What Are Zinc Ionophores And How Do They Help In Viral Infections?

February 16, 2022

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Zinc and the combination with zinc ionophores have been reported in research and several clinical studies as a potential viable preventative and acute therapeutic option for viral infection. A wide range of health benefits can be achieved by increasing intake with zinc where diets are usually inadequate. Zinc ionophores are chemical species that reversibly binds ions. Zinc ionophores lead to a rapid increase in intracellular zinc levels. Zinc is a mineral that is absorbed in the small intestine by a carrier-mediated mechanism. Once it is absorbed, it becomes cationic zinc (+2Zn) in the fluids of the body. Zinc is an essential component of a large number of enzymes collaborating in the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids as well as the metabolism of other micronutrients. Zinc stabilizes the molecular structure of cellular components and membranes. This mineral contributes to the maintenance of cell and organ integrity. Lastly, zinc has an essential role in nucleotide transcription and in the process of genetic expression. This element is essential for all life forms.

Zinc is a vital micro-element that actively supports respiratory epithelium barrier integrity, innate and adaptive immune functions, and inflammatory regulations. Zinc may also prevent viral entry, viral replication, and lessens the damages due to oxidative stress and hyper-inflammatory reaction in people with respiratory infections. This mechanism explains zinc’s efficacy in fighting many viral infections as well as SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, most of the risk groups described for Covid-19 are at the same time groups that were associated with zinc deficiency. Similarly, deficits in zinc result in altered numbers and dysfunction of all immune cells. Populations with suboptimal levels have an increased risk for infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. In addition to malnutrition, risk groups for zinc deficiency include the elderly and people with various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. A mild zinc deficiency is largely sub-clinical and unnoticed in most people. The World Health Organization (WHO), however, assumes that one-third of the world population is affected by deficits in this mineral. There is factual evidence that zinc deficiency is responsible for 16% of all deep respiratory infections worldwide. Similarly, there is a strong confirmation linking deficits of this element with the risk of infection and severe progression of Covid-19, which suggests potential benefits of zinc supplementation.

The entry of pathogens into the human body is prevented by tissue barriers equipped with cilia and mucus, antimicrobial peptides, and interferons. Regarding SARS-CoV-2, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the cellular protease TMPRSS2 are the major mechanisms for entering the cell. First, clearance of viruses by the cilia and mucus is affected by zinc. The second mechanism by which zinc helps with viruses is aiding in preserving tissue barriers. Third, zinc-dependent alterations in gene expression by pneumocytes could affect viral entrance. Pneumocytes are cells that line the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange take place.

As a virus, SARS-CoV-2 is highly dependent on the metabolism of the host cell. Direct antiviral effects of zinc have been demonstrated in various cases, which were reviewed in great detail with the following viruses. Examples include coronavirus, picornavirus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), papilloma virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus. It was suggested that zinc can prevent fusion with the host cell membrane, decrease the polymerase function, impairs protein translation and processing, blocks viral particle release, and destabilizes the viral envelope.

Some examples of zinc ionophores are chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, quercitin, ivermectin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The latter is found in many teas, but in particular, green tea. Elemental zinc when combined with zinc ionophores are synergistic in their actions on viruses. Quercitin, for example, is found in very high concentrations in elderberries, Mexican oregano, capers, cloves, and dark chocolate. Quercitin is moderately high concentrations in bil-berries, onions, orange juice, red wine, apple, onions, and other vegetables. Epigallocatechin gallate is found in extremely high concentrations of green tea, and in moderately high concentrations in black tea, hazelnuts, and pecans. Although no laboratory confirmation has yet directly confirmed that they function in vitro (test tube) or in vivo (living organism) zinc iono-phores, the polyphenols found especially in ales like dry-hopped IPAs and pale ales, as well as vegetables like broad beans, are known to form chemical complexes with zinc.

Dr. Vladimir Zelenko recently discussed in a short podcast that many viruses behave in the same way because they are all single-stranded RNA viruses. All Covid strains, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, RSV virus, influenza, and hantaviruses (virus carried by rodents causing febrile and hemorrhagic infections often with kidney failure). They use the same pathway in making copies of their genetic material. Many single-strand RNA viruses (ssRNA) use RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to replicate their genetic material. Similarly, Dr. Zelenko mentioned that viruses such as Ebola and Marburg have profound national security implications.

Ebola virus is an infectious and frequently fatal disease marked by fever and severe internal bleeding, which is spread through contact with infected body fluids. It is also called Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Similarly, Marburg virus causes hemorrhagic fever. Marburg and Ebola viruses are filamentous filoviruses that are distinct from each other, but manifest as clinically similar diseases characterized by hemorrhagic fevers and capillary leakage. Ebola infection is slightly more virulent than Marburg virus. Both of these filoviruses belong to the non-segmented negative-sense RNA viruses of the order Mononegavirales. The mode of replication and transcription is similar for both. With mortality rates as high as 90%, these viruses represent some of the most deadly human pathogens. Filovirus replication and transcription take place in the cytoplasm of the infected cells. For both viruses, no effective “vaccine” is available.

Dr. Zelenko mentioned that the use of zinc and zinc ionophores may be a possible way to treat these viruses. Ironically, yesterday I was reading a report on Natural News about the possible release of a bioweapon containing a hemorrhagic virus at the Beijing Olympics. Dr. Li-Meng Yan, a virologist from Hong Kong and whistleblower, has publicly alleged that the CCP and PLA are releasing a new bioweapon onto athletes and participants at the event. This hemorrhagic fever has a long incubation period (she claims two weeks), which would be just enough time to spread the virus back to their home countries. So, getting back to Dr. Zelenko, utilizing over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, such as zinc, quercitin, and EGCG, we can possibly treat the viruses mentioned above with cheap, oral, safe, and effective medications. These three supplements along with prescription medications, hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, seem necessities with SARS-CoV-2 and any other future virus. May Yahweh bless all and be well.

Written by: Ed J. Janicki