Exploring Nature's Invigorating Power: Phytotherapy for SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Covid-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that spreads by person-to-person contact. The virus is thought to have a zoonotic origin. It mainly affects the respiratory system, resulting in fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, diarrhea, throat infections, and myalgia. It takes over the host's cell via the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors (ACE2). Despite the development of multiple vaccinations via diverse techniques, there is no scientifically significant therapy to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, research into current therapeutic strategies' potential safety and effectiveness is in progress.  This review briefly discusses the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, its pathophysiology, and the challenges of current treatment for SARS-CoV-2. The significance the medicinal plants and their extracts are discussed at length. Available literature suggests that aloe vera, senna, black cumin, and fenugreek have the potential to be effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Many of these plants also have immunomodulatory, antiasthmatic, antipyretic, anti-tussive, and antiviral effects. Bioactive compounds such as quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, baicalin, andrographis, glycyrrhizin, and resveratrol have also been shown to relieve Covid-19 symptoms. We suggest that these medicinal plants may serve as a source of phytocompounds with safer and more potent antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 and should be investigated further in detail.