PHYTOTHERAPY: A POTENTIAL REMEDY AGAINST INFECTIOUS CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1592112220021

• Palavras-chave: Medicinal plants; Plant derived natural compounds; Respiratory diseases; SARS-CoV-2; selection tool; cold

• Keywords: Medicinal plants; Plant derived natural compounds; Respiratory diseases; SARS-CoV-2; selection tool; cold

• Abstract:

  A novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-Cov-2 has emerged as one of the most infectious diseases of the present century. It has caused a serious threat and global health crisis. Although the vaccines and some drugs approved, the pandemic goes on. Lack of medicines accessible to population and hasty increase of cases, mainly due to omicron variant, have focused the attention towards phytotherapy as a promising alternative to curtail and eradicate the overall impact of this infectious disease. In this context, questions arise: can plants contribute to disease control against viruses? Which species can be used as an alternative and/or complement therapeutic against COVID-19? Thus the objective of present review is to evaluate the medicinal plant species already validated for the treatment of common colds and other respiratory problems besides that published in the monographs of the World Health Organization, as well as studies carried out on already certified antiviral activities. To contribute towards the treatment of COVID-19, it is essential to identify the species with a potential for validation studies, containing clinical and pre-clinical trials. It is suggested that species already indicated for antiviral activity against HIV should be selected for pre-clinical trials. Species including Echinacea angustifolia DC (roots), Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. (roots), Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (shoots), and Andrographis paniculate (Burm. F.) Ness. should be considered for clinical trials in cases of COVID-19.

• Número de páginas: 15