Medicinal Plants used Traditionally in Sudan to Treat Viral Infections Related to the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Background: The rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic urged scientists to search for effective and safe anti-coronavirus drugs from natural resources. Through centuries, traditional medicinal plants have been providing cure for diseases and general health care worldwide. Objective(s): The main aim of this review was to explore and summarize the research works on the different plants used traditionally in Sudan to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases, characterizing their antiviral activities and exploring the different phytochemicals present in these plants. Method(s): The current review was carried out in line with the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 statement. Information on plants traditionally used in Sudan to treat the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases was obtained from traditional medicine books and published articles, as well as the daily practice by ordinary people. Result(s): This article illustrated the use of 27 plant species belonging to 15 families in Sudanese traditional medicine to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases. Legumi-nosae/Fabaceae was found to be the most represented family (7 species), followed by Combretaceae (3 species) and Capparidaceae and Malvaceae (2 species each). From these plants, about 11 plant species were studied for their antiviral activity against at least one virus, and 5 plants, namely Adan-sonia digitata, Boscia senegalensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, and Mangifera indica, were tested for their antiviral activity against influenza viruses. The phytoconstituents of the listed plants were summarized, and the antiviral activity of their isolated bioactive compounds was highlighted. Conclusion(s): The review could provide an in-depth theoretical basis and valuable data for designing future studies.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of patients infected with new coronavirus

The purposes of this review was in the direction of epidemiology, causative agents, symptoms, vaccine research probabilities and COVID-19 infection novel Corona viruses that was investigated in China. The COVID-19 has surrounded viruses along with a practical sensation one stranded RNA genome and a nucleocapsid of helical uniformity. The COVID-19 is an enormous family of viruses that are prevalent in a public and large number of species of animals including hens, camels, bats, cat, and cattle. Human corona viruses can cause gentle disorder identical to a common cough, cold, while others reason more acute disease MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Thus spreading the COVID-19 should be closely investigated to recognize the growth of particularly virulent strains in society at an early stage and to simplify the evolution of enough preventive and therapeutic measurements.Copyright © 2021, Health Biotechnology and Biopharma. All rights reserved.

Home Remedies, Dietary and Lifestyle Changes during Covid-19 Pandemic

December 2019 has become one of the most surprising days in the whole world in light of the flare-up of a most infectious sickness brought about by novel Covid or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is conducted to assess the benefits of the use of home remedies to prevent the cause of Covid-19 and evaluate the assessment of dietary changes and physical activity in the prevention of Covid-19. A questionnaire-based online survey is conducted using Google forms consisting of multiple-choice questions about home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes made by the people during this pandemic. These home remedies included using different types of herbal preparations, steam inhalation, physical exercise and OTC medications for prophylaxis. Questions likewise included about being infected by Coronavirus-19(during first wave or second) and their recovery period, additionally collected their viewpoint for changes made, for example how much they are useful in the prevention of the attack and whenever encountered any undesirable impacts. Total responses were 210, among which 121(57.6%) responses were from females and 89(42.4%) from males. 65 people tested Covid positive (42 during the first wave and 23 during the second wave). 118(56.2%) of people think these changes are very beneficial. (Rated 4 and 5 out of 5 points). From our survey, we concluded that different herbal preparations of their composition, which they thought are helpful, and steam inhalations have been used. Rating regarding the use and effectiveness was also found to be average. Further studies are needed to prove and provide clear evidence about adverse and side effects associated with the use of herbal products.Copyright © 2022 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. All rights reserved.

An Ethnobotanical Survey of COVID-19 Therapeutic Plants

After the emergence of COVID-19, the global usage of herbal medicine has expanded considerably. Exploring the scientific and clinical potential of medicinal plants, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes projects to create COVID-19 medicines via traditional medicine. The purpose of our research was to compile a list of plants used in the outpatient treatment of COVID-19 by herbalists, including the plants, the sections utilized, and the method of preparation and administration. an ethnobotanical survey was done in order to determine the plants prescribed by herbalists to their COVID-19 patients/clients. In our investigation, we discovered 14 plant species, with Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula angustifolia, Artemisia herbacea alba, Syzygium aromaticum, and Thymus vulgaris being the most often suggested.Copyright © 2023, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bio-guided chemical characterization and nano-formulation studies of selected edible volatile oils with potentials antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities.

The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has opened the door to potential threats of the respiratory system. The discovery of drugs from natural sources is one of the most important strategies for treating the upper respiratory tract. In this study, we investigated the selected formulated EOs activities against Gram-negative (E. coli, K. pneumonia, and P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (S. aureus, E. fecalis) bacteria and against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with the mode of action investigated as anti-SARS-CoV-2. Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Syzygium aromaticum EOs were the most promising antibacterial oils. C. zeylanicum EO showed MIC values of 1, 1, 2, ≤0.5, and 8 µg/mL against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. fecalis, respectively, while S. aromaticum EO showed MIC values of 8, 4, 32, 8, 32 µg/mL against the same organisms. The cytotoxic activity of the oil samples was tested in VERO-E6 cells using (MTT) assay and showed that the safest oil was F. vulgare, then L. nobilis, C. carvi, S. aromaticum, and E. globulus. The most potent antiviral EOs were C. zeylanicum oil and S. aromaticum, with IC50 value of 15.16 and 96.5 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the safety index of S. aromaticum EO (26.3) was greater than the oil of C. zeylanicum (7.25). The mechanism by which C. zeylanicum oil exerts its antiviral activity may involve both the virucidal effect and its impact on viral reproduction. The nano-emulsion dosage form of the potent EOs was prepared and re-examined against the same bacterial and viral strains. Finally, the chemical characterization of these promising essential oils was analyzed and identified using the GC-MS approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning the in vitro investigation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of these selected essential oils, along with a proposed mechanism for the potent oil's activity.

In-Silico Validation of Clove as a Potential Nutraceutical against Sars-Cov-2

The pandemic COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of human beings throughout the world and attaining natural immunity against this virus is the best remedy. Consumption of nutraceuticals having antiviral and immune-boosting ingredients is the natural way to fight against it. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of phytochemicals from Syzygium aromaticum and identify lead molecules through an in-silico approach. To determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, 249 phytochemicals from Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) were docked with each of the four therapeutic targets namely Spike protein (SP), Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2(ACE2), Main protease (Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Spike protein and ACE2 have a key role in viral entry into the human host and Mpro and RdRp have a key role in viral multiplication. The docked molecules with minimum binding energies <= -6 kcal/mol were considered active/hit molecules. The total number of hits obtained in the order of merit was 46, 51, 60, and 150 against RdRp, spike protein, Mpro, and ACE2, respectively, and 46 phytochemicals showed inhibitory activity on all four targets. Further, top-ranked lead molecules' protein-ligand interaction, physiochemical and ADMET prediction indicated that the compounds bicornin, casuarictin and pedunculagin have good inhibitory activity against all the selected targets. However, bicornit was recommended as the best lead for further studies since it has comparatively good inhibitory and ADMET properties. Copyright All © 2022 are reserved by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research.

Syzygium aromaticum as a bactericidal candidate: effects on the oral microbiota / Syzygium aromaticum como candidato a bactericida: efectos en la microbiota oral

El cavo de olor (Syzygium aromaticum) es un árbol, originario de Indonesia, con altura variable, pero que sobre pasa los 10 metros de altura, perteneciente a la familia de las Myrtaceae y cuyas flores que no han abierto, se convierten en botones, que al secar son los mencionados clavos de olor. Poseen como componente principal el Eugenol, entre otros compuestos orgánicos. Por sus características bioquímicas y organolépticas, le proporcionan varios beneficios para la salud, por actuar como estimulantes, antioxidante, con acción antibacterial, antiespasmódicas, además de su marcada acción analgésica y anestésica. Por su parte, la microbiota oral, está conformada por un amplio conjunto de microorganismos pertenecientes al ecosistema bucal y que a través del equilibrio de los mismos, se logrará un adecuado funcionamiento y desarrollo de las funciones fisiológicas en pro de la salud bucal del individuo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo examinar los datos específicos en el uso del clavo de olor como agente bactericida en las afecciones bucodentales, encontrándose que si puede ser usado como agente bactericida por su marcado efecto sobre la microbiota oral a nivel de eliminar los microorganismos nocivos presentes en la misma, ya que actúa inhibiendo la recomposición de las proteínas, los ácidos nucleicos y la membrana de la pared celular, cambiando la permeabilidad de las células de los microorganismos, favoreciendo su muerte y a su ves favoreciendo el adecuado equilibrio de la microbiota oral, necesario para la adecuada salud bucodental(AU)

The clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a tree, native to Indonesia, with variable height, but that exceeds 10 meters in height, belonging to the Myrtaceae family and whose flowers that have not opened, become buttons, that when drying are the aforementioned cloves. Their main component is Eugenol, among other organic compounds. Due to their biochemical and organoleptic characteristics, they provide several health benefits, for acting as stimulants, antioxidant, with antibacterial, antispasmodic action, in addition to their marked analgesic and anesthetic action. For its part, the oral microbiota is made up of a wide set of microorganisms belonging to the oral ecosystem and that through their balance, an adequate functioning and development of physiological functions will be achieved in favor of the oral health of the individual. The objective of this research is to examine the specific data on the use of cloves as a bactericidal agent in oral conditions, finding that it can be used as a bactericidal agent due to its marked effect on the oral microbiota at the level of eliminating harmful microorganisms present in it, since it acts by inhibiting the recomposition of proteins, nucleic acids and the cell wall membrane, changing the permeability of the cells of microorganisms, favoring their death and in turn favoring the proper balance of the oral microbiota, necessary for proper oral health(AU)

Chemical Compositions of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.) Extracts and Their Potentials in Suppressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-ACE2 Binding, Inhibiting ACE2, and Scavenging Free Radicals.

COVID-19 is initiated by binding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells. Food factors capable of suppressing the binding between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 or reducing the ACE2 availability through ACE2 inhibitions may potentially reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. In this study, the chemical compositions of clove water and ethanol extracts were investigated, along with their potentials in suppressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 binding, reducing ACE2 availability, and scavenging free radicals. Thirty-four compounds were tentatively identified in the clove water and ethanol extracts, with six reported in clove for the first time. Clove water and ethanol extracts dose-dependently suppressed SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE2 and inhibited ACE2 activity. The water extract had stronger inhibitory effects than the ethanol extract on a dry weight basis. The clove water extract also had more potent free radical scavenging activities against DPPH• and ABTS•+ (536.9 and 3525.06 µmol TE/g, respectively) than the ethanol extract (58.44 and 2298.01 µmol TE/g, respectively). In contrast, the ethanol extract had greater total phenolic content (TPC) and relative HO• scavenging capacity (HOSC) values (180.03 mg GAE/g and 2181.08 µmol TE/g, respectively) than the water extract (120.12 mg GAE/g and 1483.02 µmol TE/g, respectively). The present study demonstrated the potential of clove in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 development.

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.

Evaluation of Clove Phytochemicals as Potential Antiviral Drug Candidates Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Computational Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Pharmacokinetic Profiling.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can cause a sudden respiratory disease spreading with a high mortality rate arising with unknown mechanisms. Still, there is no proper treatment available to overcome the disease, which urges the research community and pharmaceutical industries to screen a novel therapeutic intervention to combat the current pandemic. This current study exploits the natural phytochemicals obtained from clove, a traditional natural therapeutic that comprises important bioactive compounds used for targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, inhibition of viral replication effectively procures by targeting the main protease, which is responsible for the viral replication inside the host. Pharmacokinetic studies were evaluated for the property of drug likeliness. A total of 53 bioactives were subjected to the study, and four among them, namely, eugenie, syzyginin B, eugenol, and casuarictin, showed potential binding properties against the target SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The resultant best bioactive was compared with the commercially available standard drugs. Furthermore, validation of respective compounds with a comprehensive molecular dynamics simulation was performed using Schrödinger software. To further validate the bioactive phytochemicals and delimit the screening process of potential drugs against coronavirus disease 2019, in vitro and in vivo clinical studies are needed to prove their efficacy.

Upper airways: association between olfactory training and quality of life in patients with impaired sense of taste and smell following COVID-19

Background: Loss of the sense of taste and smell occurs in 65-88% of patients infected with corona virus. In contrast to previous post-viral olfactory loss, it is often younger patients with milder symptoms of COVID-19, who experience chemosensory dysfunction. The duration of the impaired sense of taste and smell ranges from a few days to weeks after the end of the infection. Moreover, 20-28% of the patients have persistent impaired sense of taste and smell, which is also a frequently reported sequelae after infection with COVID-19. Previous studies show that loss of the sense of taste and smell is associated with a decline in quality of life. Olfactory training has been shown to be effective in other patient groups, while in olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 there is not yet evidence on the long term effect of olfactory training and whether it can improve quality of life. Aim: The primary aim is to investigate whether systematic olfactory training with essential oils to improve impaired sense of taste and smell following COVID-19 can improve patients' quality of life. The secondary aim is to investigate the effect of olfactory training. Method: Patients with anosmia or hyposmia following COVID-19 will be randomized to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received essential oils with scents of orange, lavender, clove, and peppermint. The control group received the four same containers, but with fragrance-free oils. Both groups will be instructed to do olfactory training with each of the oils for 30 s in the morning and evening for 3 months. Subjective olfactory status and quality of life will be evaluated with Taste and Smell Tool for Evaluation at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. The effect of olfactory training will be evaluated with Sniffin' Sticks. Results and Conclusion: The study has not yet been completed.

The nanocomposites designs of phytomolecules from medicinal and aromatic plants: promising anticancer-antiviral applications.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, researchers are moving toward a herbal approach to cancer treatment because of the harmful effects of synthetic anti-tumor drugs. The evaluation of active compounds with plant origin may help in the remedy of human illnesses in the future. These active compounds have direct or indirect curative efficacies on difficult to cure diseases such as cancer. Investigation of nanoforms of these active compounds is one of the curious topics of the scientific community. MAIN BODY: Saffron and its components obtained from Crocus sativa, essential oils obtained from lavender, Syzygium aromaticum called cloves and Beta vulgaris are known for their anticancer effects. Nano-drugs are designed to increase the anticancer activity of plant-derived drugs. Herbal extracts operate very great in the production of nanoparticles. The aim is to ensure that only the nano-drug is delivered to the tumor site. Furthermore, nanoparticles have hazardous effects when analyzed at elevated doses, but this issue can be doped together with plant extracts. SHORT CONCLUSIONS: The nanocomposites (graphene oxide, solid lipid nano and nanoemulsion) of phytomolecules obtained from saffron, clove, lavender and red beet may be effective in minimizing these toxic effects. In the near future, detecting the anticancer molecular mechanisms of these naturally derived compounds and nanocomposites could contribute to further cancer research. Apart from these, these compounds and its nanocomposites could have antiviral effects against today's threat covid-19 virus. Consequently, more promising anticancer and antiviral agents would be discovered.

Efficacy of Integrative Siddha Medicine, Kabasura Kudineer with Vitamin C, Zinc Supplementation for the Management of Asymptomatic COVID 19 Cases in Tertiary Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Non-tested asymptomatic COVID-19 cases poses threat of transmitting the disease silently. The Siddha polyherbal formulation, hnology Kabasurakudineer, (KSK) was found to be effective in preventing viral replication of SARS-CoV-2 by in-silico studies. A pilot study was conducted to test the antiviral activity of KSK in asymptomatic individuals tested positive for COVID-19. Methods: A single centre, open labelled, randomized controlled study was carried out during June-August 2020, in Tertiary Medical College Hospital, after approval from the institutional ethics committee and registered in CTRI. RTPCR confirmed COVID-19 asymptomatic cases, aged 18-65 years, consented to participate were . included and those with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, severe respiratory disease, malignancies, pregnant and lactating mothers were excluded. Hospitals of Semnan Uniiessi y 60 participants were randomly assigned to study and control group. Study group received KSK (60 ml) along with vitamin C in the morning and zinc in the night, while the control group (CZ) received vitamin C and zinc for 10 days. The primary outcome was the reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 load (ct value), prevention of progression to symptomatic state. Results: In the study group, there was faster reduction in the viral load in terms of ct value as all the 30 participants turned negative for SARS-Co-V2, while 4 remain positive in the control group on the 10th day. The inflammatory markers and serum cytokine findings were inconclusive. No one progressed to the symptomatic state and no adverse event was reported in either groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of Kabasurakudineer in reducing the viral load. Further clinical studies are warranted with larger sample size.

Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 Utility.

The current COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is enormously affecting the worldwide health and economy. In the wait for an effective global immunization, the development of a specific therapeutic protocol to treat COVID-19 patients is clearly necessary as a short-term solution of the problem. Drug repurposing and herbal medicine represent two of the most explored strategies for an anti-COVID-19 drug discovery. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) is a well-known culinary spice that has been used for centuries in folk medicine in many disorders. Interestingly, traditional medicines have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory ailments, whilst clove ingredients show antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Other interesting features are the clove antithrombotic, immunostimulatory, and antibacterial effects. Thus, in this review, we discuss the potential role of clove in the frame of anti-COVID-19 therapy, focusing on the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects of clove and its molecular constituents described in the scientific literature.