An Ayurvedic personalized prophylactic protocol in COVID-19

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic brought about by the SARS-CoV-2, a novel β coronavirus is creating intense health havoc globally. Researchers suspect the situation to stay for long in the community, considering this virus’s pathogenesis, high rate transmission and tendency to provoke uncontrolled immune response activation. Immune mechanisms are highly individualistic. We put forward a hypothetical model of p rakruti (Ayurvedic body phenotyping character) based personalized prophylactic-therapeutic strategies aiming at a better immunomodulation and quicker resolution of host immune mechanisms. We propose this model in symptomatic, mild to moderate, COVID-19 diagnosed cases and in cases quarantined for high to low risk primary contact with a positive case. We also suggest a community level personalized Ayurvedic prophylactic-therapeutic strategy based on the DOTS model. Person-centered body purificatory measures ( panchakarma procedures) like therapeutic purgation ( virechana ) and medicated enema ( basti ) are suggested in this hypothetical protocol with justification on evidence-based links between immune responses and prakruti along with specific jwara (fevers of varied origin as per Ayurvedic sciences) and COVID-19 symptomatology. The paper also appraises the importance of pitta dosha/ama dosha in the manifestation of inflammation driven destructive phase of immune responses along with its stage-wise intervention. This hypothetical model intends to open up discussions on significance of prakruti assessment as a predictive marker to screen people who are at risk of succumbing into deteriorating states if infected with COVID-19. It also intends to discuss the predictive personalized medicine measures based on prakruti in yielding individual host immune homeostasis which may positively reduce the chances of untoward events of an aggravated immune responsiveness and subsequent inflammation driven tissue destruction – the candidate causes for COVID-19 related casualties. Testing this model may give insight towards emphasizing personalized host immune coping mechanisms that may prove crucial in any infectious outbreaks in near future too.

Phytochemical Analysis and Cellular Uptake Study of an Ayurvedic Formulation, Vyaghryadi Kashayam Used in the Clinical Management of COVID-19.

“…Ayurveda experts have suggested that COVID-19 presents with features comparable to Vatakaphajvara, which can become Sannipatajvara [26][27] [28] with severe presentation, complications and even death in some patients. VK is indicated for the management of Vatakaphajvara and hence has been recommended for management of COVID-19.…”

Ayurveda: The Prominence of Herbal Medicine in Containment of COVID-19

“…Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway, which is a function of the efferent vagus nerve, is crucial in regulating systemic and local inflammation, making neuronal immunomodulation possible. [23] Herbs contain immune-stimulating and inflammation-modulating characteristics, which can help prevent life-threatening illnesses when used to treat viral respiratory disease. The holistic approach of Ayurveda emphasises illness prevention through lifestyle modifications, dietary management, immune-boosting measures, and symptom treatment with herbal medicines.…”

“…As a result, customised therapy is critical for establishing improved host homeostasis in all immune system diseases that affect people, whether infectious or not. [23] Agantu (exogenous) Jwara is the primary aetiology, and it causes Rasavaha Srotas symptoms including tastelessness, headaches, vomiting, and body pains. The indications of Pranavaha and Raktavaha Srotas follow.…”

Evaluation of Clove Phytochemicals as Potential Antiviral Drug Candidates Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Computational Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Pharmacokinetic Profiling

“…Traditional medicinal practices based on herbs and their extracts are gaining momentum. Their formulations are widely given with supplementary allopathic treatment for the earlier recovery ( Ang et al, 2020 ; Mhya et al, 2021 ; Vanshylla et al, 2021 ; Ashande et al, 2022 ; Nair et al, 2022 ). Syzygiumaromaticum, a native species of the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, traditionally found its importance as a flavoring additive for food.…”