Medicinal plant extracts and herbal formulations: Plant solutions for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the global health community has faced unprecedented challenges. Despite the rapid development and deployment of vaccines, the virus continues to mutate, leading to various waves of infections worldwide. Variants such as Omicron and its subvariants have caused significant concern due to their increased transmissibility and potential resistance to existing vaccines. In this context, traditional medicinal plants and their extracts have gained attention as potential complementary treatments to enhance immunity and manage symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2 Overview

SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA virus from the Coronaviridae family, is structurally similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It comprises four main structural proteins: spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N). These proteins play crucial roles in the virus's ability to infect host cells and replicate. The spike protein, in particular, facilitates attachment to host cells via the ACE2 receptor, making it a prime target for therapeutic intervention. Understanding the structure and function of these proteins is essential for developing strategies to combat the virus.

Mechanism of Action of Medicinal Plant Extracts

Medicinal plant extracts and herbal formulations are rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which have demonstrated antiviral properties. These compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 by targeting essential viral proteins and enzymes such as 3CLpro, PLpro, TMPRSS2, ACE2, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and heat shock protein A5. By interfering with these targets, the extracts can prevent the virus from entering host cells and replicating, thereby reducing infection and disease severity. The multifaceted mechanisms of these compounds underscore their potential as effective antiviral agents.

Medicinal Plant Extracts on COVID-19 Infection

Various studies have highlighted the antiviral efficacy of specific plant extracts. For instance, ethanolic extracts from Psoralea corylifolia seeds and Salvia miltiorrhiza roots have shown significant inhibition of SARS-CoV-2's proteases. Similarly, compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, found in various plants, have demonstrated the ability to block viral entry and replication. Such findings underscore the potential of plant-based compounds as part of an integrated approach to managing COVID-19. These extracts not only offer direct antiviral effects but also help modulate the immune response, enhancing the body's ability to fight off infections. The therapeutic potential of these plant extracts lies in their ability to act on multiple targets within the viral lifecycle.

Herbal Formulations on COVID-19 Infection

Herbal formulations, often comprising a synergistic blend of multiple plant extracts, have been used traditionally to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections. The formulations derived from systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have shown promise in managing COVID-19 symptoms. These systems utilize herbs known for their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, offering a holistic approach to disease management. For instance, TCM formulations like Lianhua Qingwen and Jinhua Qinggan have been widely used in China to treat COVID-19 patients, showing efficacy in reducing symptom severity and duration. These formulations work by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms and reducing inflammatory responses, which are critical in managing viral infections.

Conclusions

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic necessitates the exploration of all potential therapeutic avenues, including traditional medicinal plants and their extracts. The bioactive compounds found in these plants offer a valuable resource for developing complementary treatments to enhance immunity and manage symptoms. Continued research into these natural products may lead to the development of effective prophylactics and therapies against SARS-CoV-2, contributing to the global effort to control the pandemic. Integrating traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific research could pave the way for innovative solutions to current and future health challenges.

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https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00079

The study was recently published in the Future Integrative Medicine.

Future Integrative Medicine (FIM) publishes both basic and clinical research, including but not limited to randomized controlled trials, intervention studies, cohort studies, observational studies, qualitative and mixed method studies, animal studies, and systematic reviews.

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