The potential role of essential oils in boosting immunity and easing COVID-19 symptoms
Vivek P. Chavda, Pankti C. Balar, Gargi Jogi, Swati Marwadi, Aayushi Patel, Avani Doshi, Jinal Ajabiya, Lalitkumar K. Vora
Abstract
Several trials have been conducted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic because of SARS-CoV-2 to establish possible clinical treatments for critical COVID-19-infected individuals. However, many these approaches have failed to demonstrate positive results in human clinical trials. In the middle of this investigation, essential oils attracted interest due to their numerous benefits and possible role in management of illness. Essential oils have virucidal effects at nontoxic quantities due to their tiny molecular size, high lipophilicity, and quick commencement of action. Furthermore, the pulmonary exhalation, lower respiratory tropism, and deep lung transport properties of essential oils increase their potential medicinal usefulness. Additionally, their popularity as supplementary or preventative agents is influenced by their low first-pass metabolism, simplicity in formulation, and affordability. To evaluate the potential efficacy of essential oil in management of COVID-19 Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, studies published in English up to January 2024 were searched in the PubMed, Scifinder, and Scopus database, using relevant keywords. Those non-English articles, abstracts, conference papers, book chapters, and reviews were excluded. A total of 108 potentially relevant articles were included for full-text review. In the manuscript, the emphasize is on scrutinizing the probable antiviral action of essential oils to inhibit the replication of viruses and tried to provide an opinion based on different studies performed using the same concept in different corners of the world. Various essential oils hold a great potential to work as an adjuvant therapy in management and prevention of COVID-19.