Herbs that heal: A scoping review on COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 lead to the outbreak of COVID-19, succumbed millions of people across globe and still counting. As demonstrated scientifically, the potent protease enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme2 receptor in cells of infected human beings, leading to health complications, especially respiratory ailments along with cytokine storm. The ancient, traditional medicines treating successfully various antimicrobial and antiviral diseases based on herbs anticipated to emerge as potent therapeutics in treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, this current review is an attempt to discuss mainly on final health complications associated with COVID-19, the overview, major pharmaceutical compounds present, proven earlier therapeutic value, potent use of four widely used spices as inhibitors in respect of SARS-CoV-2 and the underlining mechanisms of pharmaceutical action of cinnamon, clove, black pepper and giloy and their products with the traditional, scientific, molecular docking and clinical studies based reports. The information reviewed may be aiding to discover potent natural alternative medicines in complete treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19.