Affiliation:
1. Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
2. Department of Animal
& Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat,
Sultanate of Oman
Abstract
Background:
The rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic urged scientists to
search for effective and safe anti-coronavirus drugs from natural resources. Through centuries, traditional
medicinal plants have been providing cure for diseases and general health care worldwide.
Objective:
The main aim of this review was to explore and summarize the research works on the different
plants used traditionally in Sudan to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases,
characterizing their antiviral activities and exploring the different phytochemicals present in these plants.
Method:
The current review was carried out in line with the recommendations of the PRISMA
2020 statement. Information on plants traditionally used in Sudan to treat the signs and symptoms
of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases was obtained from traditional medicine books and published
articles, as well as the daily practice by ordinary people.
Results:
This article illustrated the use of 27 plant species belonging to 15 families in Sudanese traditional
medicine to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases. Leguminosae/
Fabaceae was found to be the most represented family (7 species), followed by Combretaceae
(3 species) and Capparidaceae and Malvaceae (2 species each). From these plants, about 11 plant
species were studied for their antiviral activity against at least one virus, and 5 plants, namely Adansonia
digitata, Boscia senegalensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, and Mangifera indica, were
tested for their antiviral activity against influenza viruses. The phytoconstituents of the listed plants
were summarized, and the antiviral activity of their isolated bioactive compounds was highlighted.
Conclusion:
The review could provide an in-depth theoretical basis and valuable data for designing
future studies.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Complementary and alternative medicine,Drug Discovery