If anyone has been following the
MedCram YouTube channel with Dr. Seheult and his coronavirus updates, I first of all recommend to review the Updates 34 & 35. However, it's probably worth binge watching all of the updates if you have the time, especially if you've always been interested in molecular biology and other medical topics. In any case, I wanted to specifically discuss zinc ionophores.
To summarize the theory outlined by Dr. Seheult, zinc has been shown to possibly slow down viral replication. This is significant, as it would allow your immune system to have a fighting chance to create antibodies faster than the virus is multiplying. The problem is, getting zinc where it needs to be - mainly inside the cell membrane. From the videos, he describes the 2+ ion characteristics of zinc that restricts entry through the cell membrane. Now enter zinc ionophores - which reportedly produce a "gateway" to allow the zinc though. The first zinc ionophore he discusses is chloroquine - which has been used as an anti-malarial for quite some time. Here in the US, it's a drug that can only be prescribed by a physician (due to side effects). I'm not sure what the status is in Indonesia, as I've been able to go and buy quite a few pharmaceuticals over the counter at various apotiks. In Korea (which has been doing a pretty good job dealing with coronavirus), are using hydroxychloroquine - 400mg as noted
here. Hydroxychloroquine, I' believe, has less side effects. I've read some news that chloroquine is currently in high demand across the US, and pharmacies are on back order for some time.
The other point that Dr. Seheult made, were about other (more available) forms of zinc ionophores. At the top of the list is quercetin. There are two interesting clinical studies on quercetin that show it's effectiveness as an anti-viral. The National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
noted here that quercetin inhibited influenza A. As well, there is currently a clinical trial going on between China and a clinical research institute in Canada with quercetin and coronavirus as
described here. Quercetin naturally occurs in some plants - red raspberries and black grapes seem to have the highest amounts. However, it's sold as a concentrated supplement for helping the immune system and allergy support. They also use it in some energy drinks, as it has a bit of a stimulant effect. You don't want to take this in the evening, as it can interfere with REM sleep. That's an important point, as Dr. Seheult discussed early on that getting 7-8 hours of regular sleep is very important for your immune system.
Here is a paper from the NCBI, that discusses quercetin and epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG - green tea extract) as being effective zinc ionophores. EGCG is something people use as weight loss supplements, and immune support. However, it can upset your stomach and definitely has a stimulant effect.
Taking zinc supplements, vitamin D3 (1000 IU), getting proper/regular sleep, and possibly introducing a zinc ionophore to create celluar metabolic gateways may improve your defense in the event of exposure. Not ever getting this virus is of course the best outcome, but this is at least something worth considering until a vaccine becomes available.