Botanical drugs and supplements affecting the immune response in the time of COVID-19: Implications for research and clinical practice.
Phytother Res
; 35(6): 3013-3031, 2021 Jun.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-996303
ABSTRACT
In times of health crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, the potential benefit of botanical drugs and supplements emerges as a focus of attention, although controversial efficacy claims are rightly a concern. Phytotherapy has an established role in everyday self-care and health care, but, since botanical preparations contain many chemical constituents rather than single compounds, challenges arise in demonstrating efficacy and safety. However, there is ample traditional, empirical, and clinical evidence that botanicals can offer some protection and alleviation of disease symptoms as well as promoting general well-being. Newly emerging viral infections, specifically COVID-19, represent a unique challenge in their novelty and absence of established antiviral treatment or immunization. We discuss here the roles and limitations of phytotherapy in helping to prevent and address viral infections, especially regarding their effects on immune response. Botanicals with a documented immunomodulatory, immunostimulatory, and antiinflammatory effects include adaptogens, Boswellia spp., Curcuma longa, Echinacea spp., Glycyrrhiza spp., medicinal fungi, Pelargonium sidoides, salicylate-yielding herbs, and Sambucus spp. We further provide a clinical perspective on applications and safety of these herbs in prevention, onset, progression, and convalescence from respiratory viral infections.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Plants, Medicinal
/
Plant Preparations
/
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Topics:
Traditional medicine
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Phytother Res
Journal subject:
Complementary Therapies
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ptr.7008
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