The role of gum Arabic as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune modulator in the development of COVID-19: A review

Background: Down-regulation of the lung inflammatory response seems to preserve pulmonary functions and improve survival in COVID-19. The key factor in overcoming the cytokine storm caused by COVID-19 by immunomodulation, rather than immunosuppression. Identifying the right mechanism to manipulate the immune regulatory networks in the lung—with minimal side effects—represents one of the many challenges in the treatment of COVID-19 disease. Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut-regulatory activities are the most significant properties of prebiotics. Therefore, it could be beneficial to consider them as an adjuvant dietary intervention among COVID-19 patients. Understanding the exact mechanism of prebiotic defense against infection and regulation of immune processes involved in COVID-19 are crucial for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Several studies considered Gum Arabic (GA) as a potent prebiotic with cytoprotective properties.  This review aims to discuss and display the possibility of utilizing the beneficial effects of GA to modulate COVID-19 pathogenesis.Keywords: COVID-19, Gum Arabic, Immunomodulation, dietary intervention, Gut microbiota, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant