Herbal Immunomodulators and COVID-19

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) globally affects the people's health and social life, and it became a challenging task for pharma and research communities. Several medical research or scientific institutions are trying to develop potent antiviral vaccine/drugs against the coronavirus. There are urgent needs to explore all the possibilities against the pandemic disease, and, among that, it is well cited in many literature that Ayurveda has an important role since ancient time against many viral diseases. The Ayurvedic medicinal system is mainly based on herbal formulations, which boost the immune system or work synergistically to protect our body against invading harmfull micro-organisms. The herbal medicinal system has identified several herbs used in various home remedies. It is thought to effectively fight corona and improve health immunity;the current chapter describes the therapeutics of plants Phyllanthus emblica, Azadirachta indica, and Swertia chirata in the current scenario against COVID-19. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.

Repurposing of the herbals as immune-boosters in the prevention and management of COVID-19: A review

Coronavirus disease (COVID ) is highly contagious, and negligence of it causes high morbidity and mortality globally. The highly infectious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was abbreviated as COVID -19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) by World Health Organization first time on February 11, 2020, and later on, WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 11/3/2020. Epidemiological studies demonstrated that the SARS CoV-2 infects the overall population, irrespective of age, gender, or ethnic variation, but it was observed in clinical studies that older and compromised immunity population is much more prone to COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 majorly spread through aeration route in droplet form on sneezing and coughing, or by contact when touching eyes, nose or mouth with the infected hands or any other organs, resulting from mild to severe range of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This literature-based review was done by searching the relevant SCI and SCOPUS papers on the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, herbal formulation, and Ayurveda from the databases, Academia, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate. The present review attempts to recognize the therapeutic strategies to combat Covid-19 because of the current human risk. Indian system of medicine, including herbals, has immense potential in treating and managing various viral infections and provides evidence to utilize Ayurvedic medication to improve immunity. Cumulative research findings suggest that Ayurvedic formulations and herbal immunomodulators (Tino sporacordifolia, Withania somnifera, Crocus sativus, Zafran, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Albizia lebbek, Terminalia chebula, Piper longum, Mangifera indica, Ocimum sanctum, Centella asiatica ) are promising in the treatment of outrageous viral infections without exerting adverse effects. Considering the ancient wisdom of knowledge, the herbal formulations would compel healthcare policymakers to endorse Ayurveda formulations to control the Covid-19 pandemic significantly.