ABSTRACT
Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in 2019. Health-care systems around the world are looking for alternative prevention and treatment remedies. Herbal supplements are popular among consumers as a complementary method to prevent and treat illnesses. One of them is Sambucus nigra. Methods: We searched for related articles in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Directory of Open Access Journals using the following keywords: elderberry, S. nigra, and COVID-19. Results: Elderberry has antiviral properties due to its ability to modulate inflammatory cytokines. The current evidence suggests elderberry is appropriate for the prevention and initial treatment of viral disease. Concerns have been raised that elderberry may overstimulate the immune system, increasing the risk of a cytokine storm. There is not yet enough evidence to support this claim. Conclusions: For COVID-19 patients, further research is required since elderberry may provoke a cytokine storm if administered therapeutically.
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first occurred in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread all over the world with cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary symptoms. Therefore, recognizing and treating the cardiovascular sign and symptoms that caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be effective in reducing patient mortality. To control the COVID-19-related cardiovascular symptoms, natural products are considered one of the promising choices as complementary medicine. Scientists are struggling to discover new antiviral agents specific to this virus. In this review, the natural products for management of cardiovascular symptoms of COVID-19 are categorized into three groups: (a) natural products with an impact on angiotensin II type 1 receptor; (b) natural products that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity; and (c) natural products that mimic adenosine activity. All these natural products should undergo clinical investigations to test their efficacy, safety, and toxicity in the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms of COVID-19. This article summarizes agents with potential efficacy against COVID-19-related cardiovascular symptoms.