Overview of Covid-19; its prevention and management in the light of Unani medicine

Abstract

Journal Pre-proof J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f ABSTRACT Since December 2019, a respiratory pandemic, named as Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)caused by a new coronavirus named as SARS-CoV-2, has taken the world by storm. The symptoms are fever, malaise, and cough which resolve in a few days in most cases; but may progress to respiratory distress and organ failure. Transmission is through droplet infection or fomites, but other modes such as airborne transmission and oro-fecal transmission is also speculated. Research is underway to develop effective vaccines and medicines for the disease. In such a scenario, we present the measures described in Unani system of medicine for health protection during epidemics. Unani is a traditional system of medicine developed during the middle ages, which employs natural drugs of herbal, animal and mineral origin for treatment. In Unani medicine, during an epidemic, apart from isolation and quarantine, three measures are of utmost importance, (i) purification of surroundings using certain herbal drugs as fumigants or sprays, (ii) health promotion and immune-modulation, and (iii) use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs. Drugs such as loban (Styrax benzoides W. G. Craib), sandroos (Hymenaea verrucosa Gaertn.) za'fran (Crocus sativus L.), vinegar etc. are prescribed in various forms. Scientific researches on these drugs reveal the presence of a number of pharmacologically active substances, which may provide a new insight into the management of infections and epidemics. Journal Pre-proof J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f ABBREVIATIONS

Phytopharmaceuticals mediated Furin and TMPRSS2 receptor blocking: can it be a potential therapeutic option for Covid-19?

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Awareness on possible Ayurvedic treatment to prevent Covid-19 - A survey

“…Figure 1 depicts the fact that diet patterns play an essential role in avoiding covid-19. About 68% of participants are aware of ayurvedic treatment to prevent covid-19 (Basha et al, 2018;Ajay, 2017;Nikhat and Fazil, 2020).…”

Understanding COVID-19 in the light of epidemic disease described in Unani medicine

“…The various ingredients in these formulations especially Sibr (Aloe barbedensis L.), Zafran (Crocus sativus L.), and Murmakki (Commiphoramyrrha (Nees)) will definitely be of help [119]. Some drugs like Zafran, Tulsi, Chaube Zard, Neem have been reported as thrombolytics also [120][121][122]. It may be a matter of time when these drugs are developed as a measure for management for COVID-19.…”