Can charcoal improve outcomes in COVID-19 infections?

Med Hypotheses. 2020 Nov:144:110176. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110176. Epub 2020 Aug 10.

Abstract

COVID-19 infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality, especially to those who are aged, have impaired renal function and are obese. We propose to examine the potential utility of oral activated charcoal with the hypothesis that such treatment would lower absorption of microbiome derived toxins and ameliorate systemic oxidant stress and inflammation.

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 / microbiology
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • Charcoal / pharmacology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Kidney Diseases / complications*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Oxidants / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Risk

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Oxidants
  • Charcoal