Scientific rationale of Indian AYUSH Ministry advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, and immunomodulation

The current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected > 210 countries. Various steps are taken by different countries to tackle the current war-like health situation. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH released a self-care advisory for immunomodulation measures during the COVID-19 and this review article discusses the detailed scientific rationale associated with this advisory. Authors have spotted and presented in-depth insight of advisory in terms of immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, co-morbidity associated actions, and their probable mechanism of action. Immunomodulatory actions of advised herbs with no significant adverse drug reaction/toxicity strongly support the extension of advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, mitigations, and rehabilitation capacities. This advisory also emphasized Dhyana (meditation) and Yogasanas as a holistic approach in enhancing immunity, mental health, and quality of life. The present review may open-up new meadows for research and can provide better conceptual leads for future researches in immunomodulation, antiviral-development, psychoneuroimmunology, especially for COVID-19.Copyright © 2021, Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University.

Beneficial Effects of Daily Consumption of Garlic and Onion Extract Concentrate on Infectious Respiratory Diseases in Elderly Resident Volunteers.

Aging is a biological process with high susceptibility to several infections. This risk increases in older patients in residential care facilities (RCF). Thus, there is a clear demand for developing preventive interventions with new therapeutic compounds that combine efficacy and safety. This could be the case of compounds derived from plants of the genus Allium spp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a combination of a garlic and onion extract concentrate standardized in organosulfur compounds derived from propiin on the incidence of respiratory tract infections in elderly patients of RCF. Sixty-five volunteers were selected at random to receive a placebo or a single daily dose of the extract for thirty-six weeks. Different clinical visits were performed to evaluate the main respiratory diseases with an infectious origin, as well as the associated symptoms and their duration. The extract showed a clinical safety profile and significantly reduced the incidence of respiratory infections. Moreover, the treatment decreased the number and duration of the associated symptoms compared with the placebo group. For the first time, we demonstrated the protective effect of Alliaceae extract in respiratory infectious diseases in elderly healthy volunteers, which could be used prophylactically against the most common infectious respiratory diseases.

Molecular Docking and Dynamics of Phytochemicals From Chinese Herbs With SARS-CoV-2 RdRp

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are effective for diseases caused by viral infection, and their effects on COVID-19 are currently being examined. To directly evaluate the role of Chinese herbs in inhibiting replication of SARS-CoV-2, we investigated how the phytochemicals from Chinese herbs interact with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). Total 1025 compounds were screened, and then 181compounds were selected for molecular docking analysis. Four phytochemicals licorice glycoside E, diisooctyl phthalate, (-)-medicocarpin, and glycyroside showed good binding affinity with RdRp. The best complex licorice glycoside E/RdRp forms 3 hydrogen bonds, 4 hydrophobic interactions, 1 pair of Pi-cation/stacking, and 4 salt bridges. Furthermore, docking complexes licorice glycoside E/RdRp and diisooctyl phthalate/RdRp were optimized by molecular dynamics simulation to obtain the stable conformation. These studies indicate that they are promising as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.Copyright © The Author(s) 2022.

Effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) on production of spices and its economy in Bangladesh

Coronavirus was detected in Bangladesh first time on March 8, 2020 officially. But Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), first reported in December 2019 from Wuhan in China, had reached the stage of a pandemic. This study was conducted to know the effects of spices against Covid-19 disease, impact of Covid-19 on agro-economy of spices crop and point out of mitigating of spices problem in Bangladesh. Major production of spices was severely affected, causing raw material shortages to the spice production of Bangladesh. Major for spices crop problem were shortages caused by the migration of the workforce due to lockdown. Continuing operation on the industry floor, in the midst of social distancing, and ensuring safety of the spices production, was also a major issue. Although the entire sectors were hit by the economic disruptions, the small-scale spice producers and processors most severely affected. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the prolonged lockdown have made thousands of farmers, labours and traders feel the pinch of a falling spices yield and sale. Increased production cost of onion, chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander and black cumin due to Covid-19 situation over normal situation were 10.33, 9.54, 9.04, 11.46, 9.58, 6.21 and 7.21%, respectively. Market price of onion, chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander and black cumin were also increased 5.00, 3.90, 1.39, 3.13, 1.40, 1.25 and 2.67 times, respectively, due to the influence of Covid-19.

Potentials for health and therapeutic benefits of garlic essential oils: Recent findings and future prospects

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been known for its potent medicinal activities and its interesting culinary role since ancient times. With over 200 phytochemicals and flavoring compounds elucidated and many others yet to, garlic promises to improve human health and vitality. Just like other phytochemical classes, essential oils for garlic have been reported to show interesting medical activities delving across diverse antimicrobial, cardio-protective, anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory activities. Garlic essential oils contain mainly volatile and non-volatile allyl-sulphur-based compounds, which are a product of the stream decomposition of Allicin (a major component of garlic extract). Although a lot of work has been done on Allicin, there is little substantive work on the bio-availability and toxicities of its essential oil. This study, however, reviewed the methods that in recent times have been used to extract essential oils from garlic, recent studies on composition and therapeutic activities of Garlic essential oils, and a predictive overview of their bioavailability and toxicity. Finally, recommendations for future studies and other interesting prospects of garlic were also highlighted.Copyright © 2022

Phytomedicines for Covid-19: Opportunities and Obstacles

COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can trigger respiratory tract infection. Due to its tendency to affect the upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs), this disease is life-threatening and affects a large number of populations. This virus's unique and complex nature enhances the scope to look into the direction of herbal plants and their constituents for its prevention and treatment. The herbal remedies can have preventive as well as therapeutic actions. This review focuses on various aspects of using herbal medicines for COVID-19, as herbal constituents may also have adverse effects. Various studies revealed that some medicinal plants show life-threatening adverse effects, so selecting plants, and their related studies should be appropriate and strategic. This article includes various factors that should be considered before herbal drug use in COVID-19 patients. These are clinical trials, safety, molecular mechanism, and self-medication, which have been elaborated. This article also discusses the targets of covid-19 and different coronavirus strains. As before, treatment diagnosis of the disease is very important. Various patents have been filed and granted for its proper diagnosis so that its treatment can be easy.Copyright © 2022 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. All rights reserved.

Screening of Natural Antivirals Against the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Compilation of Updates

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), named by WHO, is a real public health disaster of the third millennium. This highly contagious viral disease has infected the world population and is now a global pandemic. This acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has severe complica-tions like pneumonitis, respiratory failure, shock, multiorgan failure, and death. Well-defined FDA-approved synthetic is not yet available. Case management strategies like lockdown, use of masks and sanitizers, social distancing, and repurposing of antiviral drugs were initially undertaken to cope with this pandemic. Different broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are being repurposed as one of the treatment modalities. The global vaccination programme with the newly launched COVID-19 vac-cines, Covishield, covaxin, sputnik V, etc., is an ongoing process. Simultaneously, significant research is being carried out in search of natural antivirals and evaluating the potency of food bioac-tives to aid naturistic protection against the coronavirus. This mini-review has compiled the latest updates on the screening and evidence-based mechanistic evaluation of phytochemicals and food bioactives as non-pharmacological adjuvant aid in COVID pandemics.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Indian medicinal plants are effective in the treatment and management of COVID-19

Indian medicinal plants are referred to as the "nectar of life" owing to their phytochemicals and bioactive complexes that are beneficial in treating diseases. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health issue without any proper medication. The indigenous plants of India can be exploited to control the precise signs of SARS-CoV-2. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) has advised routine usage of medicinal plants for COVID-19. Medicinal plants like Zingiber officinalis, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, Nigella sativa, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Allium sativum, Tinospora cordifolia, etc. have immunity-boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that can suppress and treat symptoms of COVID-19. In vitro, in vivo as well as in silico validation, these phytochemicals can help us to manage and treat COVID-19 disease. This integration of traditional knowledge in the prophylaxis of corona infection and current skills validating it for the development of precise and powerful therapeutic approaches will more efficiently resolve different clinical aspects of COVID-19. The review focuses on both traditional and emergent methods to prevent and treat COVID-19 with various Indian medicinal plants along with their phytochemicals.Copyright © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.

In silico-based studies on phytochemicals from native Indian plants as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2

This study aims to analyze the AntiCovid effect of Phytocompounds extracted from Native Indian Plant species by computational methods such as Molecular Docking. Through this study keeping the Indian Heritage alive we characterized the ability of these phytochemicals as inhibiting agents of the Main Protease enzyme of this Virus. The lack of any effective treatment and the reoccurrence of cases despite Vaccination necessitates the quick provision of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Natural substances are getting a lot of attention for SARS-CoV-2 therapy as they have proven antimicrobial activities and are a key source for numerous antiviral drugs. Despite the fact that this virus has several identified target receptors, Main Protease (Mpro) is crucial for viral replication. In this study, 26 phytochemicals from 10 native Indian plant species were studied. Our docking studies demonstrated that compounds Quercetin, Withaferin A, Sominone, and Nimbin were likely to be more favorable than the natural inhibitor N3, with binding energies of-8.42, -9.21, -9.95, and -8.88 kcal/mol, respectively. These four candidate natural compounds were further examined for their bioavailability scores through ADMET analysis to prove the safety of these compounds as well as their drug likeliness. Through the results it was indicated that these natural phytochemicals have a significant potential of inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme and might be utilized to treat SARS-CoV-2 and manage public health, subject to in vitro validation in the future.

Nutritional Intervention for the Treatment and Prevention Against Novel Coronavirus-19

Introduction: The ongoing pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS COV-2) has jeopardized people's health and the global economy. The infection caused by these viruses inflicts immunosuppression and an unprecedented range of symptoms leading to mortality. At this stage, there are no countermeasures or medicines to overcome rapid disease proliferation and aberrant immunological response. Objective(s): The study aims to determine different immunomodulatory therapeutics that could be potential agents to alleviate viral and other lethal infections and possibly rejuvenate immunological and tissue repair response against this disease. Method(s): A review of the literature was performed by screening different scientific databases to procure various immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of SAR COV-2. Result(s): A comprehensive literature review indicated that different foods rich in vitamins (A-D), selenium and iron can enhance immunological response against various deleterious infections, whereas different nutritious drinks that include hydrogen-enriched water and green tea alleviate inflammation and elicit wound healing properties. Black cumin seeds and Garlic have a myriad of biological activities due to abundant bioactive phytochemicals that play an important role in the elimination of various bacterial and viral infections. Conclusion(s): These foods/supplements are relatively safe to consume and possess high toxicity profile and could be a potential nutritional intervention in order to create adequate immunity within a population to fight against this prevailing infection.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Potential Health Survey of Traditional Spices & Herbs in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: A Review

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global public health pandemic disease emerged from the novel strain of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome. It is the most significant respiratory illness that has affected the world since World War II. Currently, there is no globally approved drug for the treatment of pandemic COVID-19 except for some recently approved vaccines. Instead, various non-specific treatment options are being utilized by different countries. While some of these are effective, there is a lack of well-documented studies on the impact of traditional medicines on the management of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in silico. For thousands of years, traditional healers have been using various herbs and spices products and dietary plants to treat various diseases. This review aims to provide information on the use of traditional spices & herbs in COVID-19 protection and treatment and present the main characteristics of these products and their potential antiviral actions. Various databases were searched for articles related to the use of various herbs for the treatment of viral infections. Many of these studies show that various plant compounds can be utilized for the treatment of viral infections. This study aims to summarize the common used of herbal products and dietary supplements with potent bioactive compounds in treatment or prevent of COVID-19.

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.

Long term exposure of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) mediates transcriptomic changes in normal human lung epithelial Beas-2b cells and protection by garlic compounds.

Chronic cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) exposure is one of the preventable risk factors in the CS-induced lung cancer. However, understanding the mechanism of cellular transformation induced by CS in the lung remains limited. We investigated the effect of long term exposure of CSC in human normal lung epithelial Beas-2b cells, and chemopreventive mechanism of organosulphur garlic compounds, diallyl sulphide (DAS) and diallyl disulphide (DADS) using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) transcriptomic analysis. CSC regulated 1077 genes and of these 36 genes are modulated by DAS while 101 genes by DADS. DAS modulated genes like IL1RL1 (interleukin-1 receptor like-1), HSPA-6 (heat shock protein family A, member 6) while DADS demonstrating ADTRP (Androgen-Dependent TFPI Regulating Protein), ANGPT4 (Angiopoietin 4), GFI1 (Growth Factor-Independent 1 Transcriptional Repressor), TBX2 (T-Box Transcription Factor 2), with some common genes like NEURL-1 (Neuralized E3-Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1), suggesting differential effects between these two garlic compounds. They regulate genes by influencing pathways including HIF-1alpha, STAT-3 and matrix metalloproteases, contributing to the chemoprotective ability of organosulfur garlic compounds against CSC-induced cellular transformation. Taken together, we demonstrated CSC induced global gene expression changes pertaining to cellular transformation which potentially can be delayed with dietary chemopreventive phytochemicals like DS and DADS influencing alterations at the transcriptomic level.

Effectiveness of Fortified Garlic Extract Oral Capsules as Adjuvant Therapy in Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Herbal medicines have been extensively used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Garlic, known to exert antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, can be coadministered with standard treatments to combat COVID-19. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Gallecina oral capsules (Samisaz Pharmaceutical Company, Mashhad, Iran), a fortified garlic extract, as adjunctive therapy to improve the clinical status and symptoms in noncritically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods: This triple-blind randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on noncritically ill patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the nonintensive care wards of Imam Hassan Hospital. Patients received remdesivir plus 90 mg Gallecina capsule or a placebo every 8 hours for 5 days or until discharge. The clinical status, respiratory symptoms, and laboratory parameters were recorded during the study period. Results: Patients were enrolled between April 24 and July 18, 2021. Data from 72 patients in the Gallecina group and 69 patients in the placebo group were analyzed. Oxygen saturation, C-reactive protein levels, and the distribution of respiratory distress and cough were similar between groups on the day of discharge. Although body temperature was significantly lower in the Gallecina group than that in the placebo group on the day of discharge (P = 0.04), it was within the normal range for both groups. The proportion of patients requiring supplemental oxygen for at least 1 day during the study was significantly reduced in the Gallecina group on days 3 and 4 and the day of discharge (P < 0.05). Gastrointestinal complaints were more prevalent in the Gallecina group than in the placebo group but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Conclusions: There was no significant effect on the primary outcome of clinical status on study day 6. Although the proportion of Gallecina-treated patients who needed supplemental oxygen significantly decreased on days 3 and 4 and the day of discharge, there was no significant difference between the groups on other days. The possible beneficial effects on oxygen requirements in noncritically ill COVID-19 patients may warrant further investigation. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2023; 84:XXX-XXX). Clinical trial registration: IRCT20201111049347N1.

In-silico strategies of some selected phytoconstituents from Garlic Vein SARS CoV-2 main protease and spike protein (COVID-19) inhibitors

Garlic Vein (Lamiaceae) was used to treat multiple human afflictions. Literary works demonstrated that it has many biological activities. Today's research aims to recognise Garlic Veinphyto-derived anti-viral compounds against main protease and spike protein of COVID-19, to gain insight into the molecular interactions. In the current study, 12 molecules taken from Garlic Veinwere analysed through docking, which is derived from the PubMed database. Docking experiments were conducted with Autodock tool. AdmetSAR and Data warrior servers were eventually used for drug-like prediction. Our research shows that three phytoconstituents from Melissa officinalis, namely, Luteolin-7-glucoside- 3'-glucuronide, Melitric acid-A and Quadranoside-III have exhibited better binding affinity and stability with the targets of COVID-19 main protease and spike protein. The identified substances can be further extended for in vitro and in vivo studies to assess their effectiveness against COVID-19. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Role of Functional Food Additives in Regulating the Immune Response to COVID-19

Background: Food additives act as preventive measures and promote a healthy immune response against pathogenic diseases. There are several functional food additives with antiviral potential that are part of our daily food supplements, which can be exploited to improve the immunity of the human being during the pandemic of COVID-19. Scope and Approach: For this study, an extensive database search using the scientific databases and Google Scholar, as well as commercial search engines, such as Google and Google Patent, was con-ducted to explore commercial and patentable applications. Key Finding: Food additives, such as Phyllanthus emblica, Long pepper, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cardamom, Ginger, Garlic, Holy Basil, and Liquorice, are used in traditional cultures as preventive treatments. The phytocompounds extracted from these food additives are immune modulators against various pathogenic inflammations. Enhancing the immune response and boosting health are the benefits of these food additives. Conclusion(s): The research literature and reputable sources online confirm that functional food additives in a regular diet may help cure COVID-19 disease. It is necessary to conduct scientific research to determine the effectiveness of food additives. Future Direction: The majority of diseases are caused by metabolic disorders. It is clear that diet plays a major role in controlling the inflammation associated with diseases and metabolic disorders. There is still a lack of phytochemical screening of compounds in food additives and their interaction with me-tabolism. This effort will help the science community to think outside of the box of medicine. Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

Essential Oils and COVID-19.

Herbal products are a major source of herbal medicines and other medicines. Essential oils have shown various pharmacological activities, such as antiviral activity, and therefore are proposed to have potential activity against SARS-CoV-2. Due to their lipophilicity, essential oils can easily penetrate the viral membrane and cause the viral membrane to rupture. In addition, crude essential oils usually have many active constituents that can act on different parts of the virus including its cell entry, translation, transcription, and assembly. They have further beneficial pharmacological effects on the host's respiratory system, including anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, bronchiectasis, and mucolytics. This review reported potential essential oils which could be promising drugs for COVID-19 eradication. Essential oils have many advantages because they are promising volatile antiviral molecules, making them potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, whether used alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of the current review is to shed light on the potential essential oils against enveloped viruses and their proposed activity against SARS-CoV-2 which is also an enveloped virus. The objectives were to present all data reflecting the promising activities of diverse essential oils against enveloped viruses and how they could contribute to the eradication of COVID disease, especially in indoor places. The data collected for the current review were obtained through the SciFinder database, Google scholar, PubMed, and Mendeley database. The data of the current review focused on the most common essential oils which are available in the pharmaceutical market and showed noticeable activities against enveloped viruses such as HSV and influenza.

A Critical Review on the Nutritional and Medicinal Profiles of Garlic’s (Allium sativum L.) Bioactive Compounds

The medicinal characteristics of garlic’s (Allium sativum L.) dynamically bioactive constituents such as alliin, allicin, ajoene, S-allyl-cysteine, S-trityl-L-cysteine, diallyl sulfide, and S-allylmercaptocysteine, have gained a lot of scientific attention from a large number of investigators who have occupied the related pre-clinical and clinical studies, as well as in the industrial sector. The outcomes from basic investigations demonstrated that, depending on the type of food processing, the presence of bioactive compounds in the matrix of garlic have a coherent and direct relation with the appearance/development of health-promoting effects in the host. Besides, it can be acknowledged that at present spectroscopic and chemometric techniques are powerful tools to detect fraud, prevent criminal activities of fraudsters, and ensure food chain safety, and future studies should lead to further progress, such as portable and hand-held spectroscopy devices for rapid on-site analysis, in this field. There have been also many issues on the effects of processing on garlic’s bioactive compounds, potential toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile of these elements that should be studied to validate the health advantages of garlic in humans. In this review, the outcomes of recent experimental and clinical reports are reviewed and metabolism pathway, bioavailability, biological/therapeutically effects, food-related applicability, methods of adulteration detection, potential toxicities, and safety profile of garlic’s derived bio-compounds are discussed. © 2022 Taylor & Francis.