Consumption of natural products and its effects on Covid-19, Barranca district [Consumo de productos naturales y sus efectos en la Covid-19, distrito de Barranca]

The objective was to determine the consumption of natural products and its effects on Covid-19, in the district of Barranca. Data was collected on people of legal age, who said they had had symptoms of Covid-19, than having consumed natural products. The information collection process was from September 2020 to January 2021, in a total of 200 people per month of both sexes


Introduction
During the last months of 2020, the increase in contagion by Covid-19 was significant, since this disease has been harmful in people with chronic diseases and older adults who in many cases were hospitalized.This situation was reflected in the inadequate compliance with prevention measures and overcrowding in places such as markets, banks and streets in the Barranca district; according to Cruz et al. (2021), state that at the end of 2020 there was a relaxation in the use of the established protection measures, which influenced the increase in infections and deaths from Covid-19, either due to year-end vacations and labor informality.Likewise, MINSA (2021) reports that there were positive infections and deaths from  showing that in September 2020 there were 260 positives and 9 deaths, and after a slight decrease they increased to 144 positives and 10 deaths in January 2021.
It is also stated that some infected people did not present symptoms, which is why it is known as asymptomatic and in others they showed a harmful clinical picture such as infections, respiratory problems, cardiac arrhythmia, headache, loss of taste, smell and other symptoms.in some situations, they were hospitalized.This statement is supported by Quiroz et. al. (2020), who state that it is extremely important to isolate infected people who may be symptomatic or asymptomatic.The typical clinical picture is characterized by fever, dry cough, respiratory distress, and general malaise.
According to the World Health Organization (2014), it defines traditional medicine as the set of knowledge, skills and practices based on theories, beliefs and experiences of different cultures, whether or not they are explicable, used to maintain health, as well as for the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical or mental illnesses.At the level of Latin America, including Peru, of the plant species existing on the planet, less than 10% have been scientifically evaluated for therapeutic purposes; However, studies carried out in Peru have shown that herbaceous medicinal plants are the most widely used by the population (70%), followed by shrubs (13.6%).The highest consumption occurs in species used to treat diseases of the digestive (124 spp), genitourinary (51 spp) and respiratory (51 spp) systems.(PAHO/WHO, 2018).Therefore, as the M.D. Jesus Angulo (2020) mentions, a home remedy is a product or combination of natural products that are comforting for our body when ingested.These preparations contain products that we commonly consume such as garlic, oranges, ginger or bicarbonate combined with plants, flowers, etc.These homemade preparations do not have a proven effect in the case of the coronavirus.However, the effectiveness of home remedies is determined to the extent that it produces relief in the person at the time of consumption.Although many natural products could cause this effect in our body, there is still no scientific proof that associates the intake of home remedies with prevention or improvement.Also Morales et al. (2020), aimed to identify the potential of the basic table of Natural Products as an alternative for the treatment of Covid-19.A study was carried out that applied the qualitative method, through a bibliographic and documentary review in digital data sources as: Google, Scielo, DOAJ, Latindex and SCOPUS.Quality and timeliness were taken into account.It was concluded that phytotherapy constitutes a valid alternative for the preventive and symptomatic treatment of Covid-19.According to the efficacy and the pharmacological actions demonstrated, Asmacan is the natural product with the best projection, although the selection of one or another product may depend on the preventive or curative objectives.Ruíz and Mejía (2020), mention that acute respiratory infections are a cause of morbidity in both the elderly and children; In this context, traditional pharmacotherapy is presented as an alternative for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases.The objective is to present the results of medicinal plants for therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory diseases.A list of 122 medicinal plants was obtained; 96 of which present information on secondary metabolites and 26 species that are used without verification of their phytochemical content.Flavonoids were found in 59 species, terpenes in 29, tannins in 30, phenols in 32 and alkaloids in 26.In fact, we have promising antiviral species, which need to be validated.
In this context, the population of the Barranca district opted for the consumption of natural products such as medicinal herbs, vegetables and bee honey in order to reduce the symptoms of Covid-19.According to Fuel and Cangui (2020), they state that plant-derived compounds have a great chemical diversity that includes antiviral activity, so they can be useful as therapeutic agents against coronavirus infections.In most studies, the protective effect of extracts and their derivatives was described, highlighting the compounds: caffeic acid, xanthoangelol B, isobavachalcone, psoralidine, hirsutenone, hirsutanonol, 3β-friedelanol, silvestrol, amentoflavone, ferruginol, savinin, betulinic acid, urtica dioica, griffithsia, taraxerol, chlorogenic acid for their properties to inhibit structural and binding proteins to host receptors, as well as the inhibition of important proteases in the division and replication of the virus.
On the other hand, the consumption of vegetables contains vitamins that favors the recovery of the symptoms of Covid-19; either in reducing the respiratory effects and strengthening the immune system.Mentioned, this statement is supported by Bonvecchio et al. (2019), who recommend the consumption of vitamin A in food sources: dairy, fish oil, eggs, liver and beta carotene sources contained in fruits and vegetables of yellow and orange colors.They also state that there is no evidence on the effectiveness of high-dose vitamin A for treating Covid-19 or for reducing the severity of the specific disease in any of the vulnerable groups.However, the WHO (2011), states that infants and young children have an increased need for vitamin A to cope with their rapid growth and to help fight infections.
Another nutrient that is essential to improve cold problems is vitamin C, which is found in foods such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, vegetables or vegetables (Bonvecchio et al., 2019).The consumption of fruits and vegetables for their vitamin C content improves respiratory diseases, according to Ran et al. (2018), conclude that additional doses of vitamin C could benefit some patients who contract the common cold despite taking daily vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin B9 (Folate), which contains foods rich in folate are: vegetables or green leafy vegetables, legumes and fruits (Bonvecchio et al., 2019).The consumption of vegetables contains nutrients such as B9, which favors the immune system against the damage of diseases.This is held with Gombart et al. (2020), who state that the complex and integrated immune system needs specific micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6 and B12, folic acid, zinc, iron, copper and selenium, which often perform vital functions synergistic at every stage of the immune response.Additionally, supplementation with multiple micronutrients with immune support functions can modulate immune function and reduce the risk of infection.
Regarding the consumption of bee honey, it is considered very important to alleviate respiratory problems and increase the defense of our body to reduce infections, according to Sanclemente (2020), concludes that natural products made by bees such as bee honey and propolis , due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties, are becoming an important therapeutic weapon, as an adjunct in the treatment of infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), especially in the population of high risk.

Statistical analysis
Obtained data were processed with basic statistics in order to interpret and analyze the results.The correlation of the aforementioned evaluations was also carried out, in order to determine if there is a positive trend in the adjustment of these two variables; that is, if it favored alleviating symptoms.Analysis of variance was also carried out in order to determine whether or not the consumption of natural products had an influence on alleviating symptoms.

Procedures
The following steps were performed. A total of 200 people per month from the Barranca district were surveyed who stated they had mild symptoms of Covid-19, and had consumed medicinal herbs, vegetables, and bee honey from September 2020 to January 2021. The data were processed with basic statistics for their interpretation and analysis. The correlation analysis was also carried out with the representative's data of natural products consumption and those that alleviated the effects of Covid-19. Finally, the analysis of variance was carried out in order to determine if the consumption of natural products influenced to "alleviate" the symptoms of Covid-19.

Medicinal herb consumption per month
According to the results of Table 1, the use of medicinal herbs gradually increased; January with the highest consumption of matico (16 persons), eucalyptus(14 persons), scorzonera (13 persons), and other herbs combinations, most of which consumed 3 to 5 days per week.This result is interpreted that the increase in the consumption of medicinal herbs is due to the increase in contagion, showing respiratory problems, fever and malaise and that they were probably infected during the celebration of Christmas and New Years parties.The consumption of medicinal herbs reduced the symptoms of nasal congestion and relaxation problems, which were evidenced by the patients' manifestation of their symptom relief.Mentioned, this analysis is based on Fuel and Cangui (2020), who state that compounds derived from plants have a great chemical diversity that includes antiviral activity, which is why they can be useful as therapeutic agents against coronavirus infections.Due to its properties to inhibit structural and binding proteins to host receptors, as well as the inhibition of important proteases in the division and replication of the virus.

Vegetable consumption per month
The results of the consumption of vegetables that are detailed in table 2, indicate the gradual increase of 32 persons consumed ginger, 45 persons consumed garlic and 36 persons consumed tocosh and others combined in the month of January frequently 4 to 5 days per week .This consumption is due to the fact that it favored the strengthening of the immune system, nasal congestion problems; either by its concentrations of Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C., which alleviated the symptoms, which were evidenced by the manifestation of the people.This analysis is supported by Bonvecchio et al. (2019), recommend the consumption of vitamin A in vegetable food sources.They also state that there is no evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin A in high doses for the treatment of Covid-19 or for the reduction in severity; However, the WHO (2011) mentions that infants and young children have an increased need for vitamin A to cope with their rapid growth and to help fight infections.According to Ran et al. (2018), conclude that additional doses of vitamin C could benefit some patients who contract the common cold and Gombart et al. (2020), state that the immune system needs multiple specific micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, and B12, folic acid, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, which perform vital, often synergistic, roles in each stage of immune response.Note: Sample to 200 people

Consumption of bee honey per month
Followed with the evaluation of the consumption of bee honey detailed in table 3, it indicates the gradual increase up to 88 people who consumed bee honey in the month of January frequently from 3 to 5 days a week.What is interpreted that as the consumption of bee honey increased was due to the increase in the contagion of Covid-19.This natural food helped to strengthen the immune system that improved the symptoms of nasal congestion, showing improvement, relief and encouragement of the people.Exposed this analysis is based on Sanclemente (2020), concludes that natural products made by bees such as honey and propolis, due to their antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties, are becoming an important therapeutic weapon, as an adjuvant in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) virus infection, especially in the high-risk population.Note: Sample to 200 people

Percentage of consumption of natural products.
Regarding the percentage of the natural products consumption that are exposed in table 4, 5 and 6, it can be seen that in January 2021 the consumption of medicinal herb increased with 95%, vegetables with 91% and honey with 44%.These results are interpreted that they increased the consumption of natural products, to improve the immune system and congestion problems, which were evidenced in the manifestation of the person with the relief of the symptoms of Covid-19, according to the M.D. Jesús Angulo (2020), mentions that a bee home remedy is a product or combination of natural products that are comforting to our body when ingested.These preparations contain products that we commonly consume such as garlic, oranges, ginger or bicarbonate combined with plants, flowers, etc.These homemade preparations do not have a proven effect in the case of the coronavirus.However, the effectiveness of home remedies is determined to the extent that it produces relief in the person at the time of consumption.These results are interpreted that the consumption of natural products for their content of vitamins and nutrients strengthened the immune system and relieved colds and respiratory problems, which were evidenced by people's statements about their mood and relief.Exposed, this analysis is based on Gombart et al. (2020), state that the immune system needs multiple specific micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, and B12, folic acid, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, which perform vital, often synergistic, roles in each stage of the immune response and Fuel and Cangui (2020), state that plant-derived compounds have a great chemical diversity that includes antiviral activity, which is why they can be useful as therapeutic agents against coronavirus infections.Note: Sample to 200 people

Percentage of natural products consumption in relation to those that alleviated the symptoms of Covid-19
In relation to the percentage of natural products consumption in relation to those that relieved the symptoms, it can be seen that as the consumption of natural products increased, the percentage of patients who relieved the Covid-19 increased.This result is interpreted as the consumption of natural products for their nutritional and antiviral composition strengthened the immune system, respiratory problems and alleviated symptoms, which people expressed their improvement and mood.The analyzed result is supported by Morales et al. (2020), concluded that phytotherapy constitutes a valid alternative for the preventive and symptomatic treatment of Covid-19.
According to the efficacy and the pharmacological actions demonstrated, Asmacan is the natural product with the best projection, although the selection of one or another product may depend on the preventive or curative (See figure 1).The correlation analysis of medicinal herb consumption with the percentage of patients who alleviated the symptoms of Covid-19 indicated in figure 2, the trend is positive and the correlation coefficient (r), r = 0.9878, is observed.which means that there is a very high association between these two variables.By what it means, the consumption of medicinal herb for its chemical properties favored in alleviating the symptoms of Covid-19.Mentioned, the interpretation is based on the parameters of Rowntree (1984), it states that the correlation coefficient is r = 0 is null, r = 0.0 -0.2 is very low, r = 0.2 -0.4 Low, r = 0.4 -0.6 Moderate, r = 0.6 -0.8 high, r = 0.8 -<1 very high, and 1 is perfect.

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: Percentage of natural products consumption in relation to the percentage of people who alleviated the symptoms of Covid-19.Correlation of the percentage of natural products consumption with the percentage of patients who alleviated the symptoms of Covid-19.The correlation analysis of medicinal herb consumption with the percentage of patients who alleviated the symptoms of Covid-19 indicated in figure2, the trend is positive and the correlation coefficient (r), r = 0.9878, is observed.which means that there is a very high association between these two variables.By what it means, the consumption of medicinal herb for its chemical properties favored in alleviating the symptoms of Covid-19.Mentioned, the interpretation is based on the parameters ofRowntree (1984), it states that the correlation coefficient is r = 0 is null, r = 0.0 -0.2 is very low, r = 0.2 -0.4 Low, r = 0.4 -0.6 Moderate, r = 0.6 -0.8 high, r = 0.8 -<1 very high, and 1 is perfect.

Table 1 .
Consumption of medicinal herb per month (september 2020 to january 2021)

Table 2 .
Vegetable consumption per month (september 2020 to january 2021)

Table 3
Consumption of bee honey per month (september 2020 to january 2021)

Percentage who relieved Covid -19 symptoms by consuming natural products
Regarding the percentage that alleviated the symptoms of Covid -19, consuming natural products is detailed in table 7, which in December 2020 to January 2021 increased from 78% to 83%.

Table 7 .
Percentage of people in whom Covid-19 symptoms were reduced by consuming natural products in the Barranca district.(september 2020 to january 2021)