Palmitoylethanolamide and luteolin: A valuable combination for post-covid olfactory dysfunction

Combination of palmitoylethanolamide and luteolin (CoUltraPEALut) is a potentially effective treatment for COVID-19 patients suffering from post-covid olfactory dysfunction.

Post-covid olfactory dysfunction includes olfactory anomalies, anosmia, and hyposmia. It is one of the most common long-lasting symptoms in those who have recovered from coronavirus infection. This condition can persist in some patients for over 12 months, substantially impacting their quality of life.

The objective of this meta-analysis and comprehensive review was to examine the effectiveness of CoUltraPEALut  (the combination of endogenous fatty acid amide and natural antioxidant flavonoid) in improving olfactory dysfunction-linked outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

The literature was subjected to a meta-analysis and systematic review. Scientific databases like PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase (OVID), and Web of Science were scrutinized from their inception through May 31, 2023, yielding 407 articles. Of these, only five studies, involving a total of 441 patients in both treated and control groups, were encompassed in the systematic review.

In every systematically reviewed clinical study, olfactory recovery improved when oral CoUltraPEALut supplementation was combined with olfactory training (OT) compared to OT alone. CoUltraPEALut therapy could improve regeneration during OT by reducing the level of neuroinflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2. According to the findings, CoUltraPEALut should be used for a minimum of 30 days in order to demonstrate statistically significant benefits, with extended follow-ups of 60–90 days showing even more consistent results.

Compared to conventional therapy,  micronized palmitoylethanolamide + luteolin  illustrated notable efficacy in olfactory function recovery, positioning it as a potential future adjuvant treatment for post-covid olfactory impairment.  Nevertheless, more extensive clinical trials are required to validate these positive outcomes and comprehend the mode of action of CoUltraPEALut.