ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 has affected the whole world drastically and led to a substantial loss of human life. Relentless research is underway to identify effective treatment to control the disease. Traditional systems are also being explored to search for a potent drug. Unani formulation 'Tiryaq-i-Wabai' has long been used in cholera, plague and other epidemic diseases. This review is aimed at analysing the possible role of Tiryaq-i-Wabai in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methodology: Unani classical texts and Pharmacopoeias available in the library of Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai were reviewed to collect information related to epidemics, commonly prescribed drugs during epidemics, and therapeutic uses of Tiryaq-i-Wabai ingredients. ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to collect information regarding current pandemic and pharmacological activities of ingredients and phytoconstituents present in the formulation. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted. Results: Tiryaq-i-Wabai was found to be the most recommended prophylactic and curative drug during epidemics. The formulation ingredients, Sibr (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.), Murr Makki (Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl.) and Zafran (Crocus sativus L.) are categorized under Tiryaqi Advia (literally - antidote drugs) and are considered to be very effective in SARS related conditions. These ingredients have been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antitussive, smooth muscle relaxant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities corroborating the traditional use of Tiryaq-i-Wabai. Conclusion: Scientific data imply great potential and utility of the formulation which could be a possible alternative approach for the prevention and control of current and future pandemics.
ABSTRACT
Background : A. europaeum is a well mentioned Unani herb, belonging to Aristolochiaceae family and indigenous to the Eastern and Southern Europe. A. europaeum has traditionally been utilised in Unani medicine to treat respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, hepatic disorders, genitourinary disorders, snake poisoning, vector-borne infections, and epidemic prophylaxis. This review aims to the compile previous and present available information concerning about the ethno-botanical aspects, phyto-chemical constituents, isolated metabolites, and pharmacological profiling of this herb correlating the principles of Unani doctrine, thereby may offer series of valuable data for researchers and pharmaceuticals to develop novel therapeutic ways. Material and methods : A detailed literature review has been conducted on A. europaeum in various electronic databases, including Pub Med, Web of Science, Wiley, Science Direct, Elsevier, Google Scholar, ACS publications, Springer Link etc. Furthermore, books (Unani ancient classical books) were consulted in Urdu, Arabic, Persian and English to collate the particulars. Results : The present literature survey incorrigibly illustrated the usage of A. europaeum as a prophylactic drug in several diseases such as chicken pox, plague, and viral fevers, including COVID-19 and therapeutically, aid in managing bronchitis, epilepsy, hepatitis, ascites, amenorrhea, paralysis, sciatica, lumbago, and urolithiasis. It has been well documented its usage in the form of powder, decoction, syrup, extract, and oil as a single drug or in compound formulations with the amalgamation of other herbs. Phyto-chemical analysis from various sections of the plant revealed the presence of varied chemical constituents for example essential oils (with four chemotypes), flavonoids, phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamins, terpenes and sesquiterpenes. It has also been evaluated through in vitro, in vivo, in silico, preclinical and clinical trial models for diverse pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anti-diabetic, and anti-proliferative activities, etc. Still, only sporadic herb studies have been published so far. Conclusion : The current paper highlights botany, ethno pharmacology, phyto-chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology in depth. Preliminary pharmacological studies on different extracts and fractions of A. europaeum support the claim of Unani scholars that it is useful in the treatment of various diseases. However, immediate efforts must be made to determine its mechanism of action, efficacy, dosage, and safety in combating various pathological states. The study will undoubtedly serve as the basis for future research to further demonstrate the ethno medicinal and therapeutic potential for health-care product improvement.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The current pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona-Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health menace with significant morbidity and mortality besides huge socioeconomic implications. Despite the approval of few vaccines for the prevention of the disease, the discovery of safe and effective countermeasures especially from natural sources is of paramount importance, as the number of cases continues escalating. Arq Ajib has long been used for various diseases and its ingredients have been reported for antiviral, antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities. The present study investigates the inhibitory effect of phytocompound of Arq Ajib on potential drug targets of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The structures of phytocompounds present in Arq Ajib were retrieved from PubChem database and some were illustrated using Marvin Sketch. SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6LZG) and 3CLpro (PDB ID: 7BQY) were selected as the target protein. Dock Prep module in UCSF Chimera software was used for receptor structure processing. AutoDock Vina was used to calculate the binding affinities between the protein and ligands and to predict most promising compounds with best scores. RESULTS: Molecular docking results predicted that the phytocompounds of Arq Ajib had good binding affinity and interaction with S glycoprotein and 3CLpro. Quercetin and Isorhoifolin from Mentha arvensis were identified as promising candidates with the potential to interact with 3CLpro and spike glycoprotein and inhibit the viral replication and its entry into the host. CONCLUSIONS: Arq Ajib may prove valuable for developing novel therapeutic candidate for COVID-19; however, it has to be substantiated further with in-vitro and in-vivo studies.