Yes, zinc stops the coronavirus to replicate and multiply. For that zinc needs to be penetrated to cells. For this purpose, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can be used that has the potential to fight coronavirus. But these drugs have gastrointestinal effects.

Indirectly yes

According to the following sources, the National Medical Products Administration of China has approved Favilavir as the first anti-viral drug that can possibly treat COVID-19. Favilavir also works as an antiviral inhibiting viral RNA-depended RNA polymerase activity. Although there is no word from FDA.

Article Drug trials under way

Article Anti-HCV, nucleotide inhibitors, repurposing against COVID-19

https://osf.io/myw67/download?format=pdf

UPDATE

In a major development, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended hydroxychloroquine, less toxic chloroquine for a high-risk population.

Ref: https://icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/HCQ_Recommendation_22March_final_MM.pdf

Results from the in-vitro study by Liu et al., (2020) indicated that hydroxychloroquine can efficiently inhibit CoV-19 infection. Authors of the article (Correspondence to Cell Discovery) recommend that drug has a good potential to combat the disease.

Ref: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-020-0156-0#author-information

In another attempt, after the clinical trials on 340 patients, Chinese medical authorities identified that favipiravir, a drug used to treat influenza appears to be effective for coronavirus.

Ref: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/18/coronavirus-japanese-flu-drug-could-be-effective-in-treating-pandemic.html

Review article: Article A systematic review on the efficacy and safety of chloroquin...

Dear Amy Johnson

According to the following source, the FDA has approved off-label use for the hydroxychloroquine to help coronavirus patients.

Ref: https://www.foxnews.com/media/pence-fda-hydroxychloroquine-off-label-coronavirus

Yes, zinc stops the coronavirus to replicate and multiply. For that zinc needs to be penetrated to cells. For this purpose, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can be used that has the potential to fight coronavirus. But these drugs have gastrointestinal effects.

UPDATE

Remdesivir, a compound with a broad spectrum of antiviral activities has been found effective against Covid-19. Remdesivir is a nucleotide analog inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Previously, Remdesivir has been effective against several RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

Ref: https://www.jbc.org/content/early/2020/02/24/jbc.AC120.013056

The following review article details the possible mechanisms of chloroquine interference with the Covid-19 virus replication cycle.

Ref: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924857920300881?via%3Dihub

Anit Kumar Singh: " Yes, zinc stops the coronavirus to replicate and multiply "

Well... ultimately, that is the effect. Intracellular Zinc interferes with coronavirus transcription, which results in the ability of the virus to replicate. [ Article Zn Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activ...

Article Chloroquine Is a Zinc Ionophore

Zumla et al. indicated that remdesivir and chloroquine are highly effective in

the control of 2019-nCoV infection in vitro

@lukasz szarpak can you please provide the exact article citing to which you are referring? I am curious to learn what the drug action of chloroquine is, in this cocktail...

UPDATE,

A study has been initiated on Preemptive Therapy for SARS-Coronavirus-2 and this study is open to anyone who lives in United States and meets the criteria. The study aims to determine if hydroxychloquine can be useful for SARS-Coronavirus-2 infection.

The proposed study uses a public health model with an estimated 3000 patients.

Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04308668

Mika Turkia I am willing to discuss the possibility of co-authoring a review article. I think that critical mass, herein, is assuring we are rigorous in identifying as many legitimate (non-anecdotal) sources as possible. I have just breezed over (all that time allows) a recent (March 30th) article from Johns Hopkins, which reviews a great many options and posits potential directions...though there is no mention of zinc (whatsoever) nor do I recall mention of quercetin or selenite:

https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_ABX_Guide/540747/all/Coronavirus_COVID_19_

This article (and most others) are dismissive of "Traditional Chinese Medicine" approaches, as anecdotal. Unfortunately, if there are solid, peer-reviewed examinations of folk medicines, I do not know them. That might be another article...? If you wish to exchange contact information, in order to facilitate communication, let me know and we can take this conversation offline.

Amy Johnson

@Victor Koman... unfortunately, it's at the expense of the lay public and peril to the Scientific Method and real science that US leadership ignore method, fact and process in favor of misinformation/disinformation, hyperbole, platitudes and stupidity.

Yes, I think so. See my Face Book group page, Nutrition and Cytology.

I have been studying zinc for many years.

I am trying myself 200mg of hydroxychloroquine every 72 hours and 60 mg of zinc per day as an experimental prophylactic procedure. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04326725

Suzanne Adams, I am curious to learn of any peer-reviewed research you and/or your colleagues have produced on zinc?

Jorge Castaño, can you help me to understand why - when there have been ongoing trials (with some early, notable successes) in Asia and (I have been told by German colleagues) Germany, using a 500mg dose of chloroquine combined with 50mg of zinc, daily, for ten days. What was the rationale for changing the dosages and timing strategy? Is there a precedent for that approach to which you can refer me? Far too frequently, of late, I am learning of seemingly random drug/supplement strategies that don't have any apparent basis in scientific method or medical verity.

Hi Jonas,

I have a chapter on zinc in my book entitled, The Art of Cytology: An Illustrative Study Guide with Micronutrient Discussions. It was published in 2007 but the words still ring true, and I would only be piling on more references if I revised it. I also made a Facebook group page called "Nutrition and Cytology" where I have posted numerous PubMed articles on various micronutrient topics, especially zinc and folate. Presently we are trying to figure out just what is needed to stop the covid-19 virus from entering the cells. You are welcome to join this Facebook page and also I have a copy of my zinc chapter.

Are you working on the covid-19 virus?

Suzanne

Jonas Moses

There are positive results for Hydroxychloroquine+Zinc+ Zithromax prescription in America. Check this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbWZj0RaW9o

Zithromax 500 mg, 1 pill a day for five days.

Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg, twice a day for five days.

Zinc 220 mg, per day for five days.

@Jorge Castaño per the FDA: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public that azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm. Patients at particular risk for developing this condition include those with known risk factors such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias."

This makes use of the drug in treatment of coronavirus infections a poor idea, given the vast portion of global populations with both known/treated heart disease and undiagnosed heart disease. It's too risky a proposition, since the downside of using azithromycin is death. Whereas, zinc is considered a supplement, and safely taken over the counter at the dosage and for the timeframes recommended. And, whilst chloroquine is known to cause damage to the retina, when taken in high doses for many months to years, there is no known/reported toxicity during a ten day course (the current recommended dosage in combination with zinc is, once again, 500mg chloroquine and 50mg zinc, once per day, for ten days).

Curious that the article places second the obvious drug effect of zinc, an essential element for the human body, in favor of a hypothetical secondary effect of chloroquine, which is toxic to the retina. My suspicion...we are underestimating the possibility of using a different zinc ionophore, one that is non-toxic, in providing active transport to extracellular zinc. Chloroquine simply doesn't have a known drug action in this case. We don't have to speculate about zinc's action, as it's already documented that zinc interferes with coronavirus transcription.

Is human ribosome hibernation by zinc depletion (missing Zinc-Finger in ribosome) giving a chance to mycobacteria/virus to overtake the ribosomes? https://www.pnas.org/content/115/32/8191

Yes I think missing zinc fingers are a problem in many disease conditions. They stabilize p53, the most common mutated gene in human cancer. The four zinc fingers in p53 keep this gene from mutating and causing cancer.

A study by Chen-Chen Liou (for his doctoral thesis at Linacre College) showed that histidine (which forms a histidine/zinc complex) can cause a substantial increase in zinc uptake by red blood cells. (The thesis can be found at: https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:176943c5-b0bc-45d7-abe1-3240f6710b54/download_file?safe_filename=602788992.pdf&file_format=application%2Fpdf&type_of_work=Thesis - sorry, I don't have experience with embedding links in this venue).

So my question is whether or not histidine (or another amino acid) used in combination with a zinc source (such as zinc sulfate) could enhance the effectiveness of zinc in treating COVID-19 infections. Presumably, amino acids would have low toxicity, and they are usually relatively inexpensive. As noted in a previous answer, Quercetin (which can also form a complex with zinc ions) is also being investigated as a means for enhancing the effectiveness of zinc in treating COVID-19.

@Wayne White I am trying to find a ready scientifically sound response for you. I can say without even checking that I have been discussing ionic zinc (Zn++) whilst zinc sulfate is a compound, which I cannot say is as readily available intra-cellularly. It could be a water soluble, in which case it won't make any difference and becomes ionic once ingested. However, the dosage would have to change. If the recommended dose of ionic zinc is 50mg per day, for instance, the dose for zinc sulfate might be 200 to 250mg, in order to result in a net dose of 50mg zinc.

Pretty busy of late (as a medical first responder) so not much time to research. Soon as I can I will update this.

Dmitry Kats

Here is a doctor using iv zinc for Covid-19: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2020/april/world-first-trial-to-test-benefit-of-intravenous-zinc-in-covid-19-fight

Kiran and Jonas! Here is a petition to get funding for a zinc and chloroquine treatment for plan for Covid-19:

https://medium.com/@leonardjpmail/how-to-stop-the-virus-and-the-shutdown-now-2bbeb111d7d8

Dear Suzanne Adams thanks for sharing.

Besides considering any contribution of the ionophore by itself in helping to fight the virus, there may be two other competing processes to consider in selecting the best ionophore to combine with the zinc: Zinc transport through the cell membrane (or even into the virus itself), and any need for the ionophore to release the Zn++ as free ions. Some of the better ionophores for getting the zinc into the cell may also bind the zinc such that the free Zn++ ions may not be available. This makes Docta Kats idea of using niacin particularly interesting because with the carboxylic acid being in the 3 position, the zinc would presumably not be as strongly bound as some of the stronger chelating agents (i.e. alpha amino acids, picolinic acid, etc.). Thus if the niacin can effectively transport the zinc through the cell membranes, it could be an excellent choice as an ionophore.

On a side note, presumably, taking a soluble zinc salt (zinc sulfate, etc) along with an ionophore would allow the complex to form right after dissolution (assuming they are in close proximity). Obviously having the two pre-mixed or even pre-complexed would help to ensure that the complex forms. There are some tests that indicate better absorption of the zinc when complexed with the ionophore, so if taken in separate tablets or capsules, it would seem to be best to take the zinc and the ionophore at the same time to maximize the opportunity for the complex to form.

Finally, to Jonas Moses and all other front-line medical personnel working to combat COVID-19, a heart-felt thank you for risking your health to help those who are sick and the world community in general.

Suzanne Adams Thank you for the links! I continue to question the desirability of using chloroquine, knowing there are other, more benign zinc ionophore options. I also question the scientific evidence for use of chloroquine as a drug in COVID 19 treatment. I have not seen any compelling evidence that it has its own antiviral drug effect with this coronavirus.

Wayne White most kind, Sir. Also continuing to follow the niacin trail...certainly interesting.

Jonas Moses, thanks for appreciating them.

Wayne White, can I share your paper on zinc transport through cell membranes with my group of mostly cytologists, pathologists, and other doctors on my Facebook group page, "Nutrition and Cytology"? We are talking about alternatives to chloroquine and how to get zinc into the cells to block the virus.

You are all welcome to join and help convince doctors of zinc's power in protecting cells from viruses, especially the coronaviruses. I am only a cytologist and it is hard for me to answer all of their questions and respond to their comments. They are trying to be open-minded. Micronutrient use is pretty foreign to them. I wish you would help me.

Suzanne Adams regarding your comment: " Micronutrient use is pretty foreign to them. I wish you would help me." I highly recommend you speak with Dr. Manuel Toca, who is an international SME on (among other things) Nutrigenomics. He is a former clinical colleague of mine and regular collaborator on Precision Medicine, Medical Genetics/Genomics, Epigentics, Nutrigenomics and Proteomics... additionally, he is a residency-trained Internal Medicine physician, US Sport Medicine-certified... well, suffice it to say that he belongs in this conversation. If you agree, I will discuss making an introduction with him.

I would love it!

PS: There are doctors now posting on my site about their studies with zinc and covid-19 now! I hope you join too.

Suzanne Adams, regarding the paper, I included the URL for the download (sorry, I'm not familiar with how to do a hyperlink on this website). It seems to be available for public download. However, since it is someone else's doctoral thesis, you might want to get Chen-Chen Liou 's permission (assuming you can make contact). I wish you the best on getting the help you need in communicating with the broader medical community.

Thank you so much. I'm glad I asked for permission because I thought it was your work but I'll try to contact the owner of the manuscript for permission to post it. At least I will read thoroughly through it and thank you so much for posting it here. Having many ways to get zinc into the cells, especially safely with natural substances that we consume each day, is so important for doctors to know at this time in particular.

Regarding the comment: "We are talking about alternatives to chloroquine and how to get zinc into the cells to block the virus...

You may wish to look at our recent paper suggesting such mechanism:

TRPM7 is the central gatekeeper of intestinal mineral absorption essential for postnatal survival

February 2019 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 116(10)

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1810633116

According to a study was done.Yes it may be used ,this study will be published soon.

I have always liked the idea of using natural ionophores, like quercetin and other polyphenol flavonoids. Niacin and clioquinol look promising too. Just started reading about them.

Here's a new report that just came out today that I'd like to share with you as it discusses hydroxychloroquine, and also common blood pressure medications and how there is a need for a thorough study of them in relation to covid-19 cases and their complications.

PS: ACE inhibitors work to block zinc and are known to cause a deficiency.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720306678?via%3Dihub

Here is the new report I meant to send on hydroxychloroquine for covid-19.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720307076?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email

Suzanne Adams but what about the mechanism? Is it true?

Treatment of army veterans with hydroxychloroquine +/- azithromycin shows no benefit and is possibly detrimental.

"In this study, we found no evidence that use of hydroxychloroquine, either with or without azithromycin, reduced the risk of mechanical ventilation in patients hospitalized with Covid-19. An association of increased overall mortality was identified in patients treated with hydroxychloroquine alone"

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/medrxiv/early/2020/04/23/2020.04.16.20065920.full.pdf

This off-label use of a malaria drug is looking to be a snake oil remedy.

I was never into hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine myself because I'm into the natural ionophores that we can take in every day from our diet, or make use of as medicines. Several symptoms of covid-19 infection are consistent with zinc deficiency. I think some of the zinc depleting medications, in particular the ACE inhibitors, have resulted in pts. with too low of zinc in their extracellular matrix.  If zinc levels aren't checked, monitored, and brought up to optimal levels, I don't see how any ionophore can work to get the little zinc it finds into the cells.  My concern with using a powerful drug like chloroquine when zinc is low, is that it might take the little zinc it finds out of the bones and muscles where it needs to stay, leading to side effects. I have been talking to a great zinc researcher that has been researching zinc for many years. He has written numerous papers that have been published on zinc throughout the years, especially in relation to prostate cancer. I cited his work in my chapter on zinc in my book several times. His name is Leslie C. Costello, and he is now here on ResearchGate posting his new projects and papers. I would love for you to get connected with him because he really would be able to answer your questions about zinc. I think we could all benefit hearing from him to gain great insights regarding zinc compounds in medicine. There are already several being used now.

Suzanne Adams . What dietary ionophores are absorbed by the intestines?

Here are some zinc ionophores described in published papers below:

PS: Natural ones are often polyphenols flavonoids found in fruits, such as quercetin, and herbs, such as epigallocatechin-gallate found in green tea.

*Zinc ionophore activity of quercetin and epigallocatechin-gallate: from Hepa 1-6 cells to a liposome model.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf5014633

*Quercetin Zinc complex and bladder Ca

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11626-019-00363-2

*Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer by Natural Agents: Evidence from Molecular and Epidemiological Studies

http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/39/10/5231.long

*A Cancer-Selective Zinc Ionophore Inspired by the Natural Product Naamidine

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acschembio.8b00977#

*Chemical Synergy between Ionophore PBT2 and Zinc Reverses Antibiotic Resistance

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6299484/

*Clioquinol, pyrithione for cancer and degen neuro diseases

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5797519/

*Zinc pyrithione for skin cancer

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685951/

*Developing drugs targeting transition metal homeostasis (ionophores and chelators)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5947866/

Treatment of army veterans with hydroxychloroquine +/- azithromycin shows no benefit and is possibly detrimental.

Others have reported that zinc must be given with the hydroxychloroquine in order for it to be effective. Specifically Dr. Anthony Cardillo in Los Angeles reported that without the zinc the treatment wasn't effective. It would appear that the hydroxychloroquine acts as an ionophore, which might help to keep the zinc from binding with proteins in the cells where it can't have an effect on the virus. I also wonder if the ionophore helps the zinc penetrate the virus itself. Anyway, it appears that the zinc is the active component here (rather than the hydroxychloroquine) and the ionophore may help it to be more effective.

@Wayne White intracellular Zinc as "Zinc-Finger" could prevent Ribosome Hibernation and overtake from Virus.

Wayne White please what is the mechanism of action between zinc and hydroxychloroquine? And the evidance of this mechanism?.

what is the mechanism of action between zinc and hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine has a hydroxy group separated from the amine group by two carbon atoms. The nitrogen and the oxygen can thus complex with the Zn++ ion, forming a 5-atom chelate ring. It is likely that at least two hydroxychloroquine molecules can thus chelate a single Zn++ ion. Chelation of metal ions is a well studied subject with numerous references.

It has been theorized that complexing the zinc ion with some organic molecules improves the zinc transfer rate across cell membranes. There have been a number of studies indicating other ligands (such as histidine or other amino acids, which can also chelate the zinc ion) have improved uptake both across the intestinal wall and also by red blood cells (in vitro). Being more familiar with industrial chemistry than biochemistry, I am not as familiar with the transport of the zinc ions across membranes and with the mechanism(s) for zinc interfering with the replication of a virus within a cell, and I will defer to the experts in that area.

Since there have been several "anectodal" studies where combined hydroxychloroquine and zinc has apparently had a high rate of very positive outcomes (vs the study mentioned above with the slightly negative result for hydroxychloroquine alone) the relevant questions now would seem to be:

• Can zinc taken as a medication (without the hydroxychloroquine) effectively fight the COVID-19 causing virus?
• Is hydroxychloroquine combined with zinc a more effective treatment for COVID-19 than either zinc or hydroxychloroquine alone, and if so, is the combination a safe enough treatment?
• Are there other organic molecules/zinc complexes that might improve the effectiveness of zinc in fighting the virus, and if so, what, would be safe and effective?
• Is there any way to accelerate studies and/or clinical trials on these issues so that if one of these approaches does turn out be an effective treatment, it can be recognized and made available in time to save lives?

Since I am not in a position to effectively answer any of these questions, I will need to bow out and leave the discussion to others who are in a better position than myself.

Hydroxychloroquine is a Zn++ chelator, but like almost all chelators it also binds other divalent transition metals like Cu ++.

Article Structural and some medicinal characteristics of the copper(...

~80% of Zn++ in the circulation is bound to serum albumin.

Article Albumin as a zinc carrier: Properties of its high-affinity z...

Since serum albumin is a major plasma protein (~30 mg/ml), it is unlikely that cells will ever come into contact with circulating HCQ-Zn++ complexes.

Anecdotal accounts of HCQ/Zn++/azithromycin healing powers without having control subjects are as suspect as the anecdotal accounts of homeopathic nostrums.

Double blind clinical studies is the only way to determine whether this treatment has any merit or if it is snake oil.

Suzanne Adams . The case for therapeutic applications of dietary flavonoids is not clear cut.

"Poor oral bioavailability has been a major limitation for the successful use of dietary flavonoids as cancer chemopreventive agents."

Article Cancer chemopreventive properties of orally bioavailable fla...

They are also not Zn++ specific chelators.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/getauthorversionpdf/c5ra05069c

Anecdotal accounts of HCQ/Zn++/azithromycin healing powers without having control subjects are as suspect as the anecdotal accounts of homeopathic nostrums. Double blind clinical studies is the only way to determine whether this treatment has any merit or if it is snake oil.

I strongly disagree. While I do agree that the clinical studies are necessary, if we didn't have anecdotal evidence as a start to base the clinical studies on, our medical practice would likely still be in the dark ages. In addition, when a significant number of small studies without the double blind methodology all have very strong positive results, I would think that would be enough evidence to do further clinical studies. By requiring the full blown clinical phase trial methodology before allowing that a treatment may be used you are in essentially saying that there is no hope for treating patients with COVID-19, because those studies often take years to complete. If there is a strong indication that a treatment is effective, thousands of people might be spared from death or life-long injuries from the illness. I agree that those clinical phase trial studies need to be completed in the long term, that does not mean that there can be no benefit from shorter term studies. For example treating a group of patients vs looking at a group of patients that received no treatment. If there is a large difference, even though the "control" group is less than ideal (i.e. received no placebo), and if there are a number of such small studies done that all indicate strong, positive results, either the placebo effect is unbelievably strong, or there is some real effect there. Then the longer term studies can be used to better quantify the results and determine long term safety aspects. I agree with others that these experimental treatments need to carefully monitored and documented by the physicians using them, and there should probably be consideration given to reserving the treatment to those where the risk of the illness outweighs the risk of the treatment. Use of the experimental treatment should probably not be considered as a preventive measure for the general public. What we need now is more solid interim data, and we need it quickly.

There are some really good lecture videos on Covid-19 by a pulmonologist critical care physician who I've been following for a while now. There are about 60 of them at least now, and they are free as a public service.

This is #34 which explains how chloroquine works at the cellular and molecular level to get zinc through the cell membrane and inside the cell to stop the viral replication. It has good drawings made partly on the spot.

There are also a few other video lectures about zinc before and after this one to watch too:

https://youtu.be/U7F1cnWup9M

The lectures are taught online at medcram.com

Here is a pubmed report on zinc and how it inhibits coronavirus replication:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2973827/

Steingrimur, I read that too about zinc chelators as opposed to zinc ionophores. The ionophores don't bind as strongly to zinc, so they are more certain to release the zinc into the cells and not hold onto them instead.

Steingrimur,

*The natural zinc ionophore, quercetin, shows strength:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25050823/?from_single_result=quercitin+zinc+transportors+ionophores&expanded_search_query=quercitin+zinc+transportors+ionophores

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31089950/?from_term=zinc+quercitin+&from_pos=5&from_exact_term=zinc+quercetin

https://www.rbmojournal.com/article/S1472-6483(20)30024-9/pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20510893/

Here's a new report that delves deeply  into natural phytochems and ionophores that help zinc work:

 "There is increasing evidence from a myriad of laboratory, animal, epidemiologic studies and available clinical trials that specific dietary agents (namely Lycopene, Epigallocatechin gallate, Sulforaphane, Indole-3-Carbinol, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Curcumin & Piperine) and Zinc display the ability to inhibit signalling pathways which lead to prostate carcinogenesis. "

http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/39/10/5231.long

*And clioquinol, which is in the family of chloroquine, appears to be a safer zinc ionophore than chloroquine:

https://www.researchgate.net/project/Clioquinol-iodochlorhydroxyquin-Not-Hydroxychloroquine-Will-Prevent-and-Treat-COVID-19-Infection-3-Clioquinol-Cream-is-Available-Now-2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6392423/?fbclid=IwAR06vW3RUb8HNd1jQpETMAwzHHL3SwFwI85pvfHj6Lq3itiRXjSYzXed0X4

Does the classic anti-malarial Quinine work as a zinc ionophore and/or inhibitor of endosomal acidification (like the chloroquine)?

Zinc (along with cupper and manganese) are 3 metals that help Superoxyde Dismutase Enzyme to work. Source: Dr. Seheult 17:15 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj2vB_VITXQ&feature=youtu.be

Endothelial Oxydative Stress could be the culprit here. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Article Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 confers endothelial protecti...

According to Dr. Seheult: "ACE2 is being downregulated and is no longer able to suppress Angiotensin induction of Reactive Oxygen Species", "SARS COV-2 destroys ACE2 which allows NADPH to ovewrproduce Superoxide molecules", "by comorbidity the superoxyde that maybe cause endothelial Damage"

Wayne White .

I agree that anecdotal observations can lead to breakthroughs in medicine, like Jenners’ cowpox vaccinations to protect against smallpox and Marshalls’ notion that ulcers are caused by H. pylory.

Conversely, anecdotal observations can also lead to falsehoods and quackery that harm more than they help. Look at bloodletting, radium therapy and Trumps’ deranged musings on the curative potential of UV light and disinfectants.

The study I linked to above compared HCQ treatment to standard care of COVID19 infected veterans. It showed that HCQ treatment caused more fatalities than standard care.

Therefore, rushing into clinically untested cures can cause more deaths.

Victor Atanasov

Quinine, like HCQ, binds many transition metal ions.

https://www.degruyter.com/view/journals/znb/29/7-8/article-p532.xml?language=en

Both are cell permeable and by passive diffusion disrupt the acidification of lysosomes. More ominously is that they also disrupt pH gradients of all cell organelles including mitochondria.

https://www.nature.com/articles/1206622

Whether they act as metal specific ionophores is still not clear. Cells are generally impermeable to charged compounds including metal complexes. Cell uptake of metals is mostly regulated by receptor mediated endocytosis or ion channels but not by passive diffusion.

Suzanne Adams .

Bioavailability of orally administered medications depends on them staying intact in the harsh conditions present in the digestive system.

1) Low pH of the stomach (pH ~2.0) followed by rapid neutralization.

2) Detergent-like cholic acids in bile.

3) Redox actions of gut microbes.

4) Diffusion through the intestinal mucosal barrier.

5) Diffusion through intestinal epithelial cells.

6) Efficient binding to plasma carrier proteins (e.g serum albumin).

I seriously doubt that any non-covalent metal chelates can stay intact through these conditions.

Yes I realize that about zinc ions. They need a carrier molecule to get inside the cell.

Article On Facing the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with Combination of Nano...

Re: anecdotal evidence vs. gold standard trials, there is another way. I invite you all to visit my project at http://fieldtrials.net . Small crossover trials by treating physicians could urgently validate (or refute) therapies like HCQ+high dose zinc. In fact, crossover trials are the recommended vehicle for bio-availability studies. Even single-case studies can be statistically significant. High-end clinical trials are never going to happen, certainly not soon enough to save lives and losses.

@Docta Kats, Agree it's really important to find an effective OTC ionophore. Not much comes up on a search of niacin as zinc ionophore. Niacin is a combination of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541036/ ) Are either of those substances zinc ionophores? Niacin seems to be a Ca++ ionophore and there is one article about a calcium ionophore increasing intracellular zinc "the so-called calcium ionophore A23187 is not specific for Ca2+ ions but also transports Zn2+ with high selectivity over Ca2+" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14716092 I'm also having a hard time finding your research on twitter or sound cloud, could you post it here, or a good link? Thank you

No one knows the truth, nor will researchers know they are afraid of getting it, until they do serious autopsies and experiment with medications. It has been too long and all of the government and researchers are turning a blind eye.

John-Paul, did you check the ones on my Facebook group that are already using it, like the ones from Eastern Virginia medical school?

John-Paul Leonard I would very much like to discourage you and your colleagues from using Chloroquine. This approach is dangerous and inappropriate, given that there are other, safer zinc ionophore alternatives.

Suzanne Adams

https://wjpr.net/dashboard/abstract_id/14381

The answer for your question.

Whoever said I was the one that wanted chloroquine. I don't know the first thing about chloroquine except it was used for malaria.

That question was made by Kiran A., and it's still a good question.

My idea has always been zinc bound with an over-the-counter type ionophore like quercetin or another natural polyphenol flavonoid or similar substance.

Vitamin D and few other things are also really good like NAC.

Kiran R,

Did you read this report that was just released today: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720306435?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email

Suzanne Adams There are abundant issues with this article, far too many to enumerate in a single comment and I simply do not have time to go into great detail, here, so will give an obvious instance:

" Supplementation of zinc is known to be clinically relatively safe if dosing ranges and upper limits of dosing are based on recommended dietary allowances [20] "

"...clinically relatively safe..?" Zinc is essential to more bodily functions than nearly any element in the periodic table. Without zinc in our diets, we would cease to exist. Thus, a ridiculous statement. Further, the statement is referenced "[20]" to an article that does not appear in any search. The direct link takes one to a dead link page. The authors do not appear to understand they are asserting gross exaggerations of facts about chloroquine and hydroxycholorine, which makes me wonder if they are somehow associated with certain drug manufacturers. I can find no unequivocal, peer-reviewed literature that "a pH increase in intracellular compartments might be one important inhibiting effect of CQ and probably of HCQ in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients..." If you follow the trail on this statement, reference [8], you can read multiple commentaries bashing that review article on the scientific merits, alone.

Once again, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are not the answer, and ought not be recommended or further studied. They are dangerous drugs, with severe downside, employed in patients for whose underlying diseases the nasty side effects of the drugs is the "lesser of two evils."

I'm just posting a new review that came in today. Doctors use drugs all the time with tremendous side effects. My idea is using zinc with natural ionophores like quercetin. What is your idea?

Here's a 4-29 report about a study going on by cardiologists at one of the best cardiology hospitals in the US: https://www.healio.com/cardiology/vascular-medicine/news/online/%7Bc30ff204-961b-4c2a-9bdd-3eb50a50df1b%7D/new-study-to-provide-insight-on-hydroxychloroquine-for-covid-19-prevention-in-health-care-workers?page=5

https://www.henryford.com/news/2017/11/hfh-top-cardiology-hospital

I am for zinc for CoVi, along with other micronutrients in short supply, and zinc fortification worldwide as well. I based my opinions on anything else after many studies are in. I believe in open-mindedness and that the decision on hydroxy is not in yet. I do believe that it would be much safer with zinc added. This cardiologist from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit has a differing opinion on it is what I am saying and the studies are not in yet. I believe that I should have respect for his opinion as he is a doctor, and also specialized in cardiology. With love, Suzanne

Jonas, I believe I sent you my book chapter on zinc and that you know how strongly I believe in it, and how many years I've been following the studies on it. I believe in your concerns regarding the dangers of chloroquine. However, wouldn't every single drug be taken off the market if it had dangerous side effects. All one has to do is listen to the TV drug commercials and be horrified by the side effects of these drugs, especially the ones that suppress the immune system with side effects of cancer and death even, not to mention the inability to fight off infections.

here's a better link to the Henry Ford study https://www.henryford.com/news/2020/04/enrollment-in-hydroxychloroquine-study-begins

Suzanne Adams A better question would be, "why are we barking up this tree, when we already know that there is serious downside to these drugs?" It is a time-waste and interfering with more appropriate efforts to identify the best drug treatments and vaccines possible to address this coronavirus. What is the point of spending all this money chasing after a non-cure we already know [from more than 50 years of data] can damage the eyes [resulting in blindness] and cause cardiac issues, potentially resulting in death? There is no upside to this...

Here is an explanation for that question by this doctor that I just now heard:

https://www.facebook.com/TheNewAmerican/videos/233436331092697/

Jonas Moses

This is more of a political issue than a scientific one. Some are desperate to believe a conman from New York.

Seriously, trump said that injections with disinfectants and blasting the body with UV light should be looked at as a treatment for the virus. Their devotion to trump reminds me of a cult.

Steingrimur Stefansson agreed. However, ResearchGate is supposed to be a bastion of scientific investigation, critical thinking and solid scientific analysis. It is not a place to air political fanaticism, hyperbole, fringe beliefs, et al. That is the bailiwick of social media...

Suzanne Adams Dr. Graves is not an epidemiologist, not a SME in infectious disease, no background in pharmacokinetics... she is a retired FP physician and well-known Conservative activist.. Small wonder she hypes the White House approach to this pandemic and parrots Mr. Trumps's assertion that chloroquine is a wonder drug. Look at who is interviewing her...a high profile right wing Conservative mouthpiece magazine, "The New American." Not CNN, ABC, CBS, not MSNBC, not Al Jezeerah, not BBC or British World Service, not NPR or any other respected, internationally acclaimed news organization. This isn't the NY Times, Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Trib or WSJ...it's a tiny, right wing political rag.

Again, if there are any peer-reviewed, scientifically sound articles on the efficacy of chloroquine speaking to the drug's front line pharmacokinetic action regarding coronavirus, I cannot find it.

Furthmore, Dr. Graves apparently supports the work [research/] of the French doctor, Didier Raoult, whose recent article on Chloroquine use in treating COVID 19 is under scrutiny of retraction by Elsevier and Medscape: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/928336

...as bad science.

Jonas Moses touting hydroxychloroquine as a virus cure is a fringe belief. I have been on RG for a long time, but I was dismayed when I saw some RG threads praising homeopathy! This sort of pseudo-science has to be confronted especially now when so many lives are at stake.

Steingrimur Stefansson THANK you! Wholly in agreement.

I don't believe any of these MD's have any thing to do with homeopathy.

Ongoing Hydroxy zinc studies:

*Eastern VA Med School Covid-19 Protocol:

https://www.evms.edu/covid-19/medical_information_resources/#d.en.140202

*WHIP COVID-19 Study:

William W. O’Neill, MD, medical director of the Center for Structural Heart Disease at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and one of the organizers of the WHIP COVID-19 study, to learn more. William W. O’Neill, MD, can be reached at [email protected].

https://www.healio.com/cardiology/vascular-medicine/news/online/%7Bc30ff204-961b-4c2a-9bdd-3eb50a50df1b%7D/new-study-to-provide-insight-on-hydroxychloroquine-for-covid-19-prevention-in-health-care-workers

His reference listed:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924857920300996?via%3Dihub

----------------------------

*IV Zinc Only Study:

 The trial is being led by Dr Joseph Ischia from Austin Health, along with Dr Oneel Patel from the Department of Surgery at the University of Melbourne:

https://about.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2020/april/world-first-trial-to-test-benefit-of-intravenous-zinc-in-covid-19-fight

Updated IV Zinc Only Report; Fast Tracked:

https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/clinical-trials-fast-tracked-to-test-zinc-chloride-benefits-on-covid-19-patients/418975/

---------------------------

*Zinc and Hydroxy Study in NY:

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/04/30/coronavirus-exclusive-meet-the-doctor-behind-the-hydroxychloroquine-treatment-for-covid-19/

Cardiologist Dr. Avni Thakore is the study’s principal investigator

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One of the main problems with covid-19 is the use of ACE inhibitors and other zinc blocking and/or depleting drugs:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7118626/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23279674

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/1072

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720306678?via%3Dihub

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/9/1284

Suzanne Adams If you go to Clinicaltrials.gov you will find that there are no clinical trials underway or planned using IV zinc for COVID19 anywhere in the world.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=covid-19&term=zinc&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=

Steingrimur,

Here is Dr.Joseph Ischia's medical webpage. Contact information is available if you would like to talk to him directly about his zinc trial in Melbourne, Australia. He is a board certified surgical uro-oncologist who has done extensive research and work with zinc in his patients. He is part of Epworth UroRenal and Vascular Clinical Institute in Melbourne.

https://www.epworth.org.au/who-we-are/find-a-doctor/dr-joseph-ischia

PS: the big reason why zinc is particularly important with coronaviruses is because it works directly at the Ace II receptor sites on the cells by stopping the viral spike protein from getting inside the cell and then using the DNA to replicate itself. Here is what I mean, described in detail in this article:

https://academic.oup.com/mbe/advance-article/doi/10.1093/molbev/msaa094/5819559

Also, here's what zinc did when it was added to AZT therapy for HIV/AIDS:

https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/130/5/1424S/4686403

I could post so many more from PubMed but they are already posted on my Facebook group page "nutrition and cytology". You're welcome to join. There're now over 700 members and most of them are doctors from around the world.

Suzanne Adams From Dr Ischias page: https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/clinical-trials-fast-tracked-to-test-zinc-chloride-benefits-on-covid-19-patients/418975/

"International Zinc Association (IZA) – industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users – has been closely monitoring the situation and working actively finding potential treatment with zinc for COVID19.

It is obvious that this group is only interested in pushing zinc onto the medical community whether it helps or not. Maybe trying to get some of the money off this snakeoil "cure".

it is obvious that you are just pushing for a vaccine and know very little of what about zinc

Suzanne Adams Are you an anti-vaxxer?

No but they're not very effective when you still have obesity, and zinc deficiency along with vitamin D deficiency.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26044074/?fbclid=IwAR0k2ZlG_MS2CePt16OUntvHS3fVWKDELljfp2kp6dPn6JULCdc5QJdxBQo

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4981723

This website is a useful resource, and there are many recent articles on this very subject: http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml

John Mason Non peer reviewed "science" articles are less useful than toilet paper. At least TP has a designed purpose. Science deniers will always be relegated to the garbage heap of history.

Steingrimur, no I'm saying that zinc levels in people need to rise before any vaccine can be effective. How can antibodies be made when there's not enough of zinc to do so, especially in those who are on zinc depleting drugs like ACE inhibitors. Your insulting prejudicial statements are going to be reported. You're absolutely unprofessional in your behavior, and I'm not a Trumper.

Mika Turkia Anybody with a credit card can announce a clinical trial. When they have to justify statistics, cohort composition. mission statement , end-point evaluation, age dependent inclusivity, etc, these slugs just fade away.