In-silico screening of plant-derived natural compounds for their anti-COVID-19 potential

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and quickly spread across the worldwide. It becomes a global pandemic and risk to the healthcare system of almost every nation around the world. In this study thirty natural compounds of 19 Indian herbal plants were used to analyze their binding with eight proteins associated with COVID -19. Based on the molecular docking as well as ADMET analysis, isovitexin, glycyrrhizin, sitosterol, and piperine were identified as potential herbal medicine candidates. On comparing the binding affinity with Ivermectin, we have found that the inhibition potentials of the Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) and Piper nigrum (black pepper) are very promising with no side-effects.

A Review on Therapeutic Potential of Indian Herbal Plants to Counter Viral Infection and Disease Pathogenesis

Herbal plant extracts or purified phytocomponents have been extensively used to treat several diseases since ancient times. The Indian Ayurvedic system and Chinese traditional medicines have documented the medicinal properties of important herbs. In Ayurveda, the polyherbal formulation is known to exhibit better therapeutic efficacy compared to a single herb. This review focuses on six key ayurvedic herbal plants namely, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra/Licorice, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinalis and Ocimum sanctum. These plants possess specific phytocomponents that aid them in fighting infections and keeping body healthy and stress-free. Plants were selected due to their reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in several diseases and effectiveness in controlling viral pathogenesis. An ad-vanced literature search was carried out using Pubmed and google scholar. Result(s): These medicinal plants are known to exhibit several protective features against various diseases or infections. Here we have particularly emphasized on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties which are common in these six plants. Recent literature analysis has revealed Ashwagandha to be protective for Covid-19 too. The formulation from such herbs can exhibit synergism and hence better effectiveness against infection and related dis-eases. The importance of these medicinal herbs becomes highly prominent as it maintains the har-monious balance by way of boosting the immunity in a human body. Further, greater mechanistic analyses are required to prove their efficacy in fighting infectious diseases like Covid-19. It opens the arena for in-depth research of identifying and isolating the active components from these herbs and evaluating their potency to inhibit viral infections as polyherbal formulations.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Jing Si Herbal Drink as a prospective adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 treatment: Molecular evidence and mechanisms

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has led to a sharp increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths from pneumonia and multiorgan disease worldwide;therefore, SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health problem. Supportive therapies remain the mainstay treatments against COVID-19, such as oxygen inhalation, antiviral drugs, and antibiotics. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown clinically to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19 infection, and TCMs can affect the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Jing Si Herbal Drink (JSHD), an eight herb formula jointly developed by Tzu Chi University and Tzu Chi Hospital, has shown potential as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 infection. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of JSHD as an adjuvant treatment in patients with COVID-19 infection is underway Objectives: This article aims to explore the efficacy of the herbs in JSHD against COVID-19 infection from a mechanistic standpoint and provide a reference for the rational utilization of JSHD in the treatment of COVID-19. Method(s): We compiled evidence of the herbs in JSHD to treat COVID-19 in vivo and in vitro. Result(s): We described the efficacy and mechanism of action of the active ingredients in JSHD to treat COVID-19 based on experimental evidence. JSHD includes 5 antiviral herbs, 7 antioxidant herbs, and 7 anti-inflammatory herbs. In addition, 2 herbs inhibit the overactive immune system, 1 herb reduces cell apoptosis, and 1 herb possesses antithrombotic ability. Conclusion(s): Although experimental data have confirmed that the ingredients in JSHD are effective against COVID-19, more rigorously designed studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of JSHD as a COVID-19 treatment.Copyright © 2021

Anti-COVID-19 Traditional Chinese Medicine Database

Background: Novel coronavirus pneumonia COVID-19 has become a serious threat to human health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a good clinical effect in the treatment of COVID-19, with a high effective rate and a low rate of turning to the serious stage. Objective(s): We generated the web-accessed anti-COVID-19 TCM database to provide the anti-COVID-19 TCM information to develop effective drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Method(s): Herein, we collected these prescriptions data by querying the CNKI and Wanfang Chinese da-tabases, the clinical guidance for COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis and treatment, and further set up the web-accessible anti-COVID-19 TCM database. Result(s): Altogether, 293 different prescriptions are applied in four different COVID-19 stages of treat-ment, and the prevention of COVID-19 is composed of 452 TCM components. Conclusion(s): The database provides comprehensive information for anti-COVID TCM and thus would help to investigate novel ways to develop new anti-COVID-19 agents.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

Screening for Potential Traditional Herbal Inhibitors Against 3-Chymo-trypsin-like Main Protease (3CLpro) from Four Different Coronaviruses: An in silico Approach

Background: The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised a global health concern due to the unavailability of any vaccines or drugs. The repurposing of traditional herbs with broad-spectrum anti-viral activity can be explored to control or prevent a pandemic. Objective(s): The 3-chymotrypsin-like main protease (3CLpro), also referred to as the "Achilles' heel" of the coronaviruses (CoVs), is highly conserved among CoVs and is a potential drug target. 3CLpro is essential for the virus' life cycle. The objective of the study was to screen and identify broad--spectrum natural phytoconstituents against the conserved active site and substrate-binding site of 3CLpro of HCoVs. Method(s): Herein, we applied the computational strategy based on molecular docking to identify potential phytoconstituents for the non-covalent inhibition of the main protease 3CLpro from four different CoVs, namely, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-229E. Result(s): Our study shows that natural phytoconstituents in Triphala (a blend of Emblica officinalis fruit, Terminalia bellerica fruit, and Terminalia chebula fruit), namely chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and elagic acid, exhibited the highest binding affinity and lowest dissociation constants (Ki), against the conserved 3CLpro main protease of SARSCoV-2, SARS-CoV, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-229E. Besides, phytoconstituents of other herbs like Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hyssopus officinalis, Camellia sinensis, Prunella vulgaris, and Ocimum sanctum also showed good binding affinity and lower Ki against the active site of 3CLpro. The top-ranking phyto-constituents' binding interactions clearly showed strong and stable interactions with amino acid residues in the catalytic dyad (CYS-HIS) and substrate-binding pocket of the 3CLpro main proteases. Conclusion(s): This study provides a valuable scaffold for repurposing traditional herbs with anti--CoV activity to combat SARS-CoV-2 and other HCoVs until the discovery of new therapies.Copyright © 2021 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.

Application of Antiviral, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Trifolium pratense L. Extracts and Myristica fragrans Houtt. Essential Oil in Microcapsules.

Viruses and bacteria can disrupt normal human functions; therefore, ways to use the beneficial properties of plants to promote health are constantly being researched. Plant materials that accumulate biologically active compounds can be used to create a new pharmaceutical form. This study aimed to investigate the biological activity of selected plant extracts and essential oil and to produce microcapsules. The main compounds in extracts and essential oil were determined using chromatographic methods, antioxidant activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically, antimicrobial activity was assessed by monitoring the growth of nine pathogens, and the antiviral effect on infected bird cells with coronavirus was evaluated. Trifolium pratense L. extract had the highest antioxidant (26.27 ± 0.31 and 638.55 ± 9.14 µg TE/g dw by the DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively) and antiviral activity (56 times decreased titre of virus). Liquorice extract expressed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive pathogens and the highest antioxidant activity using the FRAP method (675.71 ± 4.61 mg FS/g dw). Emulsion stability depended on excipients and their amount. Microcapsules with extracts and essential oil were 1.87 mm in diameter, and their diameter after swelling was increased more than two times in intestinal media, while less than 0.5 times in gastric media.

Prophylactic treatment of Glycyrrhiza glabra mitigates COVID-19 pathology through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hamster model and NETosis.

Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary pathology, and is presented mostly with an inflammatory cytokine release, a dysregulated immune response, a skewed neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and a hypercoagulable state. Though vaccinations have proved effective in reducing the COVID-19-related mortality, the limitation of the use of vaccine against immunocompromised individuals, those with comorbidity, and emerging variants remains a concern. In the current study, we investigate for the first time the efficacy of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) extract, a potent immunomodulator, against SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters. Prophylactic treatment with GG showed protection against loss in body weight and a 35%-40% decrease in lung viral load along with reduced lung pathology in the hamster model. Remarkably, GG reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). In vitro, GG acted as a potent immunomodulator by reducing Th2 and Th17 differentiation and IL-4 and IL-17A cytokine production. In addition, GG also showed robust potential to suppress ROS, mtROS, and NET generation in a concentration-dependent manner in both human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and murine bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs). Taken together, we provide evidence for the protective efficacy of GG against COVID-19 and its putative mechanistic insight through its immunomodulatory properties. Our study provides the proof of concept for GG efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 using a hamster model and opens the path for further studies aimed at identifying the active ingredients of GG and its efficacy in COVID-19 clinical cases.

Etiology-Specific Olfactory Phenotypes for COVID-19 and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom associated with COVID-19 infection. While often transient, nearly 1 in 8 patients experience persistent dysfunction after initial infection resolution. Given the known association between impaired olfaction and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), this persistent COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction may impede early detection of cognitive decline. Method(s): Patients with confirmed COVID-19-associated hyposmia (n=73), MCI (n=58), and normal controls (n=86) were prospectively enrolled. Demographic data were collected alongside formal olfactory testing via AROMA (Affordable Rapid Olfaction Measurement Assay) at time of initial enrollment. MCI was assessed via MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Multivariate logistic regressions were utilized to evaluate for associations between variables and etiology of olfactory dysfunction. Result(s): After controlling for age and gender, when compared against normal controls, the inability to smell licorice, cinnamon, and lemon at the lowest 3 concentrations increased odds of COVID-19 hyposmia by 10.8 (95% CI, 4.6-25.6), 5.7 (95% CI, 2.7-11.7), and 5.3 (95% CI, 2.6-10.8), respectively. While the inability to smell coffee (9.9 odds ratio [OR];95% CI, 2.02-48.1), eucalyptus (6.7 OR;95% CI, 2.2-20.0), and rose (4.0 OR;95% CI, 1.7-9.7) were associated with MCI, decreased ability to smell licorice, cinnamon, and lemon were not. When combined into a composite score and compared against controls, decreased detection of licorice, cinnamon, and lemon was associated with a 16.5 OR (95% CI, 6.6-41.3) for COVID-19 hyposmia. This composite score was not significantly associated with MCI (1.2 OR;95% CI, 0.6-2.2) and, as such, performed well at discriminating between COVID-19 and MCI patients (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve=0.76). Conclusion(s): Distinct patterns of impaired olfaction were noted for COVID-19. We show that this etiology-specific phenotype has good discriminative performance when differentiating from MCI-associated hyposmia, which may allow for continued utilization of olfactory screening for MCI even among those with previous COVID-19 infection.

Disparities in Olfactory Dysfunction in African American Individuals During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 is known to cause olfactory dysfunction (OD). African American individuals have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To reduce health disparities related to OD, it is important to have accurate objective testing, especially for African American individuals, who have a higher disease burden. Our objective is to examine olfactory performance in African American and White study participants by comparing individual scent scores to assess potential cultural appropriateness of scent selection. Method(s): This was a cross-sectional study of healthy participants from June 2021 to April 2022. Two smelling tests were used: Affordable Rapid Olfactory Measurement Array (AROMA) and Sniffin' Sticks (SST-12). Pearson correlation and chi2 tests were used to detect statistical differences. African American and White participants without sinonasal disease aged 18+ were recruited from outpatient clinics at Kansas University Medical Center and the community. The main outcome for our study is olfactory performance on smelling tests. Result(s): Of the 102 participants, 46 were African American and 56 were White. AROMA and SST-12 scores were significantly correlated in African American (P<.01) and White (P<.01) participants. African American participants scored significantly lower than their White counterparts on both tests (P<.01). AROMA, mean scores were 64.2 and 75.5 for African American and White participants, respectively. SST-12 mean scores were 84.2 and 89.9 for African American and White participants, respectively. On SST-12, 60.9% of African American and 30.4% of White participants were hyposmic, (P<.05). For 6 AROMA scents (licorice, orange, lavender, cinnamon, clove, and rosemary) and 1 SST-12 scent (pineapple) African American participants scored significantly lower than White participants (P<.05). Conclusion(s): When compared with White participants, African American participants performed worse on both smelling tests and a greater proportion were considered hyposmic. African American participants performed significantly worse than their White counterparts on several scents, raising the issue of cultural appropriateness of scents used in olfactory testing.

Screening of active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine against the novel Coronavirus based on molecular docking

ADMEN prediction was used to perform the first round screening from Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). then VASARA and molecular docking were used to screen again based on targets spike glyoprotein and angiotensin converting enzyme 2. and finally the interaction between target and drug was analyzed. 425 candidate ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine were screened from TCMSP database. when targeted by Spike glycoprotein. 12 ingredients were screened. They were contained artemisia apiacea salvia miltiorrhiza bge. scutellaria baicalensis. pinellia ternate. liquorice. radixImplettri and other traditional Chinese medicine. With ACE2 as the target. 77 components of traditional Chinese medicine were screened out. including salvia miltiorrhiza bge scutellaria baicalensis. pinellia ternatc. Liquorice. radix bupleuri. ephedra and other traditional Chinese medicine. At last. salviolone and dihydrotanshinlactone were found to be the potential inhibitor.

Corona virus & Ayurveda

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered CORONAVIRUS. It's a type of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The symptoms of SARS-nCOV-2 cause dry cough, fever, Tiredness, and difficulty of breathing (severe cases). We can cure the symptoms and defects of the whole body (vata, pitta, kapha) caused by the system and its qualitative therapists.

The Possibility of Using Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Narrative Review

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still a lack of miracle drugs for treatment. Repurposing drugs such as Remdesivir and corticosteroids to treat COVID-19 are being studied. Traditional Chinese medicine was widely used during the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus infection in China in 2003. It was found that standard medical treatment combined with Chinese medicine treatment may improve the symptoms of SARS patients and speeding resolution of lung infiltration. The commonly used prescriptions for preventing the coronavirus infection are Sangjuyin plus Yupingfeng powder. Various Traditional Chinese medicines with potential to fight SARS-CoV-2 include Liquorice Root and Rhizome, Rhubarb, Heartleaf Houttuynia Herb, Indi-gowoad Root, Tangerine Peel, Scutellaria Root, and Red Sage Root and Rhizome etc. In addition, Chinese patent medicines including Shuanghuanglian Oral liquid, Lianhua Qingwen Capsule, Jinhua Qinggan Granule and Taiwan Chingguan Yihau are recognized as plausible agents for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia. The antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of selected Chinese herbal drugs may attribute to their inhibiting the binding of the coronavirus spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, inhibiting key enzymes such as 3-chymotrypsin-like protease and ribonucleic acid (RNA)- dependent RNA polymerase during viral replication, and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Since most of the relevant studies mentioned the potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of these agents were only in vitro and animal experiments, more randomized double-blind controlled trials are needed to provide reliable evidence of clinical efficacy in future.

Efficacy of a Persian herbal medicine compound on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A randomized clinical trial.

Background: The global attention to the capacities of traditional medicine for alleviating the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 has been growing. The present trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Persian herbal medicine formula among patients with COVID-19. Methods: The present trial was conducted in Afzalipour hospital, Kerman, Iran, from June to September 2020. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into intervention (Persian herbal medicine formula + routine treatment) or control (only routine treatment) groups. The intervention group received both capsule number 1 and 2 every 8 hours for 7 days. Capsule number 1 contained extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra, Punica granatum, and Rheum palmatum, and the second capsule was filled by Nigella sativa powder. Participants were followed up to 7 days. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalization days, while cough, fever, and respiratory rate, days on oxygen (O2) therapy, and mortality rate were considered as the secondary outcomes. Results: Eighty-two patients were enrolled to the study, while 79 cases completed the trial and their data were analyzed (mean age: 59.1 ± 17.1 years). Based on the results, the Persian medicine formula decreased the mean hospitalization days, so that the mean difference of length of hospitalization as primary outcome was 2.95 ± 0.43 days. A significant clinical improvement was observed regarding dyspnea, need for O2) therapy, and respiratory rate in the intervention group. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The present study supported the use of the Persian medicine formula as an adjuvant therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Study registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1. Study registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Exploring the mechanism of Platycodonis Radix-Licorice for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective: To investigate the possible mechanism of Platycodonis Radix-Licorice drug pair in the intervention of COVID-19 by using network pharmacology and molecular docking technique. Methods The database TCMSP was retrieved for the chemical constituents and targets of Platycodonis Radix-Licorice drug pair. Coronavirus disease targets were screened by the Gene Cards, OMIM,TTD, PharmGkb and DrugBank database. Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct the drug-component-target network. The PPI(protein-protein interaction) network was obtained by drug-disease intersection targets, and the core genes were found through CytoNCA plug-in. Meanwhile, GO(gene ontology) analysis and KEGG(Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis were performed by using Bioconductor database to predict the mechanism. AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 software was used to simulate the molecular docking of the main active ingredients with the novel coronavirus key binding site protein [SARS-CoV-2 main protease(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease, Mpro) and ACE2(angiotensin converting enzyme 2)]. Results A total of 7 active ingredients of Platycodonis Radix,92 active ingredients of Licorice,2766 drug targets, and 674 disease targets were obtained, and 67 drug-disease common targets were excavated. The key targets involved RELA,STAT1,MAPK3,TP53,MAPK1,MAPK8,STAT3,MAPK14,IL1 B and TNF by the database STRING and CytoNCA plug-in.Go enrichment analysis showed that the main functions of Platycodonis Radix-Licorice drug pair on the intervention of COVID-19 were antioxidant reaction, cell respond to chemical stress, regulation of apoptotic signaling pathways, reaction to lipopolysaccharides and reaction to bacteria-derived molecules, etc.. KEGG pathways involved Coronavirus disease-COVID-19 pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway and so on, were mainly associated with immune response, inflammation-related pathways, inhibition of viral infection, and other inhibition of cancer. The molecular docking results showed that glepidotin A,quercetin, licochalcone a and luteolin had good binding ability with Mpro and ACE2. Conclusion Platycodonis Radix-Licorice drug pair act on SARS-CoV-2 through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple channel combination. And the main active ingredients have a fine binding ability with Mpro and ACE2. The method can provide theoretical support for the possibility of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) against COVID-19.

Ayurveda and Siddha systems polyherbal formulations to treat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 and brief insight on application of Molecular Docking and SWISS Target prediction tools to study efficacy of active molecules

Ayurveda and Siddha systems are the two ancient medical systems originated in India more than 4000 years ago had given many formulary and treatment methods against influenza like infections. Kabasura churan from Siddha system and Maha sudharshan churan from the Ayurvedic system are the two major formulations along with many other individual herbs mentioned in the texts to treat Influenza like infections. Kabasura churan and Maha Sudarshan churan both have antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Both formulations were prepared according to Siddha and Ayurvedic texts. Herbs mentioned in both formulations like Turmeric, Tulsi (Basil), Kalmegh (Andrographis), Black Pepper, Liquorice (Mulethi), and Dronapushpi (Leucas) etc., had direct antiviral effect. Herbs like Aswagandha, Ginger, Guduchi (Tinospora), Kulanjan (Galangal) etc., had immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect. Active compounds from different herbs were selected to study their antiviral activity through molecular docking algorithm. Application of modern of tools like Bioinformatics and Highthroughput screening methods can predict the efficacy of the ancient documented formulations and can be compared as per their literature. Compounds like curcumin, Glycyrrhizin, Ursolic acid, Quercetin, Andrographolide, Coumarins etc. were showed polyspecific activity like inhibition of Spike protein, Furin, Main Protease (Mpro) and Papain like Proteases (PLpro). Thus we propose use of Kabasura churan and Maha Sudharshan churan as alternative complementary medicine as a palliative treatment against COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 by conducting proper Randomized Clinical Trials.

Ayurvedic antiviral agents: Overview of medicinal plants perspective

In recent years, it has been reported that many herbal plants contain antiviral agents which combat a human disease that is caused by pathogenic viruses. The natural products which are obtained from plants as antiviral agents against viruses have gone through researches to check the efficacy and potentials of the herbal products in the prevention of viral disorders. On the basis of randomized controlled studies and in-vivo studies, and in-vitro studies, some agents are utilized all across the globe. Progressively numerous studies on therapy of antivirals have been increased. Though, efficacy remains disputable for antiviral drugs that are employed for viral disorders. The viral diseases are challenging for the health of people around the world cause significant increase in mortality and enhance crises. There are many synthetic antiviral drugs that have a large number of side effects and have narrow therapeutic window range, while in the other hand herbal formulations have minimized side effects. The advantages of herbal formulation over synthetic drugs encourage us to devise and expand new herbal moieties against the emerging viral infections. The medicinal plants contain phytochemicals that have antiviral properties. In this paper, the activity of antiviral agents from medicinal plants which have importance in Ayurveda, are discussed along with their source.

HYSSOP and POLIUM could help to prevent COVID-19 in high-risk population: the results of a parallel randomized placebo-controlled field trial

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of HYSSOP (composed of Hyssopus officinalis L., Echium amoenum Fisch & C. A. Mey and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and POLIUM (contained Teucrium polium L., Cuscuta epithymum Murr and Cichorium intybus L.) combined distilled herbal medicines compared to placebo in the prevention of COVID-19. This is a double-blind parallel placebo-controlled field trial conducted on 751 asymptomatic individuals whose one of the family members recently had a positive RT-PCR test for COVID-19. They were divided into three groups including POLIUM, HYSSOP and placebo using random blocks with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. Participants received daily 5 cc (under 12 years) or 10 cc (over 12 years) of allocated oral medications for 20 days. The primary outcome was the frequency of positive RT-PCR test among participants who became symptomatic. The mean age of participants was 36.6. Nineteen participants get infected by COVID-19 during the intervention;fifteen of them belonged to the placebo and four to the POLIUM group. Fisher's exact test indicated significant differences between HYSSOP and placebo (p<0.001) as well as POLIUM and placebo (p=0.009) groups in terms of COVID-19 confirmed by PCR tests. Cox regression model adjusted for confounders illustrated that the hazard of getting infection by COVID-19 in POLIUM and HYSSOP groups decreased by 66% (OR (95% CI): 0.34 (0.12 to 0.94);p=0.038) and 93% (OR (95% CI): 0.07 (0.01to 0.56);p=0.012) respectively, compared to placebo. Oral administration of HYSSOP and POLIUM with the other supportive health care could decrease the risk of getting COVID-19.

A REVIEW AND UPDATING OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISMS OF PERFORMANCE ACTING SOME SPICES & MEDICINAL HERBALS FROM AYURVEDA PROTOCOL VS COVID-19

The publication and worldwide diffusion of the Ayurveda treatment of COVID-19 and the vital role that spices, and medicinal herbals play in this protocol, promoted by the Department of Health and Family Welfare of India (MoHFW), in the context of SARS-CoV2 infection. Encourage us to review updating the knowledge of these herbals' plants' biochemical mechanisms of action. Several biochemical mechanisms of action of spices have been studied and established in the context of COVID-19. It has been described that herbs act as blocking agonists of some cell receptors, such as the ACE2 receptor of the renin-angiotensin system and TRP receptors belonging to the superfamily of sensory neurons, responsible for symptoms the SARS-CoV2 virus. We also find widely recommended medicinal herbs such as Tinospora cordifolia and Withania somnifera in this protocol, which has been described to stimulate the immune system and, at the same time, increase the destructive capacity of macrophages and biochemically block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 to host cells. Other medicinal herbs recommended by the Ayurveda protocol such as Curcuma longa L, Cinnamomum camphora, Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum L, Piper nigrum, Glycyrrhiza glabra L, as well as being potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory are traditionally selected as an adjuvant treatment indicated for "respiratory diseases" as in the current framework of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the Ayurveda protocol and some recently recommended nutraceutical substances and spiced dietary guidelines, as an alternative treatment in concern to SARS-CoV2 infection, for the treatment of long-term side effects of the post-COVID syndrome.

Natural Products and Their Promise Against COVID 19: Review

Background: Since the beginning of medical history, plants have been exemplary sources of a variety of pharmacological compounds that are still used in modern medication. Respiratory infections are a serious and persistent global health problem, most acute and chronic respiratory infections are caused by viruses, whose ability to mutate rapidly may result in epidemics and pandemics, as seen recently with MERS-COV (2012) and SARS-COV-2 (2019), the latter causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This study aims to highlight the tremendous benefits of plants that have been widely used as dietary supplements or traditional treatment for various respiratory infections, with a focus on the most effective constituents and studies that revealed their activities against COVID-19. Results: Several traditional plants and their phytoconstituents have shown activity against respiratory viruses, including SARS-COV-2. The presented plants are Nigella sativa, Punica granatum, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Camellia sinensis, Echinacea purpurea, Strobilanthes cusia, Stephania tetrandra, and genus Sambucus. Conclusion: The data discussed in this review can encourage carrying out in-vivo studies that may help in the discovery of herbal leads that can be feasibly used to alleviate, prevent or treat COVID-19 infection.