Herbal Medicine in Three Different Mediterranean Living Areas During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Polyphenolic-Rich Thyme-like Plants

Abstract

Despite herbal medicine being popular across the Mediterranean basin, there is no evidence in favor of COVID-19 infection. This study investigates the utilization and effects of medicinal plants in Italy, Lebanon, and Tunisia during COVID-19 and its effects on post-COVID-19 pandemics. We used a tailored, web-based “Google Form” questionnaire with the random sampling method. We gathered 812 complete responses (Italy: 116, Lebanon: 557, and Tunisia: 139), revealing diverse demographics and symptom experiences. Fatigue prevailed across all groups (89.0–94.2%), while psychological impacts ranged from 20.1% to 30.9%, with higher rates in Lebanon. Post-COVID-19 symptoms affected 22.4% (Italy), 48.8% (Lebanon), and 31.7% (Tunisia). General use of herbs was consistent (41.4–50.4%), with 23.3% (Italy), 50.2% (Lebanon), and 65.5% (Tunisia) employing herbs for COVID-19 therapy. Notably, in Lebanon, Za’atar, a thyme-like plant, correlated with reduced symptoms, suggesting potential protective effects that are likely due to its polyphenol richness. This study underscores the persistent reliance on traditional medicinal plants remedies in the Mediterranean area, with regional variations. Further exploration of herbal compounds for COVID-19-like symptoms is warranted.