Indian Traditional Medicine for COVID-19

Background: A novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak causing infectious respiratory disorders. COVID-19 disease has no specific treatment. In traditional medicinal system, different formulations are available for infectious diseases. Objective(s): This review discusses the significance and utilization of Siddha and Ayurvedic herbal formulations for COVID-19 treatment and provides scientific information regarding the phytochem-istry and pharmacological profiles of Indian medicinal plants used in the formulation. Method(s): The information on medicine and medicinal plants was collected from research papers, review papers, and books available in several electronic databases, including Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and PubMed was explored as information sources. Result(s): Traditional medicinal plants are potentially used in formulations due to their inevitable therapeutic properties. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of medicinal plants used in the formulations served as scientific proof for traditional medicine. Conclusion(s): The present study explored the great importance of Siddha and Ayurvedic formulations for COVID-19 treatment. Further scientific investigations are required to explore these formulations as widely acceptable.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Overview of COVID-19 Pandemic: Its Management and Prevention in Light of the Indian Traditional Medicine System

With the global death toll nearing 3.3 million, India being amongst the top 4 countries, the condition is more than fearsome. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends one doctor per 1000 population ratio, but India lags it by one doctor to 1456 people, which sets a lot of pressure on the healthcare system. Traditional remedies are becoming increasingly popular in India as a re-sult of the lack of a proper medical system. Due to the rich diversity of medicinal herbs and drugs, India has been managing health issues with its 5000 years old medication system. Amidst all this, the traditional medicine system has given relief to plenty of diseases and remains the primary de-fence system against COVID-19. Therefore, COVID-19 is also managed by its different medicinal systems, which are collectively known as the AYUSH regime. It had been a recognized system to tackle diseases in the past. In this mini-review, we performed a deep study of the Indian traditional medicine system in managing the COVID-19 situation.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Herbal and Ayurvedic Plants as Remedial Approach for Viral Diseases with Focus on COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Background: Infectious diseases have posed a major threat to human survival for centu-ries and can devastate entire populations. Recently, the global outbreak of COVID-19 has increased exponentially, affecting more than 200 countries and millions of lives since the fall of 2019, largely due to the ineffectiveness of existing antiviral therapies. WHO announced it a public health emer-gency of international concern. A significant waiting period in antiviral therapy hindered by the rapid evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 aggravated the situation ensuing imposition of strict laws (e.g., communal dissociation, international travel restrictions, and mainte-nance of hygiene) that would help in inhibiting further outspread of COVID-19. Ayurveda system of medicine offers a holistic approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective(s): This review aims to highlight the potential of medicinal herbs and Ayurvedic drugs as the remedial approach for viral diseases, such as COVID-19. Method(s): We reviewed the literature from journal publication websites and electronic databases, such as Bentham, Science Direct, Pub Med, Scopus, USFDA, etc. Result(s): The drugs used in the traditional system of medicine have the potential to prevent and cure the infected patient. Ayurvedic therapies are known for regulating immunity and rejuvenation properties that behold much promise in the management of COVID-19 disease. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH recommends some precautionary fitness measures and an increase in immunity with special reference to respiratory health. Conclusion(s): While there is no medication for COVID-19 as of now, taking preventive measures and boosting body immunity is highly recommended. A number of medicinal plants that play an im-portant role in revitalizing the immune system are easily accessible in home remedies.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

In-silico investigation of phytochemicals from Asparagus racemosus as plausible antiviral agent in COVID-19.

COVID-19 has ravaged the world and is the greatest of pandemics in human history, in the absence of treatment or vaccine the mortality and morbidity rates are very high. The present investigation was undertaken to screen and identify the potent leads from the Indian Ayurvedic herb, Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) against SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking and dynamics studies. The docking analysis was performed on the Glide module of Schrödinger suite on two different proteins from SARS-CoV-2 viz. NSP15 Endoribonuclease and spike receptor-binding domain. Asparoside-C, Asparoside-D and Asparoside -F were found to be most effective against both the proteins as confirmed through their docking score and affinity. Further, the 100 ns molecular dynamics study also confirmed the potential of these compounds from reasonably lower root mean square deviations and better stabilization of Asparoside-C and Asparoside-F in spike receptor-binding domain and NSP15 Endoribonuclease respectively. MM-GBSA based binding free energy calculations also suggest the most favourable binding affinities of Asparoside-C and Asparoside-F with binding energies of -62.61 and -55.19 Kcal/mol respectively with spike receptor-binding domain and NSP15 Endoribonuclease. HighlightsAsparagus racemosus have antiviral potentialPhytochemicals of Shatavari showed promising in-silico docking and MD resultsAsparaoside-C and Asparoside-F has good binding with target proteinsAsparagus racemosus holds promise as SARS-COV-2 (S) and (N) proteins inhibitor Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Improving the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of chicken protein-based shelf-stable snacks using Solanum nigrum, a natural immune booster

An attempt was made to develop chicken protein-based shelf-stable snacks and to improve their lipid-oxidative and microbial-stability using Solanum nigrum extract. The snacks were developed using different levels of chicken protein-powder viz. 20% (T-1), 30% (T-2), 40% (T-3), and 0.0% (control). Products containing optimum level of protein-powder (40%) and S. nigrum extract (1.0%) were stored for 75 days (25 +/- 1 degrees C). The addition of protein-powder significantly decreased the carbohydrate whereas increased protein and fat contents. Products containing 40% protein-powder showed the highest scores for all sensory attributes. The 1,1 diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging and total-phenolic content of S. nigrum extract was 79.0% and 80 mg GAE/g, respectively. The extract significantly reduced the free-fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, and microbial counts while improving the sensory quality of the products during storage. S. nigrum and protein-powder improved the nutritive value and storage stability of the shelf-stable snacks. S. nigrum-based snacks can have health importance during the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 due to their strong immune-boosting properties. Novelty impact statement Chicken protein-based shelf-stable snacks were developed and Solanum nigrum extract was used to improve their storage quality and functional value. The extract improved the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of the developed products.