Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A Review of Antiviral Potential Herbal Medicines

Abstract

In Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged, causing serious symptoms in patients such as fever, dry cough, and exhaustion. This fatal pandemic spreads over the globe, causing significant infections in humans, mainly in the respiratory tract. COVID-19 is still without a treatment. Until date, researchers have paid close attention to new therapeutic methods, particularly promising antiviral medicines and vaccines. Especially, existing synthetic antivirals have been used against viruses that prevent replication, entry into the cell, and transmission of the virus. These antiviral agents have been the subject the basis of drug discovery studies that directly affect COVID 19. Therefore, we investigated on the potential herbal medicines against various RNA, and DNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Finally, we recommend that natural substances and plants be investigated further, including clinical trials, for the treatment of COVID-19.

Investigation of the Antiviral Effects of Saussurea lappa Root Extract against SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus

“…So far, new therapeutic approaches such as vaccine development (AstraZeneca, Moderna Inc., Johnson & Johnson/Jannsen, and Pfizer-BioNTech), antiviral drug discovery (lopinavir-ritonavir, remdesivir, favipiravir, interferon-alfa [IFN-𝛼], ribavirin, and arbidol), and combination therapy methods have piqued the interest of researchers. [14] Synthetic antivirals, in particular, were used to prevent virus replication, entry, and transmission. These antiviral agents have been the basis for drug discovery research studies against COVID-19.…”

“…So far, new therapeutic approaches such as vaccine development (AstraZeneca, Moderna Inc., Johnson & Johnson/Jannsen, and Pfizer‐BioNTech), antiviral drug discovery (lopinavir‐ritonavir, remdesivir, favipiravir, interferon‐alfa [IFN‐α], ribavirin, and arbidol), and combination therapy methods have piqued the interest of researchers. [ 14 ]…”