TAKING a cue from the advice of medical experts that boosting the immune system is the best defense against Covid-19, a “superfood” can be an effective protection from contracting such an unprecedented health malady.
Acai berry, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can be a potential treatment for some Covid-19 symptoms, according to a Canadian study. Researchers from the University of Toronto presented the latest updates on this study during a virtual forum dubbed the “Superfood Acai Berry Against Covid-19 symptoms: How to Harness its Nutrients” organized recently by Philippine wellness company Organique, Inc.
“Organique has always believed in ‘prevention over cure.’ This is what has continuously compelled us to provide an affordable, safe, and effective immunity-boosting supplement powered by the acai super berry,” Organique CEO and President Cathy Salimbangon told reporters during the webinar. “The findings from the University of Toronto’s study could be ground-breaking as we navigate Covid-19.”
Since the outbreak of this novel virus early this year, there has been strong evidence to show that it can trigger the body’s acute inflammatory response, resulting in severe complications such as heart and lung inflammation.
Initial medical studies have shown that the extracts of acai berry can potentially control the body’s inflammatory response within normal levels. Also, it can significantly reduce NLRP3-mediated inflammation, which prompts the body’s response to ward off infections and stress.
The NLRP 3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called cryopyrin. Cryopyrin is a member of a family of proteins which are found in the fluid inside blood cells. NLR proteins are involved in the immune system, helping to start and regulate the immune system’s response to injury, toxins or invasion by microorganisms.
Anti-inflammatory
These were the findings of Dr. Ana Andreazza, associate professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She said: “Acai was effective as an anti-inflammatory. It’s important to note that it has a very similar effect on the NLRP3 cell as it does with a damaged mitochondria as we’ve seen.”
One of her previous studies, likewise, revealed that acai may even prevent mental stress, another problem brought about by the pandemic and its socioeconomic consequences, such as financial uncertainty, economic crisis, and long isolation during lockdowns.
The promising medical use of acai berry was also highlighted by another research in the Philippines that was conducted by Dr. Joseph Lee, section head of Stone Center Fatima University Medical Center and chairman of the Urology Section of Empire Centre for Regenerative Medicine.
“For the duration that we have given acai to our patients, we have noted that they are stable and there is no erratic change to them even if they are on maintenance for high blood and liver enzyme—and those are prone to changes. Basically, through continued monitoring of all our patients and their responses to acai, we have found that acai remains a most promising superfood that can likely live up to all the claims,” he noted.
Bullish
Although much of the research works about acai berry are at their early stages, the researchers remain bullish that they can open doors in the fight against the ensuing pandemic worldwide.
“Within the next six months we can see if it can be shared globally as an efficient treatment. We can see if it can treat the virus, and if ever, be used for prevention, as well as for the actual symptoms. We will also monitor if there are any after-effects in Covid-19 patients two to five years down the line,” Dr. Michael Farkouh said of their ongoing study, with clinical trial tests that are slated to wrap up by the end of the first quarter of 2021. “We expect the first patient to be enrolled in the next few weeks. The first phase will be conducted in Canada and Brazil.”
Per the lead researcher and director of the Peter Munk Centre of Excellence in Multinational Clinical Trials, the beauty of their study is that it can be performed remotely. He explained: “We can ship the extract or the placebo and monitor them for any need for hospitalization. We will be checking in on them on day one, day 15, and day 30 for regular monitoring of their clinical status.”
Expecting the success of the study, integrative medicine specialist and wellness expert Dr. Sonny Villoria noted that this “can make a huge difference in a country like the Philippines, where many are unable to afford Covid care.” If proven effective, the expert in integrative wellness added that “this is just another reason why the acai berry should be a staple in our lifestyle.”
Being a constant believer of the powers of acai since 2009, Salimbangon concluded that Organique will keep on spreading awareness about it until more people have access to these supplements. She stressed: “Maintaining good health means good nutrition—and that could possibly be achieved with supplements like Organique.”