Una alternativa natural para el tratamiento de la COVID-19 / A natural alternative for the treatment of COVID-19

RESUMEN

Introducción: La COVID-19, enfermedad provocada por el nuevo coronavirus SRAS-CoV 2, afecta a la humanidad desde finales de 2019, y en pocos meses alcanzó la categoría de pandemia. Objetivo: Identificar las potencialidades del Cuadro Básico de Productos Naturales de Cuba como alternativa natural en el tratamiento de la COVID-19. Método: Se realizó un estudio que aplicó el método cualitativo, mediante una revisión bibliográfica y documental en fuentes de datos digitales de amplio alcance (Google, Scielo, DOAJ, Latindex y SCOPUS). Se tuvo en cuenta la calidad y la actualidad. Conclusiones: La fitoterapia constituye una alternativa válida para el tratamiento preventivo y sintomático de la COVID-19. De acuerdo a la eficacia y las acciones farmacológicas demostradas, el Asmacan es el producto natural con mejor proyección, aunque la selección de uno u otro producto pudiera depender de los objetivos: preventivo o curativo, y en este último, del estadio de la enfermedad. Su asociación con naranja dulce puede incrementar los beneficios. El consumo de productos naturales, conjuntamente con los tratamientos convencionales, deberá ser evaluado para evitar las posibles reacciones adversas asociadas a interacciones farmacológicas.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has affected humankind since the end of last year. In few months the disease has reached the category of pandemic. Objective: Identify the potential of the Basic Chart of Cuban Natural Products as a natural alternative for the treatment of COVID-19. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through a literature and document review in wide scope digital data sources (Google, SciELO, DOAJ, Latindex, Scopus). Quality and topicality were taken into account. Discussion: This virus acts upon the human organism in a number of different manners. It most commonly affects the respiratory, immune and cardiovascular systems, and oxidative stress. The Basic Chart of Cuban Natural Products includes several natural products with therapeutic potential substantiated by scientific evidence contributed by non-clinical or clinical pharmacological research. Products were found which have a bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory effect at pulmonary level, such as those contained in aloe, majagua and sweet orange, and those which stimulate the immune system and improve oxidative stress, such as beehive-derived products. Conclusions: Phytotherapy is a valid alternative for preventive and symptomatic treatment of COVID-19. According to its efficacy and proven pharmacological effects, Asmacan is the natural product with the best projection, but selection of one or another product could depend on whether the purpose is preventive or curative, and in the latter case the disease stage. Its association with sweet orange may enhance the benefits. Consumption of natural products in combination with conventional treatments should be evaluated to prevent possible adverse reactions associated to drug interactions.