Nanoparticulate curcumin spray imparts prophylactic and therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Prevention of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the key to limit spread of COVID-19. Pharmaceutical preparation of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory action. To have accomplishable function, nanosized curcumin may dictate a functionality against SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we used a unique water-dispersible nano-spray formulation of curcumin with enhanced efficacy. The nano-curcumin has an average size of 20 nm. No cytotoxicity was detected at the tested concentrations on Vero E6 cells, which is consistent with curcumin’s GRAS status of FDA. Vero E6 cell-assays demonstrated effective inhibitory activity when pre-treated with curcumin nanoformulation. Therapeutic effect on infected cells by subsequent exposure to SARS-CoV-2 viral particles shows considerable control on viral particle spread. Given the safety and efficacy of nano-curcumin, it appears to be an ideal candidate for prophylactic protection as well as in reducing the viral transmission. © Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.