Pharmacological intervention of various Indian medicinal plants in combating COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Coronavirus pandemic is progressing rapidly causing an eruption of successive waves around the globe due to its ability to cause recurrent mutations, making the prevention and control measures extremely essential. The success of therapeutic benefits of natural plants and herbs are well known to humans since ancient times. Medicinal plants play an important role in curing human diseases due to the presence of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds. India is known for its heritage of medicinal plants, and Traditional Indian Medicines (TIM) have shown the potential to treat several diseases. The review highlights the detailed information of various Indian medicinal plants and their potential therapeutic role as an antiviral and immunomodulatory therapeutics. Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) has already issued several health advisory and routinely use of medicinal plants to strengthen the immune system to fight against COVID-19. Various medicinal plants, such as Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinalis, Azadirachta indica, Piper nigrum, Nigella sativa, Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra with their antiviral properties against several viruses including SARS-CoV-2 virus have been discussed in the review, which might be an effective prophylaxis against COVID-19. Special emphasis has been given on the antiviral activities of these plants against SARS-CoV-2, highlighting their efficacy as potential drug candidates.