Israeli scientists claim yogurt drink can help Covid-19 symptoms
The research was conducted at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev [Getty] Date of publication: 13 April, 2021 Share this page:
Scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have claimed that molecules present in kefir yogurt can help treat the symptoms caused by Covid-19.
In a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Microbiome, PhD student Orit Malka and Prof. Raz Jelinek showed how microorganisms found in kefir yogurt can treat inflammatory conditions, including cytokine storms.
Kefir is a fermented drink, similar to yogurt but with a thinner consistency. It is made from kefir grains, a specific type of mesophilic symbiotic culture.
Israeli scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have identified molecules in kefir a probiotic that can calm an inflammatory immune response known as cytokine storm , which affects individuals suffering from severe COVID-19.
a leading peer-reviewed publication was led by Orit Malka, a PhD student of professor Raz Jelinek, GU vice president and dean for research and development. These results are notable, since this is the first demonstration that virulence of human pathogenic bacteria can be mitigated by molecules secreted in probiotic milk products, such as yogurt or kefir, said Jelinek. Our research illuminates the mechanism by which milk fermented probiotics can protect against pathogenic infections and aid the immune system. Following promising results in animal models, we look forward to administering these drug candidates to patients who are experiencing a cytokine storm due to COVID-19 infection, or people suffering from acute inflammatory bowel pathologies, such as Crohn s disease.
Molecules isolated from probiotic-packed yogurt could prove to be ideal drug candidates that address a range of inflammatory conditions that include the immune response seen in COVID-19 patients.
Writing in the journal
Microbiome, researchers successfully isolated molecules secreted by a yeast contained in kefir yoghurt that has proved efficacious against the causative agent of cholera.
Further research highlighted the molecules’ anti-inflammatory effect in tackling the so-called cytokine storm – the extreme immune response responsible for the deaths of so many COVID-19 patients.
Commenting on the molecule’s apparent ability to restore balance to the immune system, Professor Raz Jelinek, the Vice President and Dean for Research & Development at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) said,
Israeli researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has identified novel drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic yogurt for combating pathogenic bacteria and for treating various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and COVID-19-related cytokine storms.