Possible role of traditional systems of medicine to manage COVID-19: A review

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.