiviral effects of curcumin have been widely studied - it prevents the binding of influenza A virus, dengue virus, Zika virus and human norovirus (HuNoV) to host cells. In addition, curcumin inhibits the replication of the viral genome and transcription of the respiratory syncythial virus (RSV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), interferes with the translation and assembly of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytimegalovirus (HCMV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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The-potential-of-curcumin-as-a-medicinal-agent-for-COVID-19

The potential of curcumin as a medicinal agent for COVID-19

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A team of scientists found in in vitro analyses the antiviral action of curcumin against the SARS-CoV virus in Vero-E6 cells, and this natural polyphenol can inhibit viral replication at concentrations of 3-10 &mu;M. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.675287/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Curcumin as a Potential Treatment for COVID-19" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a> Based on such data on antiviral activity, researchers using in silico prediction models evaluated the potential of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 binding proteins and its cell receptors. The results showed that curcumin has a high affinity for interaction with S glycoprotein by establishing six hydrogen bonds and realizes higher scores than control compounds such as nafamostat and hydroxychloroquine. In addition, curcumin shows an affinity for ACE2. In addition, curcumin interacts with the active part of the protein, in addition to the formation of two hydrogen bonds. Similarly, curcumin demonstrates a better affinity for ACE2 than control compounds.

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Another interesting result in this study is related to the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which is mandatory in maturation and viral replication and is a promising target in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Among the compounds tested, including chloroquine, entecavir, hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir, curcumin surprisingly formed the most stable complex with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, and the affinity result was comparable to that of the N3 control.

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The researchers also found that curcumin in low doses inhibits the mTORC1-Raptor interaction, leading to inhibition of the mTORC1 complex. Curcumin also promotes interruption of mTORC2-Rictor interaction at higher doses, thereby inhibiting mTORC2. the mTOR route is a central regulator of mammalian metabolism and physiology, including humans. The signaling path of mTOR, which is often activated in tumors, not only regulates gene transcription and protein synthesis to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, but also plays an important role in tumor metabolism &nbsp;<a href="https://pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1716173114" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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Another team of researchers looked at oral intake of curcumin in combination with piperine as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 in a randomized clinical trial. Patients with COVID-19 with mild, moderate and severe symptoms who received curcumin/piperine treatment showed early symptomatic recovery, less deterioration, fewer signs of serious pathology, better ability to maintain oxygen saturation above 94% with free breathing, better clinical outcomes compared to patients in the control group (who received only probiotics twice a day). The results were collected in a double-blind, randomized, controlled study conducted in two groups of 70 people each, a total of 140 people. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.669362/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Oral Curcumin With Piperine as Adjuvant Therapy for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

In vitro results for the antiviral action of curcumin on SARS-CoV and data from in silico analyses confirm the hypothesis of potential activity against SARS-CoV-2. A limited number of studies also consider oral intake of curcumin as a potential cure for coronavirus infection. This information can be used by the scientific community to further assess the effect of curcumin on cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 and virus replication using in vitro and in vivo models and in randomised clinical trials.

Curcumin as a potential treatment for COVID-19

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Why-spending-time-in-nature

Why spending time in nature 

Even if in Bulgaria we are far from such a development of our health system, the conclusion is that it is nice to realize the importance of taking the time to be in nature. We need to think about what we could change in our way of life so as to strengthen our immune system and our overall physical and mental well-being. And changing their habits not to forget that perseverance is extremely important - activities in nature should be at least 2 hours a week and be regular.&nbsp;