Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants in the Management and Treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS CoV-2 [COVID-19])

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS CoV-2 [COVID-19]) is a single-strand RNA virus with numerous structural proteins that facilitate entry into the host and assist in virus replication. The rapid transmission of COVID-19 amongst disparate demographics in the world is alarming and of immediate global concern. As of November 2022, COVID-19 mortality and morbidity stood at 6.6 million and 638 million persons, respectively. Literature expounds the promise of medicinal plants in the prevention, management, and treatment of certain diseases and comorbidities. Natural products may find utility in providing relief to COVID-19 patients exhibiting mild to severe symptomatology. Natural remedies are safe and possess a low toxicity profile when compared to synthetic drugs. Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), and Dashamula, etc. are some of the medicinal plants believed to be safe and effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Phytochemical compounds isolated from these plants show promising therapeutic indications against coronavirus by inhibiting Mpro or 3CLpro proteins.