A Comprehensive Review and Perspective of Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of COVID-19

Abstract

Background: An emergent COVID-19 outbreak originated in Wuhan City, in December 2019. The COVID-19 contamination has swiftly unfold from Wuhan to maximum different provinces and different 24 countries. WHO declared a public health emergency of global concern over this worldwide COVID-19 outbreak on 30th January 2020. Manifold research has been intensely initiated for immunization and drug development for COVID-19 till date no specific vaccine or approved drugs are accessible for COVID-19. Alternatively, therapy consists of supportive care and non-specific anti-viral, anti-malarial, and antibiotics are being testedas drugs for COVID-19. Though, novel approaches could play a crucial role to combat mortality rate and patient recovery in the treatment of COVID-19. Objective: To reveal the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and comparison of promising synthetic and natural drug targets to avert and cure of COVID-19. Method: This article sets a brief understanding of the viral characteristics, its life cycle, infection to humans, and the pathophysiology of the disease. It also throws light on the currently used synthetic medicines. we have reviewed the effect of natural products to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection. Their mechanisms of action have been elaborately discussed. literature research was undertaken using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and WHO website. The different herbal products (extracts) and their moieties which are promising as anti-SARS-CoV-2 by direct inhibition of the virus replication or entry has also been discussed. Results and Conclusion: In conclusion we have highlighted that natural therapeutics either alone or in combinationcould be used as alternative medicines to treat/prevent COVID-19 infection. Moreover, their structures may offer clues for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.The integration of nanocarriers for effectively delivering the conventional as well as the herbal drugs becomes a key point for their efficacy and safety.