The Effect of Bromelain Combined With Montelukast in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

The activation of bradykinin B1 receptors on endothelial cells in the lung following inflammation is a major cause of the severity and mortality of COVID-19. It has already been shown that bromelain and montelukast as two anti-inflammatory agents can be effective in controlling this condition.

Patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) referred to Masih Daneshvari hospital in Tehran were included in the study after providing full explanations and obtaining written consent. All 40 patients with moderate symptoms were randomly divided into the placebo (n = 20) and intervention (n = 20) groups. In the sample group, a dose of 200 mg oral bromelain was given to patients every 8 hours and one tablet of montelukast 10 mg 1 hour before or after dinner for 5 days. In the control group, placebo capsules were administered exactly at the above intervals. The results were evaluated using a t test and SPSS21 software.

After treatment, the sample (bromelain and montelukast) group represented significant improvements in C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lymphocyte count (P < 0.05), while the other factors did not have significant differences with the control group.

Bromelain and montelukast can improve the condition of hospitalized COVID-19 patients by the positive effect on oxygen saturation, lymphocytes, serum levels of CRP, and LDH.