Cucurbitane triterpenoids for COVID-19

c19early.org

COVID-19 Treatment Clinical Evidence

COVID-19 involves the interplay of 400+ viral and host proteins and factors, providing many therapeutic targets. c19early analyzes 6,000+ studies for 210+ treatments—over 17 million hours of research. Only three high-profit early treatments are approved in the US. In reality, many treatments reduce risk, with 25 low-cost treatments approved across 163 countries.

Naso/oropharyngeal treatment Effective Treatment directly to the primary source of initial infection.
Healthy lifestyles Protective Exercise, sunlight, a healthy diet, and good sleep all reduce risk.
Immune support Effective Vitamins A, C, D, and zinc show reduced risk, as with other viruses.
Thermotherapy Effective Methods for increasing internal body temperature, enhancing immune system function.
Systemic agents Effective Many systemic agents reduce risk, and may be required when infection progresses.
High-profit systemic agents Conditional Effective, but with greater access and cost barriers.
Monoclonal antibodies Limited Utility Effective but rarely used—high cost, variant dependence, IV/SC admin.
Acetaminophen Harmful Increased risk of severe outcomes and mortality.
Remdesivir Harmful Increased mortality with longer followup. Increased kidney and liver injury, cardiac disorders.

Cucurbitane triterpenoids may be beneficial for COVID-19 according to the study below. COVID-19 involves the interplay of 400+ viral and host proteins and factors providing many therapeutic targets. Scientists have proposed 11,000+ potential treatments. c19early.org analyzes 210+ treatments. We have not reviewed cucurbitane triterpenoids in detail.

Study suggesting benefit with cucurbitane triterpenoids

Chao et al., Bioactive Compounds of Momordica charantia L. Downregulate the Protein Expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 In Vivo and In Vitro, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, doi:10.3390/ijms27020868

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, has resulted in widespread global infection and millions of deaths. Viral entry is initiated by the interaction between the viral spike (S) protein and the host cell receptor ACE2, followed by TMPRSS2-mediated proteolytic activation that facilitates membrane fusion. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L., MC), a traditional medicinal and edible plant widely used in tropical Asia, possesses notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic properties. In this study, the ethanol extract of bitter melon (EMC) markedly downregulated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in both in vitro and in vivo models without inducing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, phytochemicals isolated from EMC—including p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin—exhibited comparable inhibitory effects. These results indicate that EMC and its bioactive constituents may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 entry by modulating the ACE2/TMPRSS2 axis, highlighting their potential as natural adjuncts for COVID-19 prevention or management.