Médecine alternative et intégrative

A Compendium of Global Traditional and Alternative Medicine: An Only Alternative to Thwart the Disease in the Current Scenario of the COVID Pandemic

Abstract

Diksha, Gaurav Badoni, and Manju O. Pai

Introduction: For centuries medicinal plants serve as a curative agent for many respiratory viruses. The emergence of another respiratory virus i.e. SARS-CoV-2 has already affected many lives worldwide. The unavailability of antivirals drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 has drawn attention to alternative therapy. This review article focused on the antiviral activity of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy to combat COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed using scientific web portals including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct. This covered articles published in English language from 1953-2020 for antiviral activity of medicinal plants against respiratory viruses. Data from Clinical Trials Registry- India was used to assess the current herbal trials used for the treatment of COVID-19. Results: Studies showed that medicinal plants significantly inhibit the pathogenesis of respiratory viruses by acting as an immune booster, inhibiting viral attachment, entry, and replication into the host cell. Some of the proven ones for their antiviral efficiency are Ashwagandha (Withania sominifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Giloy (Tinospora cardifolia). Conclusion: From the above finding, it can be anticipated that these medicinal plants may provide antiviral compounds in the future and can be used as an alternative therapy against COVID-19.