Many state governments have already implemented this COVID-19 treatment with success, as some news reports. Hydroxychloroquine comes in, and it stops malaria from eating the hemoglobin and releasing its iron ions into the bloodstream. She is a novelist, is owned by a beagle, enjoys a healthy vegan lifestyle, and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Professor Joseph Napoli, of the University of California, Berkeley, said: “We see all sorts of scams about nutrition. Quinine can also be found in grapefruit skins but is more concentrated in the cinchona bark tree. You can read it below. Recent studies revealed that the biochemical compounds in this plant, namely the alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols in its fruits and the alkaloids, phenols, and saponins in its roots are highly effective against malaria. Long term I think we all want to see more healthy remedies to our ills, so I’m pretty positive about grapefruit juice and think it’s one to watch out for, if we can get the marketing right this dynamo juice really has some excellent benefits according to organic associations, health specialists and the science arena . We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You may have seen quinine on the ingredient list of some foods or carbonated beverages like tonic water. The bitter properties arising from an essence called ‘naringin’ in grapefruits tone up the system and the digestive process. How Can Hydroxychloroquine Treat COVID-19? The seeds of this tree contain an active compounds, similar to hydroxychloroquine in its action against malaria. Advertisement. This is because grapefruit helps minimize acidity. In the U.S., there have been about 100 quinine-caused deaths over the last 40 years, according to the FDA, and hundreds of permanent injuries. Grapefruit contains quinine-like substances, which in turn is effective in treating malaria. Some sufferers of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and nighttime leg cramps claim that quinine provides relief, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about serious side effects--even death--associated with quinine use in some people. A post being circulated on social media post incorrectly claims the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which is being used by some doctors in the treatment of COVID-19, is the same as quinine. In the United States, the FDA limits the amount of quinine allowable in tonic water to about one-10th the prescription dose. Find out more by reading below. Quinine acts as a mild muscle relaxant in small doses, which is why some say that it is an effective treatment for leg cramps but also the reason that quinine can be dangerous in doses that are not carefully measured and prescribed. Guduchi, commonly known as heart-leaved moonseed, is an Ayurvedic medicine for malaria, with immunomodulatory properties just like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Suddenly you find the juice on the no-no list of what not to consume from your doctor. But there is more to it. Dr. Vladimir (Zev) Zelenko, a NY practitioner, who has used hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin plus zinc sulfate successfully to treat COVID-19 patients, has sent this letter to President Trump. Chloroquine, the precursor of hydroxychloroquine, has been around for over 80 years. Increasing potassium intake is also important for lowering blood pressure because of its powerful vasodilation effects. Note that quinine should never be taken to prevent malaria, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Grapefruit contains quinine, which is beneficial in the treatment of marlaria, as well as other conditons such as lupus, arthritis and nocturnal leg cramps. As a result, hydroxychloroquine expels the coronavirus COVID-19 bug out of the lung cells and can’t infect them anymore. What actually works is hydroxychloroquine with zinc sulfate and azythromicin (Zithromax). Quinine is a prescribed medication that can have serious side effects. The bitter principle in grapefruit is naringin, not quinine. Grapefruit juice is quite rich in potassium and vitamin C, so it is one of the best treatments for issues related to urination often caused by liver, kidney or heart problems. The amount of quinine in beverages like tonic water is minuscule, but drinking large amounts could lead to dangerous side effects, according to Harvard Health Publishing. ", PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. In addition, they have little to no side-effects if used according to a medical prescription. Quassin is a very common ingredient in soft tonic drinks. Why Is a Malaria Treatment Effective for COVID-19? Like any food or drink, tonic water could bring about a reaction in anyone who is sensitive or allergic to quinine. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The FDA has issued strong warnings about using such products. and Quinine is a naturally occurring substance in the bark of the cinchona tree, which is found in the Andes Mountains of Peru and Ecuador. Learn more about Grapefruit uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain Grapefruit Grapefruit juice is a valuable remedy for influenza since it helps minimize acidity in the system. Grapefruit juice, when combined with water, can quench thirst very quickly and keep you hydrated for longer. As such, grapefruit helps maintain an alkaline atmosphere within your body. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse Mountains of Peru and Ecuador. The levels of tryptophan in grapefruit juice enable us to nod off peacefully. Regular hydration and vitamin A are also crucial for healthy-looking skin. Self-medication using quinine can be extremely risky, so see your doctor for treatment of conditions where quinine may be prescribed. People swore by it. Good to know! If you can’t find quinine or cinchona bark in the herb aisle of your local grocery store, look in your local natural health store. What we know for sure is that patients with COVID-19 suffer from prolonged and progressive hypoxia. This simple herb has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a treatment for malaria. It wasn’t long ago households regularly bought grapefruit for breakfast or drank the ‘tart’ grapefruit juice, and told themselves they were being healthy. Denise Dayton, M.Ed., M.S. Quinine acts as a mild muscle relaxant in small doses, which is why some say that it is an effective treatment for leg cramps but also the reason that quinine can be dangerous in doses that are not carefully measured and prescribed. Here's what you need to know about quinine in food. It is a common herbal treatment for malaria, cold and influenza, sore throat as well as other conditions such as neuralgia, muscle cramps, and cardiac fibrillation. . This plant is an effective treatment for fevers and is especially used as a treatment and preventative of malaria. Quinine is naturally extracted from the bark of Cinchona trees. Grapefruit juice is a rich source of antioxidants, such as vitamin C. These can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Grapefruit health benefits also include promoting restful sleep. I hope you found it helpful! A good explanation that we found here is that the glycoproteins in COVID-19 attach to the proteins in the hemoglobin (responsible to carry oxygen through the bloodstream) called “hemes“. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The market is expected to grow annually by 0.8% (CAGR 2018-2021). After being used for ages to treat malaria, some of the parasites causing malaria have developed a resistance to it. The drug was first developed as an antimalarial treatment. Self-medication using quinine can be extremely risky, so see your doctor for treatment of conditions where quinine may be prescribed. What Is The Effect of Quinine Tonic Water on Arthritis? According to the American Heart Association, eating higher amounts of flavonoid may lower the risk of ischemic stroke for women. She is a regular contributor for SynBioBeta and a consultant for Healthline. Other studies have revealed that the use of this extract doesn’t interfere with the antiplasmodial activity of chloroquine and quinine. It should not be The risk of ischemic stroke was 19% lower for those who consumed the highest amounts of citrus than for women who consumed the lowest amounts. (Cananga odorata & Artabotrys hexapetalus). It is quite interesting to see that drugs that have been used for malaria, have such a beneficial effect against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Apparently, this is the same reason why hydroxychloroquine has great results in treating COVID-19. Guduchi is a common alternative treatment for intermittent fevers due to dengue and malaria. Grapefruit health benefits, for example, include fighting various ailments such as fatigue, fever, malaria, diabetes, and urinary problems. Most of these benefits come from the high content of vitamin C in grapefruits, which acts as a general immune system defense system and can help the body in fighting the fever. When the virus binds to the hemes, it forces them to release this toxic oxidative iron ion into the bloodstream. Amongst the natural alternatives for hydroxychloroquine, we need to mention quercitin, the OTC that Dr. Zev Zelenko recommends as prophylaxis for COVID-19. In one study those who consumed 4069 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium. Remijia bark could be a natural alternative to hydroxychloroquine. (1, 2). The amount of quinine in any food is strictly regulated by the Food & Drug Administration. grapefruit, cinnamon, lemon, lime, oranges, ginger, raisins, honey, pepper and basil. 7 Natural Alternatives to Hydroxychloroquine, Other Natural Alternatives to Hydroxychloroquine, Natural Alternatives to Hydroxychloroquine – Update, 8 Natural Alternatives to Azythromicin for COVID-19, 5 Best Natural Supplements to Prevent COVID-19, chloroquine was actually created as an alternative treatment for quinine, Natural Alternatives to Azythromicin for COVID-19. Quinine or any synthetic derivatives should only be used according to a doctor's recommendations. The powerful nutrient combination of fiber, potassium, lycopene, vitamin C, and choline in grapefruit juice all help to maintain a healthy heart. Due to the vitamin C and potassium contents, grapefruit is also good for treating urinary disorders. Note that chloroquine is not being tested as a vaccine, and the verdict is still out on whether it is effective as a treatment. Don't buy off-brand quinine from the Internet or from vendors outside the United States. From an international perspective it is shown that most revenue is generated in the United States (US$314m in 2018). Andreea Laza is our full-time chief editor, with a BA in English language and an MA in Media Communication. Quinine is found naturally in grapefruit skins, real tonic water and the cinchona tree bark. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. This suggests that it does not significantly affect blood sugar and insulin levels. 17 Jan / admin / Diet and Nutrition Quinine gives the bitter taste to the tonic water that’s often used as a mixer with vodka or gin. The aforementioned scientific paper revealed that artemisinin and its two derivatives have been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral malaria in areas where chloroquine resistance was endemic and the cure rate was greater than 90%. This is due to the high amount of fiber within grapefruits. Rub the inside of the peel against your face as a cleanser. Or, if you have any life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. In the United States, the FDA limits the amount of quinine allowable in tonic water to about one-10th the prescription dose.