COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review on possible prophylactic role of AYUSH-Unani system and medicinal plants

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2), has been the cause of global pandemic and a matter of concern for a larger population on this planet. Despite recent reports of substantial research towards the development of viable therapies to combat this global health issue, there is still no approved therapy to cure SARS-CoV-2. India is witnessing a third wave of coronavirus (due to Omicron variant), with daily rise in COVID-19 cases in the states with large population may rise exponentially and lead to community transfer. The rapid mutations of the virus and never-ending new strains (Delta, Omicron) have now become more critical and it is hard to tell, how this situation will manifest in future. The increase in COVID-19 cases has put a pressure on the healthcare system, leading to uncertainty in the minds of the people. Indian systems of traditional medicines-AYUSH have a wide-ranging potential for being used in these tough times either as adjuvant therapy or prophylactically due to their age-old use in the community, classical references/text, pharmacopeias and scientific evidence about their safety and clinical efficacy. AYUSH-Unani (Greco-Arabian medicine) originated with the concept and teachings of Hippocrates and developed during the middle ages, which employs natural drugs of plant, animal and mineral origin for the treatment during the epidemic. An attempt has been made to give a brief overview on AYUSH-Unani concept of epidemic and its preventive measures by the use of single plant origin drugs/compound formulations, having pharmacological activities.