SummaryDown syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disease and presents with cognitive impairment, cardiac and gastrointestinal abnormalities, in addition to other miscellaneous clinical conditions. DS individuals may have a high frequency of infections, usually of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by increased severity and prolonged course of disease, which are partially attributed to defects of the immune system. The abnormalities of the immune system associated with DS include: mild to moderate T and B cell lymphopenia, with marked decrease of naive lymphocytes, impaired mitogen-induced T cell proliferation, reduced specific antibody responses to immunizations and defects of neutrophil chemotaxis. Limited evidence of genetic abnormalities secondary to trisomy of chromosome 21 and affecting the immune system is available, such as the potential consequences of gene over-expression, most significantly SOD1 and RCAN1. Secondary immunodeficiency due to metabolic or nutritional factors in DS, particularly zinc deficiency, has been postulated. Non-immunological factors, including abnormal anatomical structures (e.g. small ear canal, tracheomalacia) and gastro-oesophageal reflux, may play a role in the increased frequency of respiratory tract infections. The molecular mechanisms leading to the immune defects observed in DS individuals and the contribution of these immunological abnormalities to the increased risk of infections require further investigation. Addressing immunological and non-immunological factors involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases may reduce the susceptibility to infections in DS subjects.

COVID-19 disease has created panic among all with respect to health and economy. On 11th March 2020 WHO (world health organisation) declared novel corona virus outbreak as global pandemic. Confirmed effective remedy to prevent or treat COVID-19 is not yet established. Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine is the oldest medicinal literature known to mankind as old as 3000 BC and is recognised as medical system by WHO. There is a need to investigate time tested potent classical Ayurvedic formulations backed by contemporary scientific studies in treating symptoms of COVID-19 disease. Vijaya (Cannabis sativa Linn.) in Ayurveda notable for its Vyavayi (quick absorption) and Yogavahi (synergetic action) properties said to be originated from ambrosia as per Vedic mythology. Recent scientific research on the phytochemicals of Cannabis plant showed promising results in decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm and to an extent halting the replication of SARS-CoV-2. We have put forward one such classical Cannabis Ayurvedic formulation Punarnavadya Ghrita available in market which can be useful as an alternative remedy for prophylactic and curative to the symptoms of novel corona virus disease whose individual herbal phytochemical compounds are studied through in silico, in vitro and in vivo methods in treating COVID-19 with positive outcomes.

Coronavirus outbreak was first reported in Wuhan, China on 31 December, 2019. Coronavirus (CoV) is a large family of viruses that causes illness. It ranges from the common cold to more severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The novel coronavirus is a new strain of virus that has not been identified in human so far.

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