Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Background: Over recent years, evidence-based modern medicine has overshadowed the use and efficacy of natural and traditional medicines. However, in the wake of the pandemic, the interest in the quest for therapeutic resources linked to traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine has substantially increased. This has further facilitated the research and development of potential therapeutic crude drugs or their formulations in the management of COVID-19 and the symptoms associated with the latter. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the various traditional medicines used as integrative medicines in alleviating symptoms attributed to the COVID-19 infection. Methods: The literature was thoroughly browsed for recent research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, and review articles on ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords like complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic approach to enlist a few. Subsequently, they were thoroughly screened to include only recent studies and evidence. Additionally, the official guidelines published by the Government and other regulatory bodies were also sought to be included in the article. Study Design: The review article follows the narrative literature review method. However, the primary data was skimmed for relevance and only recent shreds of evidence, pertinent to the review were included. Results: The review elucidated the pharmacological activity of various treatment regimens in different systems of medicine, with available supportive clinical evidence. Additionally, it also underscored the importance of holistic health interventions, and how these traditional and integrative systems of medicine cater to the same. Conclusions: The recent evidence presents a broad-spectrum effect of these therapeutic interventions, primarily in the fields of mental health, mild to moderate, and even severe forms of the infection, employing various pharmacological pathways. These studies primarily include studies and statistics pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) but may include supporting evidence from other respiratory viruses. This information may prove imperative in guiding new research, and also to design and support an integrative treatment regimen. Conclusively, any suspicion pertaining to the COVID-19 infection should be sought by following the protocols recommended by the concerned health authorities of the respective region/country.