Possible role of traditional systems of medicine to manage covid-19: A review
Preet Amol Singh, Neha Bajwa, Ashish Baldi
Abstract
Abstract The covid -19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global healthcare system and the economy. At present, no specific antiviral vaccine is available to combat this contagious virus. Traditional medicine has a long history of playing a significant role in managing several infectious diseases. In this context, scientists around the globe are also exploring various traditional medical interventions to prevent the covid -19 pandemic. In the present work, we summarize available scientific data advocating the use of traditional medicine for preventing covid -19. A robust literature review was conducted using scientific platforms such as Science Direct, National Center for Biotechnology Information ( ncbi ), Pubmed, Google Scholar, and online database like The Plant List (The Plant List 2013) version 1.1. Special emphasis was given to potential natural antiviral, immuno-modulator plants, and traditional medicines to highlight their possible roles in reducing the disease burden. Immuno-modulator such as Withania somnifera and other natural compounds especially glycyrrhizin, kaempferol, ginsenoside, and lycorine can be leading candidates against sars -CoV-2. Besides the need for rigorous scientific validation of potential herbs and related formulations, their use can be beneficial for the preventive as well as symptomatic treatment of covid -19 infected patients. This work provides a run-through of the experimental therapeutics, preventive and treatment options for covid -19.