Knowledge of African Traditional Medicine System: Immunomodulation

African traditional medicine is one of the oldest forms of health-care system in the continent that has continued to be relevant. It is usually holistic, treating mind and body, and includes aromatherapy, bone setting, circumcision, herbs, homeopathy massaging, spiritual therapies, maternity care, psychiatric care, music therapy, and many more. It is a very old and culturally informed method of health management that humans have used against diseases that have threatened existence. More than 60,000 of the world's higher plant species can be found in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. These are about one-fourth of the global total and less than the 8% of the medicinal plants sold internationally from Africa. This scarcity could be due to lack of data on the traditional uses of many African plants as the knowledge is transferred orally by storytellers and traditional healers though in recent times, there are some information in print. Immunomodulation is seen as an essential feature of immunotherapy whereby immune responses are provoked, heightened, decreased, or avoided. Immune responses have been observed to be either cellular co-receptor expression, class switching, cytokine secretion, histamine release, immunoglobulin secretion, lymphocyte expression, or phagocytosis. Immune system dysfunction is responsible for various diseases like allergies, asthmas, arthritis, cancers, and infectious diseases. So modulation of immune responses is required in controlling diseases. This is requisite nowadays because of the upsurge of infectious diseases like superbugs caused by Multi-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the coronavirus (COVID-19) plus other emerging diseases. The historical view of African Traditional Medicine (ATMs) will be discussed from the point of view of specific plants used for immunomodulation in the ATMs and their efficacies following the trend of use and development of herbal medicines from crude formulations to refined dosage forms and procedures over time. Most of the ATMs are prepared as tonics and bitters to heighten and keep up immune defenses. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.

Herbal remedies in post-COVID trauma: a systematic review

The world has faced huge challenges throughout the endemic of COVID-19. The survivors of Covid too are facing health difficulties. The non-availability of specific treatments made researchers search for all the possible treatment regimens including traditional medicines. India has the greatest culture of Ayurveda. Indian government's AYUSH ministry has granted permission for use of ancient systems of medicine for treatment of some of the COVID-19 cases, especially which are not at advanced stages. Along with this certain reports are there which have shown the positive outcomes of Ayurvedic treatment of COVID-19. However, it is more beneficial to build the immune system of the host from a large population and its health perspective to avoid widespread infection and control the potency of the infectious viral particles. A vaccine can offer protection by boosting specific immunity in the host at the same time non-specific ways to improve host immunity are suggestible. This has carved a path for the use of ancient Indian therapeutic methods such as Ayurveda and Yoga. Although there are many general articles where the home remedies have suggested but, more scientific references are required to document the ayurvedic medicines for Covid related ailments. In this review, an attempt is made to organize available evidences of usefulness of Ayurveda, Yoga, in COVID-19.

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.

Fostering home-grown response to COVID-19: development of improved traditional herbal medicines to WHO standards

Facing the unprecedented burden and rapid spread of the Covid-19 pandemic across the globe, responses from various regions have been exceptionally quick. Drug discovery has been essentially based on repurposing, particularly at the onset of the scourge. Several experimental models have been designed ranging from in vitro cell culture systems to nonhuman primates;however, each with advantages and limitations. It was revealed beside its detrimental consequences on health, economy and the society, Covid-19 has also provided opportunity to highlight the immense potential of traditional medicine as a valid alternative for addressing major health threat. The African traditional medicine has been instrumental for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the continent, in situation of extremely low vaccination coverage. For optimal and sustainable use of traditional medicine, we strongly recommend products be developed following the WHO standards, while taking into consideration sustainability, environmental protection and copyright issues surrounding the natural product-based drug research and development.

Synthesis, characterization and pharmacological activities of silver nanoparticles using leaves extract of turmeric plant

In present manuscript describes synthesis of silver nanoparticles using turmeric leaves extract, traditional turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa, chemical called curcumin. Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. People commonly use turmeric for osteoarthritis, hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, liver disease, itching. There is also no good evidence to support using turmeric for COVID-19. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNO powder was dissolved in distilled water to prepare 10 mM AgNO stock 3 3 solution from which different composition prepared. The AgNO solutions were mixed with urmeric plants 3 t leaves extract in equal proportion in flask. The flask was wrapped with an aluminum foil and was then heated in a water bath at 50-60 C for 2 hours. The synthesis of nanoparticles, which was confirmed by UVSpectra and TEM. UV-Vis spectra and visual observation showed that the color of the fresh leaf extractsof Vinca rosea turned into brownish yellow, respectively, after treatment with silver. In addition, TEM analysis confirmed that AgNO solutions for all concentrations produced ilver nanoparticles and their average size 3 s was less than 20 nm. Turmeric plants extract of fresh leaves can be used as bioreducing agents, drug resistant strains, toxic nature towards microbial agents, play an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine and potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic-Therapeutics in Warp Speed.

Ever since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic struck, the challenges posed to the scientific community by its causative agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been countless, and still continue to emerge. Even though a host of repurposed and new therapeutic agents as well as vaccines have been, and are being assessed at a breakneck speed, this contagion continues to create havoc, returning back in waves, with appearance of newer viral variants which are associated with numerous challenges, which include greater transmissibility, increased virulence, immune escape, etc. In this study, we discuss the current status of various therapeutic agents which are being used, or in the various stages of preclinical/clinical trials for managing COVID-19.

A study of antioxidant and physicochemical stability in antipyretic decoction of traditional Lanna recipe

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, Thai traditional antipyretic recipes and antipyretic herbs have been widely studied. Antipyretic Thai/Lanna herbal decoction for relieving fever in the North consists of Tinospora crispa, Rhinacanthus nasutus, Sauropus androgynus and Alstonia scholaris. This research aimed to study the physical stability, pH, sedimentation, and color of the Lanna antipyretic decoction at 4 degrees C 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C with 75 +or- 5% RH for 7 days. The testing included the Folin Ciocalteu method for quantifying total phenolic content, the aluminium chloride colorimetry for flavonoid content, and the DPPH radical scavenging and ABTS methods for antioxidant activities. The results demonstrated that, for the decoction, the pH values at various temperatures dropped with storage time, the sediment amounts increased with storage time, but its color did not change at 4 degrees C. Its total phenolic and flavonoid contents rose with storage time. The total phenolic contents in mg GAE/g extract at Days 0 and 7 were 161.13 +or- 5.62 and 15.34 +or- 6.21 at 4 degrees C, 160.53 +or- 11.78 and 14.32 +or- 1.13 at 25 degrees C, and 160.09 +or- 7.39 and 12.82 +or- 6.91 at 40 degrees C, respectively;while the flavonoid contents in mgQE/g extract at Days 0 and 7 were 20.32 +or- 0.43 and 7.80 +or- 0.34 at 4 degrees C, 20.10 +or- 0.47 and 7.27 +or- 0.20 at 25 degrees C, and 20.06 +or- 0.55 and 6.63 +or- 0.43 at 40 degrees C, respectively. The decoction's free radical inhibition (IC50) values at 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C by DPPH ranged from 14.74 +or- 0.04 to 23.18 +or- 0.72%w/w;and by ABTS the values ranged from 2.63 +or- 0.12 to 3.95 +or- 0.05%w/w. At the storage temperature of 4 degrees C, the decoction showed the best physical stability. Thus, the results can be used in setting up storage guidelines for Thai traditional and folk decoctions to ensue the best stability.

Perceptions of family caregivers in the caring for COVID-19 patient: self-sacrificing management, fear, and loneliness to protect the patient - a qualitative content analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of family caregivers in the care process of patients with COVID-19. This study was conducted on 19 family caregivers, who were selected using purposive sampling from 2021 to 2022. Unstructured interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using the Kyngas conventional content analysis approach. The analysis of data led to three main themes, including unremitting efforts in physical care in the light of traditional medicine, accuracy, and intelligence in psychological attention and trying to maintain environmental health. According to the results, family caregivers provide high levels of self-sacrificing, continuous, and comprehensive, combined with fear and loneliness care in different dimensions with little or no support from the family, community, and health team.

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.

Phytomedicines explored under in vitro and in silico studies against coronavirus: An opportunity to develop traditional medicines.

The widespread COVID-19 pandemic, caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has emanated as one of the most life-threatening transmissible diseases. Currently, the repurposed drugs such as remdesivir, azithromycine, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine are being employed in the management of COVID-19 but their adverse effects are a matter of concern. In this regard, alternative treatment options i.e., traditional medicine, medicinal plants, and their phytochemicals, which exhibit significant therapeutic efficacy and show a low toxicity profile, are being explored. The current review aims at unraveling the promising medicinal plants, phytochemicals, and traditional medicines against SARS-CoV-2 to discover phytomedicines for the management of COVID-19 on the basis of their potent antiviral activities against coronaviruses, as demonstrated in various biochemical and computational chemical biology studies. The review consists of integrative and updated information on the potential traditional medicines against COVID-19 and will facilitate researchers to develop traditional medicines for the management of COVID-19.

Improved traditional medicine for infectious disorders in Mali

In Mali, the research on plants has been dynamic since the years of independence with the creation of a pharmacopeia institute, current Department of Traditional Medicine (DMT), one of the objectives of which is the valorization of traditional medicine resources through the production of Improved Traditional Medicines (ITMs). The investigations of DMT in collaboration with other research institutions allowed to develop ITMs used in the treatment of infectious diseases. Some of these ITMs acquired a Marketing Authorization and are part of the list of essential drugs in Mali. These ITMs are “MALARIAL 5” used against uncomplicated malaria and “DYSENTERAL” used against amoebic dysentery. Marketing Authorization files for other formulated ITMs are in progress. These ITMs are “SUMAFURA” and “WOLOTISANE” used against malaria, “SAMANERE” against viral hepatitis, “MITRADERMINE” against dermatoses, and “CALMOGASTRYL” against gastritis ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori. In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, some of DMT’s ITMs can constitute an opportunity and contribute to the care of people affected by COVID-19. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

Surviving the influenza The use of traditional medicines to combat the Spanish flu in colonial Indonesia, 1918-1919

The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 was widely regarded as the deadliest in modern history, claiming more lives than World War I. Colonial Indonesia was not spared. Several scholars have estimated that around 1.5 to 4.37 million people in the colony perished, making the death rate one of the highest in Asia. In the midst of the chaos and confusion caused by the pandemic, many people in colonial Indonesia turned to traditional medicines, particularly the poorer members of society who were inexperienced in Western medicine. Herbal treatment was considered a viable option for those who frequently faced discrimination when visiting Dutch clinics or hospitals. This essay demonstrates how more than a century ago, various ethnic groups in colonial Indonesia relied on nature to develop their own “vaccine” and medication in the fight against the Spanish flu. In the context of the pandemic, Sin Po and other newspapers played an essential role in spreading information about herbal medicines as an alternative, more affordable remedy than modern Western medicine. These newspapers provided the inspiration to investigate traditional Indonesian therapies more thoroughly. An examination of this subject reveals that there is nothing new under the sun. The colonial government never had a grand design to combat or stop the spread of a pandemic. It made almost no efforts at prevention and the outcome of this lack of preparedness was clear. Unfortunately, even more than a hundred years later, when COVID-19 struck Indonesia, nothing had really changed. © 2022 Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia

Contribution of the herbarium of the national center of floristics of Cote d'Ivoire in the fight against the symptoms caused by the COVID-19 disease: a bibliographic synthesis

This study was undertaken to identify herbal remedies that may be involved in the symptomatic management of COVID-19 disease. From a list of 247 medicinal plants, a bibliographic study was carried out with the richness, the floristic composition, the methods of preparation and use and the active principles of the plants as a variable. The importance value of these plants was also calculated. A Principal Component Analysis showed the links between the parts of plants used, the methods of preparation, the symptoms of COVID-19 disease that can be treated and the active ingredients. The results show that 226 medicinal plants divided into 190 genera and 79 families can be used to treat the symptoms of COVID- 19 disease namely otolaryngologic signs, pulmonary signs and general signs. Of these, twenty-eight (28) can relieve the majority of symptoms of COVID-19 disease. These symptoms are rhinorrhea, cough, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. These plants are mainly prepared in the form of a decoction and administered mainly orally. They mainly contain flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, saponosides, essential oils, mucilages, quinones, coumarins. The importance value of these plants is between 85.71 and 57.14%. The results also showed that eight (8) groups of medicinal plants can be distinguished according to the organs used, the methods of preparation, the symptoms of the COVID-19 disease treated and the active ingredients. The results of this study could serve as a database for the formulation of improved traditional drugs in the management of symptoms of COVID-19 disease in Cote d'Ivoire.

Therapeutic potential of the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia -minireview

For thousands of years, plant based herbal medicines have been utilized by millions of people all over the world. Plant materials or products are used in different folk/traditional medical systems, such as the Chinese, African and Indian medical systems, like Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Menispermaceae. It is a big deciduous, climbing shrub growing prevalently in the tropical part of Indian subcontinent regions such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Srilanka, and in Myanmar, and China. Guduchi, Giloy, Shindilkodi, and Amritha are all the common names for this plant. Extracts from different parts of this herbal plant have been used to treat many diseases. In Ayurvedic medicine, extract from this plant is used for preparing "rasayanas", which is known to cure diabetes, skin diseases, allergic conditions, jaundice, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, poisoning, and microbial infections. T. cordifolia has a many bioactive phytochemicals that have been isolated from its aerial parts and roots. Many bioactive principles have been reported from this plant which belong to various classes like alkaloids, aliphatic compounds, diterpenoid lactones, phenolics, flavonoids, glycosides, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, steroids and polysaccharides. T. cordifolia possesses medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidote, antitumor, antileprotic, antispasmodic, and antidiabetic properties. The present review will provide a comprehensive therapeutic potential of T. cordifolia.

Pharmacokinetics and molecular docking study of siddha polyherbal preparation shailam against COVID-19 mutated S gene

COVID-19 is a deadly disease;at the time of the first COVID-19 wave (January 2020 to November 2020), so many deaths were reported worldwide. There were no standard conventional treatments and vaccines, so the whole world turned to traditional medicine. Siddha system of medicine is one of the traditional medicines practiced in the southern part of India. Shailam is a polyherbal formulation (licence no. 1189/25D) which was analyzed by molecular docking, with AutoDockVina software, against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (PDB ID 7DDD). Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties were also recorded for Shailams phytocompounds using the online SwissADME tool. The results of the molecular docking study showed that the phytocompounds, like Caryophyllene, Aspidospermidin-17-ol, N,N Dibenzylidene-3,3-dichlorobenzidine, Beta-selinene, Curzerene, Germacrene B, Spathulenol, had the highest docking scores: -6.6 Kcal/mol, -8.8 Kcal/mol, -8.7 Kcal/mol, -6.2 Kcal/mol, -6.0 Kcal/mol, -6.6 Kcal/mol, -6.5 Kcal/mol, respectively, and the scores fall within the docking score range of the four standard conventional drugs;Azithromycin, Hydroxychloroquinone, Ivermectin, and Remdesivir which had binding energies of 7.7 Kcal/mol, -5.9 Kcal/mol, -9.2 Kcal/mol, and -7.5 Kcal/mol, respectively. ADME analysis predicted that all of Shailams phytocompounds met four Lipinskis rule of five and have a higher bioavailability score (0.55) as compared to standard conventional drugs, Azithromycin, Hydroxychloroquinone, Ivermectin, and Remdesivir (0.17). Twelve of Shailams phytochemical compounds have high GIT absorption and can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In conclusion, Shailams phytocompounds show a good docking score and ADME property against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (PDB ID 7DDD) as compared to standard conventional drugs.

Investigation on the impact of potential phytocompounds from Curcuma longa against COVID-19

Background and Objective: COVID-19 is a new viral infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and there are no vaccines or drugs available to treat this deadly disease. Curcuma longa is a well-known medicinal plant with the antiviral property. So, the present study aims to evaluate the antiviral activity of phytocompounds from Curcuma longa against SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: The phytocompounds from the Curcuma longa were docked with the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) by Autodock 4.2 to analyze the possibility of inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Protein-ligand interaction profiler and ligplot+v.1.4.5 were used to analyze the interactions between the ligand and protein molecules. The toxicity and pharmacophore of the phytocompounds were determined by SWISSADME and PharmaGist web server.

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.

Curcumin (active component of turmeric): new therapeutic option against COVID-19. (Special Issue: Covid-19 in India.)

As the world has laid down its arms in the battle against the deadly Coronavirus, researchers around the world are trying their best to find a cure from this virus. Till date there is no specific antiviral therapy available to treat COVID-19 patients. Recent studies have shown that turmeric has potent antiviral properties. In India turmeric has been a quintessential part of Indian households. Right from its use in religious rituals to using it for medicinal purposes to using it as a spice for cooking, turmeric has been an inseparable part of our life. Since ages this spice has been used extensively as an immunity booster and for its health enriching properties. With the deadly Corona virus attack, this spice is being used more-than-ever to prepare medicines. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of turmeric is extensively used in our Indian traditional herbal medicines to cure many diseases associated with infection and inflammation for many decades. Curcumin exerts antiviral activities against broad spectrum of viruses including HIV, HSV-2, HPV viruses, Influenza virus, Zikavirus, Hepatitis virus and Adenovirus. It has shown promising efficacy against influenza A viral infections. Scientific evidence suggests that curcumin could have a potential role to treat COVID-19. Nutritional supplements of curcumin with vitamin C and zinc have showed promising results in boosting the natural immunity and protective defense against the CoV infections. Well-defined studies should be performed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 and assess its value as a possible treatment for this deadly virus.