Yogic Neti-Kriya Using Povidone Iodine: Can it have a Preventive Role Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection Gateway?

Abstract

During this COVID-19 pandemic, except steroid, none of the therapeutic measures have showed any evidence of efficacy. Traditionally jala-neti using lukewarm salted water remains a yogic way of maintaining upper airway hygiene. Saline irrigation decreases the concentration of inflammatory mediators (e.g. histamine, leukotriene etc.) in nasal secretions, reduces the severity and frequency of sinusitis, reduce need of antibiotic therapy and restores competency of nasal mucosa. Jala-neti is an integral part of six cleansing techniques of yogic kriyas practised in India since thousands of years. Jala-neti can clean the upper airways, prevents colonization of infectious agents, removes foreign bodies, prevents stasis of mucous and subsequently enhances the drainage of paranasal sinuses and maintain health. Regular practice of Jala neti improves nasal symptoms and overall health status of patients with sinusitis. Jala-neti sample can even be used for COVID-19 diagnosis. Povidone iodine (PVP-I) has been utilized as a time tested antimicrobial agent with broad spectrum coverage against wide range of bacteria and viruses. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 action of PVP-I was seen at a concentration as low as 0.45% . PVP-I is generally well tolerated upto 5%, however nasal ciliotoxicity is reported at this concentration, however, this toxicity is not reported with lower concentrations(1.25% and 0.5%). So, theoretically, by using neti-kriya with povidone iodine (0.5–1%) as irrigation solution can combine and enhance the protection against COVID-19 and this can be an important armor in the fight against COVID-19. However, this hypothesis needs to be validated in real life clinical trial scenario before implementing.

Molecular iodine is not responsible for cytotoxicity in iodophors

“…The global pandemic has induced clinicians to identify agents that that can be used in the oral and nasal cavities [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Use of an I2 disinfectant is logical as (a) iodine has an established anti-viral and antimicrobial activity, (b) there is no evidence that bacteria can develop resistance to I2 [10,11] since it reacts with several functional groups thus providing simultaneous action against multiple molecular targets, (c) I2 is a naturally occurring biomolecule synthesized in the follicular lumen and other iodine concentrating tissues and (d) has a two-hundred-year use history in and on humans.…”

Use of Saline Nasal Irrigation (Jala Neti) in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and its Complications Like Mucormycosis Needs to be Given a Serious Consideration

“…Seeing the limitations of all measures adopted so far ranging from repurposing of drugs to vaccination for mitigation, control, prevention and treatment of the condition, any new idea having a prospecting potential to add value in the ongoing strategies should be welcomed. Sarma P et al [1] publication in Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg on yogik neti kriya using povidone iodine (PVP-I) should primary be seen in this spirit.…”