Repurposing of the Herbals as Immune-Boosters in the Prevention and Management of COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID) is highly contagious, and negligence of it causes high morbidity and mortality globally. The highly infectious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was abbreviated as COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) by World Health Organization first time on February 11, 2020, and later on, WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 11/3/2020. Epidemiological studies demonstrated that the SARS CoV-2 infects the overall population, irrespective of age, gender, or ethnic variation, but it was observed in clinical studies that older and compromised immunity population is much more prone to COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 majorly spread through aeration route in droplet form on sneezing and coughing, or by contact when touching eyes, nose or mouth with the infected hands or any other organs, resulting from mild to severe range of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This literature-based review was done by searching the relevant SCI and SCOPUS papers on the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, herbal formulation, and Ayurveda from the databases, Academia, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate. The present review attempts to recognize the therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19 because of the current human risk. Indian system of medicine, including herbals, has immense potential in treating and managing various viral infections and provides evidence to utilize Ayurvedic medication to improve immunity. Cumulative research findings suggest that Ayurvedic formulations and herbal immunomodulators (Tino sporacordifolia, Withania somnifera, Crocus sativus, Zafran, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Albizia lebbek, Terminalia chebula, Piper longum, Mangifera indica, Ocimum sanctum, Centella asiatica ) are promising in the treatment of outrageous viral infections without exerting adverse effects. Considering the ancient wisdom of knowledge, the herbal formulations would compel healthcare policymakers to endorse Ayurveda formulations to control the COVID-19 pandemic significantly.

A review on drug repurposing in COVID-19: from antiviral drugs to herbal alternatives

“…These side effects include visual problems such as diplopia, retinal toxicity and loss of vision. High dose can also cause problems such as paranoia and hallucinations [ 25 , 26 ]. American study tested QT-interval in COVID-19 patients that were treated with CQ/azithromycin combination, and they came to conclusion that electrical activity of the heart went up.…”

“…There are several plant systems tried in treatment of COVID-19, and these are: Mangifera indica , Guduchi ( Gilu , Giloy , Tino sporacordifolia ), A shwagandha/Withania somnifera , Kukum , Saffron , Rasona , Adraka or Ginger , Terminalia chebula , Piper longum , Ocimum sanctum , Albizia lebbek , and Centella asiatica . These drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials suggesting that they are reassuring candidates for treating COVID-19 and managing its symptoms, as well as preventing this illness [ 26 ]. However, there is concern about using Chinese herbal medicine.…”