Role of natural products in infectious diseases

Various infections such as bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infectious diseases are playing a pivotal role in causing minor complications to serious threat to mankind. Especially viral infections like HIV, malaria, dengue, hepatitis, and COVID-19 are very dangerous and difficult to treat. Nature has long been seen with materials that can be used to combat illnesses and treat diseases. The need of the hour is to explore new medications and novel targets to treat infected people from natural sources. Bioactives and plant extracts obtained from natural products are enriched with a lot of potential antiviral medication candidates. Furthermore, phytomedicines and phytotherapy are gaining attention as they are economical and safe alternatives to other treatments. The current chapter deals with the utility of natural products in infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, dengue, hepatitis, and COVID-19. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Revisiting the antecedent of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) during COVID-19 Pandemic

The main feature of the Internet and e-commerce is electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) through online reviews. As Internet users and their consumption of eWOM for product information overgrow in India, it is vital to examine the elements that influence the effectiveness of eWOM communication during COVID-19 pandemics. A systematic literature review has been conducted to assess the factors influencing eWOM in the online retailing context. The literature has been segregated into WOM, eWOM, the eWOM source credibility, eWOM message characteristics, eWOM platform, and outcome of eWOM adoption. The organised review provided a eWOM communication model and proposed an appropriate hypothesis to be tested. The finding concludes the significant relationship of eWOM determinants in building purchase intention, brand image, and attitude during COVID-19 pandemics. Previously conducted research examined the effect of source and message credibility;however, source homophily and website credibility in eWOM communication are rarely taken into account along with these constructs. This study will address more vigorous eWOM phenomena and empirical findings in the COVID-19 period. The study's findings will help practitioners manage the power of eWOM communication for all stakeholders.