Glutathione, COVID-19, Colloidal silver, Antabuse, Ebselen

Bio in July 2019

Repurposed Drugs for SARS-CoV-2 Versus Natural Medicine or Orthomolecular Supplementation

By Sue Visser

Finding new applications for some of the well-established drugs we have in the marketplace gives us the advantage of knowing about their side effects. Cheaper generic versions of these silver bullets are available in some cases. As soon as we mention the pandemic, people get excited about Planquenil, the drug we call hydroxychloroquine. Another popular and very expensive antibiotic called Zithromax is often used in combination with this anti-malarial drug. Is treating the viral pandemic with antibiotics and a vintage drug that is currently useless against drug-resistant malaria the best we can do?

Q: What is the most common cause of a respiratory crisis?

Certainly not any deficiency of hydroxychloroquine or Zithromax! A lack of glutathione is now what the latest scientific studies are pointing to as a primary cause of pneumonia COVID-19 complications.¹ There are a number of key micronutrients as well as amino acids we need to maintain our glutathione status to prevent such diseases. When we are full of toxins, pathogens, and chronic conditions caused by poor eating habits, our immune system is already down and out. Dr Horowitz a renowned researcher of Lyme disease noticed the dramatic, almost immediate relief that patients who could hardly breathe experienced after a dose of glutathione within one hour of administration.² “Although anecdotal,” he said, “I have heard from patients who were on NAC and glutathione when they were exposed to COVID-19, that they did not get sick or test positive for the virus, when others around them did.” Cytokines are made by the body to fight invaders; but when there are too many, when the immune system is on overdrive, the cytokines turn on the host itself. Glutathione and related supplements may well stop COVID’s “cytokine storm syndrome.”

Q: What exactly is glutathione—can we buy it over the counter, without a prescription?

Glutathione (GSH) is one of the body’s master antioxidants and plays an important role in our defenses, regulating cytokine responses and immunity. GSH is a small protein molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine called GSH precursors or building blocks.³ (I often talk about glutamate and the supplement L-glutamine converts to glutamate, as does MSG.) Vitamin C, another very effective antioxidant also inhibits airway inflammation and increases glutathione. Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system and is one of the most effective ways to deactivate the replication of the coronavirus’s RNA. The most effective way, as we mentioned in the first of our talks on COVID-19 is to tune up the immune system. Selenium is a cofactor for the production of glutathione. Supporting our natural ability to ward off and treat both viral and bacterial diseases is all we need to do. However, this approach is the one we are constantly reminded to forget about!

Oral glutathione supplements that include the bioavailable precursors such as N-acetylcysteine can effectively increase glutathione production and hence improve the outcome of patients. For the emergency treatment of coronavirus-infected patients, some forms of glutathione can be inhaled into the lungs or used transdermally or intravenously.

Q: What is this newly re-discovered wonder drug they call Ebselen and are there any harmful side effects?

How about Ebselen? In the past, doctors have used Ebselen to help treat bipolar disorder, cataracts, and hearing loss. Recent studies show that it inhibits the virus’s main protease, which is known as Mpro.⁴ As a consequence, scientists have already shown that Ebselen is safe. It also exerts a powerful antibacterial effect on drug-resistant strains like staphylococcus aureus and significantly reduces their elusive biofilms. It doubles up as an anti-inflammatory and can reduce cytokine levels. Ebselen is a selenium-based organic complex, which can mimic the activity of glutathione peroxidase. It is a strong antioxidant, which increases the efficiency of glutathione and has a strong neutralizing effect against free radicals, especially when it comes to inflamed airways—not only for coronavirus patients, but also for lungs that have been damaged by cigarette smoke.

The use of colloidal silver and Ebselen in synergistic formulations has been shown to be effective against five, clinically difficult-to-treat MDR Gram negative bacteria.^5,6 Ebselen has low cytotoxicity (LD50 tests in rats) and its safety in humans has been evaluated in several clinical trials. The clinical potential for the combination of Ebselen plus colloidal silver for SARS-CoV-2 treatment is very promising. It would bypass the necessity for separate antiviral drugs—plus antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as antioxidants. Novel antimicrobials are becoming increasingly difficult to develop and are currently unable to keep pace with the emergence of resistant bacteria as it is. Because Ebselen mimics the natural substance we call glutathione peroxidase, it behaves like a micronutrient in its own right with an excellent safety record.

Q: What is colloidal silver and why are we being told it is ineffective—if not dangerous?

According to WEBMED, “There are currently no FDA-approved over-the-counter or prescription drugs containing silver that are taken by mouth. However, there are still colloidal silver products being sold as homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements. Colloidal silver is used for infections, hay fever, skin conditions, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of its uses. Colloidal silver can be unsafe when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, inhaled, or given by IV. Despite some claims, there is no good evidence to support using colloidal silver for COVID-19. In fact, it can be unsafe. We are advised to follow healthy lifestyle choices and proven prevention methods instead.”⁷

Is this really the case? Absolutely not! Only silver nanoparticles (colloids) can survive inside the body. Metallic silver particles are unaffected by hydrochloric stomach acid and chloride ions and will circulate in the bloodstream. The particles will slowly be eliminated from the body and do not build up. It is the particles of metallic silver that provide the real benefit, especially against viruses as well as bacteria. According to an excellent study in Feb/March and April 2006 editions of the highly respected Townsend Letter, licensed practitioners have had access to medically tested/certified forms of silver hydrosol for the past 14 years.⁸

Silver-based remedies have been used for treating virus-related respiratory disorders for many decades and have a safe and reliable track record.⁹ There is sufficient evidence (in vitro and in vivo) of its efficacy against over 24 of the dominating strains, plus those responsible for HIV/AIDS and the Herpesvirus hominis (HSM) virus. According to Eric Gordon, MD, and Ken Holtorf, MD, the authors of the much-quoted Townsend article, oligodynamic silver is all one needs to eliminate deadly viruses—plus their mutations.

Q: How does silver do this?

The atoms of silver that encircle each silver nanoparticle are released into water in order to purify it and this is why in ancient times, water was stored in silver containers to kill the germs.⁹ Regardless of understanding the mind-boggling science behind nanosilver and the way that bio-active silver ions react within the bloodstream, the immune system or your drinking water, they zap the infections before they can spread to others. The silver nanoparticles that are measured in nanometres (usually 1-10 nm) are said by some researchers and manufacturers of colloidal silver to be: “the single-most effective all-natural anti-viral substances on the face of the earth.”¹⁰ In the 2005 HIV study they found that they could inhibit the virus from binding to host cells, as demonstrated in vitro. In a 1992 study published in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry showed a 700 times reduction in the concentration of smallpox viral particles when Protargol (a commercial brand of colloidal silver) was applied.

Q: If colloidal silver kills bacteria, what happens to our friendly gut flora?

Beneficial microbes and bacteria that reside in the gut are no different in structure to infectious strains that cause pneumonia or tuberculosis. Colloidal silver will kill any bacteria and may continue to destroy its further attempts at trying to emerge.¹¹ However, we have a few kilograms of beneficial microorganisms within our intestinal tract at any point in time, so a small daily dose will not cause a major disruption. We are usually advised to supplement with probiotics for this reason, when taking regular antibiotics and that would include Zithromax. By adding a small dose of colloidal silver, we discourage, pathogenic bacteria and encourage the fast-growing gut flora. It is important to take a wide variety of different strains, as the dominance of lactobacillus does not support a healthy biome.¹²

Q: Does silver really make you turn blue and should it be banned?

The adult daily dosage of supplemental colloidal silver is about 5 ml-10 ml daily, and this amount could hardly be deemed as dangerous or the cause of argyria (turning the skin blue) or anything untoward. Unlike the queue of pills that are prescribed for treating both chronic and acute conditions, there has been no evidence of side effects at the recommended dosage.¹³ Exceeding the recommended dose by 48 times every day for a year may cause some of the silver to accumulate under the skin, giving a silvery blue complexion.

Colloidal silver/nanosilver are sold as supplements and manufacturers are not authorized to make any claim that they can treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease (despite the overwhelming scientific evidence). Buying your own Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator is an alternative to using your favourite commercial brands—should they be banished from the shelves.

We can either choose to take advantage of the decades of scientific studies that support sliver-based drugs against this and future respiratory pandemics or succumb to yet another strain of yet another deadly virus.¹⁴

Q: What about other drugs that can support glutathione?

Antabuse, a drug that is commonly used for treating alcohol abuse offers a number of benefits as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2. The generic is called disulfiram and as previously demonstrated in vitro with SARS and MERS coronaviruses,¹⁵ it inhibits the main coronavirus protease (M pro) and stops it from replicating.¹⁶ It also helps the body to compensate for a loss of glutathione. As we now know, a glutathione deficiency (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral) is the leading cause of respiratory distress and cytokine storms. The drug is not expensive and has the advantage of doubling up as a treatment for alcoholics. For South Africa this has additional benefits, as many of the vacant coronavirus/pandemic beds are occupied by the victims of alcohol abuse.

Q: Are there any drugs that can help with the cytokine storm?

Yes, a surprising one comes from a popular veterinary drug called Ivermectin.¹⁷ It is used for killing scabies and other parasites that affect farm animals. Now, according to Dr Kylie Wagstaff, who led the latest study: “We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA by 48 hours and that even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it.” Ivermectin is a treatment for roundworm infections as well as scabies and rosacea, a skin condition that results in redness and causes pus-filled bumps on the face. It kills parasites by super-relaxing them, so they lose their grip on the host. Ivermectin is classified as a GABA-agonist. In other words, it works as an activator of GABA, our chief inhibitory neurotransmitter. Natural equivalents we all use come from herbs like valerian, passiflora and hops that are herbal tranquillizers and sedatives!

Q: What about natural remedies or the orthomolecular approach?

Like all viruses, the latest strain we now call SARS-CoV-2 spreads by RNA replication, and the race is on to find a novel drug or vaccine to inhibit it. Coronaviruses involve proteases that are situated on their characteristic spikes. In this case, the protease called Mpro is one of the main targets to address with an effective protease inhibitor. The second mode of action is to deactivate the RNA. There are plenty of natural substances we can use, even without promulgating a petro-chemically derived drug such as hydroxychloroquine. It is not even available in South Africa. Fortunately zinc plus natural ionophores like quercetin or green tea are even cheaper and easier to find. As a health researcher and keen observer of COVID-19 treatments for the “2020 global pandemic,” it is difficult for me to recommend a tried and tested, reliable natural remedy like Artemisia, olive leaf,¹⁸ or colloidal silver without being viewed with suspicion. As for orthomolecular medicine…can we still argue against our universal toxic overload combined with the paucity of key nutrients that maintain a healthy happy immune system? To some extent, we all lack the basic nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and selenium, let alone the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamine that add up to glutathione. Ventilators cannot save the lives of patients who have one thing in common: a glutathione deficiency.

We are constantly reminded by the WHO that: “While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines.”¹⁹ They say that “Doctors are discouraging the use of drugs recommended by practitioners of alternative medicine because a drug has to be developed keeping in mind its safety and efficacy.”

The good news is that when using existing drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 with those originally intended for other treatments, we can use them as multi-taskers, for alcohol abuse, bipolar disorders, cataracts, rosacea and so on. Olive leaf and artemisia, although ridiculed and scorned by some, as treatments for viral or bacterial treatments certainly do still work against malaria and a lot of other parasites.^20,21 We have many options to choose from, to both prevent as well as treat coronaviruses and mosquito bites!

People are waiting for a new scientifically proven drug to cure or prevent coronavirus infections, but should we ignore alternative strategies in the meantime? Would a new, untested vaccine be safe for everyone to use—especially if there is no guarantee and no liability or comebacks? Some people welcome the idea, others do not.

References

1. Pffeifer MB. Science suggests we can prevent COVID, even when defenses fall. August 10, 2020. Lymedisease.org

2. Horowitz RI, Freeman PR, Bruzzese J. Efficacy of glutathione therapy in relieving dyspnea associated with COVID-19 pneumonia: A report of 2 cases. Respir Med Case Rep. 2020;30:101063.

3. What Glutathione (GSH) is and how it affects your immune health. No date. http://www.immunehealthscience.com/glutathione.html

4. Another existing drug shows promise against COVID-19. Medical Health News. No date.

5. Thangamani S, Younis W, Seleem MN. Repurposing ebselen for treatment of multi-drug-resistant staphyloccal infections. Scientific Reports. June 26, 2015.

6. Menéndez CA, et al. Molecular characterization of ebselen binding activity to SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Science Advances. September 11, 2020.

7. Colloidal Silver. WebMD.

8. Gordon E, Holtort K. Promising Cure to URTI Pandemics, Including the Avian Flu (H5N1): Has the Final Solution to the Coming Plagues Been Discovered? Parts 1 and 2. Townsend Letter. February/March 2006 (#272/273); April 2006 (#274).

9. Types of Silver Supplements. https://www.argentyn23.com/the-science-of-silver/types-of-silver-supplements/

10. Is Colloidal Silver really the “Silver Bullet” Against Potentially Deadly Viral Infections? https://www.colloidalsilverkillsviruses.com/

11. Does Colloidal silver Kill Both Good Bacteria as Well as Bad in the Human Body? https://thesilveredge.com/bacteria/

12. https://organicchoice.co.za/product/probiotic-15-liquid-concentrate-with-selenium-nature-fresh/

13. Tipton S. Colloidal Silver: Myths and Truths About Side Effects. https://readynutrition.com/resources/colloidal-silver-series-part-1-myths-and-truths-about-side-effects_21052018/

14. Knight C. Does Silver Kill Bacteria & Viruses? HealthCraft.com. March 3, 2020.

15. Zahid H. Alcoholism Drug Disulfiram Potentially Effective Against COVID-19. MedicalDialogues.in. August 6, 2020.

16. Drug used against alcohol addiction may be key to COVID-19 cure, finds Russian study. August 7, 2020. https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/drug-used-against-alcoholaddiction-may-be-key-to-covid-19-cure-finds-russian-study-10014992

17. Lice drug ‘possible’ solution to COVID-19: What is Ivermectin? https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-drug-ivermectin-6355993/

18. Natural remedies for COVID-19? April 6, 2020. https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/integrative-medicine/natural-remedies-for-covid-19/

19. Explained: Can alternative medicine work against the coronavirus? March 28, 2020. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/can-alternative-medicine-work-against-the-coronavirus-6335098/

20. Visser S. A Natural Solution to Drug-Resistant Malaria. Townsend Letter. July 2019; 432.

21. Visser S. Artemisia for Malaria. March 22, 2016. https://naturefresh.co.za/artemesia-for-malaria/