Effect of Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) fruit powder on patients with COVID-19, A randomized double-blinded clinical trial

IntroductionCOVID-19 has affected many people worldwide. Effective treatments have been reported using medicinal plants which their multi functionality may beneficial. Considering the importance of innate immune response and pathologic effect of cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, this study examined the effect of Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) fruit powder capsules on inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and TNF as primary objectives. Moreover, its effect on the COVID-19 patients recovery symptoms was evaluated. MethodsWe analyzed the clinical effect on recovery symptoms, hematological parameters, and the serum levels of interlucin-6 and TNF in the placebo-controlled and treated patients with Redcurrant fruit powder. ResultsRedcurrant fruit powder capsules significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and TNF-, and reduced the clinical recovery time of COVID-19 and fatigue (from 7.3 {+/-} 2.09 to 2.9 {+/-} 1.28 days) as well as cough (from 5.67 {+/-} 2.4 to 2.4 {+/-} 1.7) days compared to the control group. ConclusionRedcurrant fruit powder might be a promising herbal treatment of COVID-19, and since no considerable side effect is observed in short-term usage, it might be beneficial to start treatment as early as possible in suspected cases of COVID-19.