The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic affects people’s health and health-related quality of life. Based on our knowledge on traditional medicine, we discussed the topic: whether herbal medicines play an important role in the COVID-19 therapeutics and immune enhancing as a preventive solution. The new studies on efficacy and practical application of herbs in the COVID-19 therapeutics and producing immediate herbal drugs are encouraged.

The artificial colorants have gradually been being replaced by natural pigments which are becoming increasingly important in Vietnam and other parts of the world due to the potential noxiousness of man-made food dyes to human health. This research covers colorant plants and sources used commonly in the food culture of ethnic communities in Vietnam with the current trend toward natural pigments and coloring foods. As a result, we reported 49 species which can be used as natural food pigments and of these, 7 colorant plants used mostly in Vietnam traditional food culture were detailed.

Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb (AL) has received considerable attention as a herbal medicine for its applications in ethnopharmacology with heath benefits. This study aimed to investigate antioxidant activities and A549 growth inhibitory capacity from its root extract (RE) and aerial parts extract (AE). The 50% ethanol extracts were used for the tests. The total polyphenol content and the antioxidant effects comprising ABTS+ and DPPH free radical scavenging activities were evaluated. Phenolic compounds in the extracts were isolated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lactate dehydrogenase released in medium was also evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, and in vitro antioxidant potential of the RE were higher (p<0.01) than that of the AE. Two individual phenolic compounds consisting of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were firstly identified in both by HPLC. The RE exhibited higher A549 inhibitory capacity compared to the AE and activated the apoptotic proteins of bcl-2, bax, bad, caspase-3 and caspase-9 in A549. In conclusion, the AL extracts were more effective in antioxidant and A549 cells inhibitory capacity.

A case of a patient who is diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid was successfully treated by traditional medicine therapy after attempted to taking pharmaceutical drugs more three months but more serious disease level. The authors recommend that using herbal medicine for treatment of bullous pemphigoid is potent and that thorough scientific scrutiny is necessary in future researches.