The naturally secreted enzyme may be an effective remedy against COVID-19.
According to RIA Novosti, the study was published in the journal Advanced Materials.
An international team of researchers from the United States, as well as China, conducted a series of experiments and found that the antioxidant catalase can have three positive effects on the body.
Thus, it was able to prevent the replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus in macaque rhesus monkeys without toxic effects on catalase.
The enzyme also has anti-inflammatory effects and can regulate the production of cytokines. This prevents dangerous systemic inflammation, which can lead to cytokine storms and severe complications of COVID-19.
In addition, the antioxidant helps protect cells on the surface of the inner wall of the alveoli in the lungs from being damaged during oxidation.
According to scientists, the advantage of a therapeutic agent based on catalase is its simplicity of preparation and low production cost.