Journal of Herbal Medicine

The use of herbal and dietary supplements for COVID-19 prevention: A survey among the public in a Malaysian suburban town
Wahab MSA, Hamdi H, Ali AA, Karuppannan M, Zulkifli MH, Maniam S and Ung COL
The spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may lead people to seek preventative measures. The use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) may have become prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the prevalence, predictors, and patterns of HDS use for COVID-19 prevention in a sample of the general public in a suburban town in Malaysia.
Analytical review of - A Unani panacea for the control of COVID-19
Anwar N, Ahmed NZ, Fathima AF and Khan AA
COVID-19 has affected the whole world drastically and led to a substantial loss of human life. Relentless research is underway to identify effective treatment to control the disease. Traditional systems are also being explored to search for a potent drug. Unani formulation ' has long been used in cholera, plague and other epidemic diseases. This review is aimed at analysing the possible role of in the prevention and control of COVID-19.
Clinical efficacy of combination therapy of and anti-viral drugs in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia: A prospective interventional study
Feng C, Wenlin Y, Qiangyong K, Li L and Jingjing Q
The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China (NATCM) and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) advocated a combination therapy of TCM and anti-viral drugs for novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) to improve the efficacy of clinical treatment.
Potential of a methanolic extract of (L.) leaf as an alternative sanitiser in the time of COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond
Majiya H and Galstyan A
To harness the antimicrobial properties of a crude methanolic extract of Henna () leaf as a potential alternative sanitiser, there is the need to test its performance in different solutions. In this work, the effects of distilled water (dH20), Acetate-HCL (AH) Buffer (pH 4.6), Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) (pH 7.2) and Tris-HCL (TBH) Buffer (pH 8.6) on the antibacterial and antiviral activity of the extract were assessed. Through standard phytochemical screening and HPLC-MS (LCMS STANDARD 7.M), it was found that the extract consisted of about 30 different compounds including flavonoids. The extent of the antimicrobial activity of the extract in solutions was in the increasing order of AH > dH2O >>>> TBH > PBS. Under the same conditions, reduced antibacterial activity and complete cessation of the antiviral activity of the extract in TBH and PBS was observed. However, in AH and dH20, within 1-5 min, 1 mg ml, 0.125 mg ml and 0.0625 mg ml of the extract caused complete inactivation of (reductions of 8.2 log CFU ml), (reductions of 8.2 log CFU ml) and MS2 (reductions of 9.7 log PFU ml) respectively. The fluorescence microscopy images of the live/dead staining of the inactivated bacterial samples validated the extent of the inactivation. The broad spectrum and high antimicrobial activity of the extract, coupled with the plant not a staple food, has long history of safe use by humans as a medicine and cosmetic, cheaply available in abundance in many regions of the world, thus making the extract a potential candidate as an alternative sanitiser in the time of COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond.
, a natural pharmacy against COVID-19: A molecular review
Nadi A, Shiravi AA, Mohammadi Z, Aslani A and Zeinalian M
A worldwide pandemic infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a deadly disease called COVID-19. Interaction of the virus and the Angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor leads to an inflammatory-induced tissue damage. (TvL) is a plant with a long history in traditional medicine that has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. Thymol and Carvacrol are two important biological components in Thyme that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This study is a molecular review on the potential effects of TvL and its active compounds on SARS-COV2 infection.
Senna: As immunity boosting herb against Covid-19 and several other diseases
Ikram A, Khalid W, Saeed F, Arshad MS, Afzaal M and Arshad MU
A novel coronavirus outbreak in China (SARS-CoV-2) which began in December 2019, was proven major threat to global health. However, several results from clinical practices indicate that herbal medicine plays an important role in the prevention of COVID-19, which brings new hope for its treatment. The objective of this study is to check the effectivity of senna (.) as an immunity-boosting herb against Covid-19 and several other diseases.
A phylogenetic perspective of antiviral species of the genus (Asteraceae-Anthemideae): A proposal of anti SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) candidate taxa
Hussain A
Different classes of disease-causing viruses are widely distributed universally. Plant-based medicines are anticipated to be effective cures for viral diseases including the COVID-19, instigated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study displays the phylogenetic perspective of and proposes some candidate taxa against different viral diseases, including SARS-CoV-2.
Clinical course of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection co-treatment with Jin Si Herbal Tea in Eastern Taiwan: A retrospective cohort study
Li PC, Wang HS, Shibu MA, Wang J, Huang SH, Wang JH, Wang JH, Huang CY, Chiang CY, Lin YJ, Ho TJ, Lin SZ, Chung HC, Yu HY, Su SH, Chou YF, Tai CH, Ding DC and Shih CY
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 608 million people and has killed 6.5 million people in the world. A few studies showed traditional Chinese medicine can be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. An herbal preparation Jin Si Herbal Tea (JS) was formulated with herbal extracts known for their potential to decrease spike protein and ACE2 interaction, 3CL, and TRPMSS2 protease activity, and thus aimed to evaluate the clinical course of JS co-treatment along with the usual treatment schedule given for severe COVID-19 patients.
Scientometric assessment of scientific documents published in 2020 on herbal medicines used for COVID-19
Atlasi R, Ramezani A, Tabatabaei-Malazy O, Alatab S, Oveissi V and Larijani B
Many studies have suggested herbal medicines as alternatives or adjuvants to modern drugs for COVID-19. Their scientometric analyses can provide a scientific overview of this topic.
A socio-ecological critique on India's local health traditions amidst rising incidence of global pandemics
Sharma PK, Singh A and Sharma NK
The COVID-19 crisis has exposed inadequacy to deal with such health emergencies. The state of healthcare facilities in India is shambolic, which is further exacerbated by the exclusivity of modern health systems. The authors argue for vertical and horizontal expansion of the existing system to include traditional medicine systems, in favor of an urgently needed holistic and more inclusive healthcare system.
Mechanistic insights from the review and evaluation of ayurvedic herbal medicines for the prevention and management of COVID-19 patients
Sarkar PK and Das Mukhopadhyay C
The need for specific therapeutics against infectious diseases is made very important at this moment by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2. Vaccines containing live attenuated or heat-inactivated pathogens elicit robust immune responses, but their safety is sometimes not assured. Subunit vaccines consisting of the most potent antigenic protein or carbohydrates of the pathogen are safer but often induce a weak immune response. Traditional Ayurveda medicines have a long history of safety and may act as immuno-modulators or vaccine adjuvants. They can reduce the amount of vaccine booster doses required to elicit an immune response against any pathogen. The main objective of this review is a mechanistic evaluation of the antiviral potential of Ayurveda herbal compositions for their ability to increase cytokine expression and enhance NK cell activity, activate CD4/ CD8 + T cells, and increase the formation of IL-2 and IFNγ against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Herbal plants as immunity modulators against COVID-19: A primary preventive measure during home quarantine
Das K
The novel coronavirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a deadly virus which has spread globally and claimed millions of lives. This novel virus transmits mainly through droplets and close human contact. It's impact in different countries varies depending on geographical location, climatic conditions, food habits, and cultural activities. Several precautionary measures, as well as many medicines, are applied in different combinations to limit the spread of infection. This results in a preliminary relief of people infected in the first stage of infection. An alternative approach has been introduced which proposes natural herbs, which have minimal or no side effects, and improve overall immunity. Some essential herbs with their immunomodulatory effects are mentioned in this article along with suggestions for improved immunity and protection.
Rationalistic approach in COVID-19 prevention through intervention of Unani medicine prevalent in epidemic - A review
Khan F, Ansari AN and Nayab M
A novel coronavirus virus (2019-nCoV) emerged in China in December 2019 and achieved a high-risk category by the World Health Organization (WHO). The initial symptoms included fever, cough, dyspnea, and sore throat. The present review aims to evaluate the available evidence for the safety and efficacy of herbal drugs and formulations in the prevention of (epidemic diseases) having resemblance to SARS-CoV-2.
Comparative retrospective open-label study of ayurvedic medicines and their combination with allopathic drugs on asymptomatic and mildly-symptomatic COVID-19 patients
Balkrishna A, Bhatt AB, Singh P, Haldar S and Varshney A
Treatment for COVID-19 was ambiguous in the beginning of the pandemic. At that time, the conventional medical system was grappling to cope with the rapidly spreading pandemic. The potential of Ayurveda, one of the branches of traditional Indian medicine (TIM), with a 5000 year old history, employing medicines derived from plants and other natural sources, against COVID-19 has been explored through a comparative retrospective open-label study.
extract kills pre-malignant and malignant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Dagtas S and Griffin RJ
In this study, the potential of was evaluated in the management of oral cancer through assays designed to mimic conditions expected when chewing the whole seeds or use of a seed extract. For this purpose, a water-based extract of seeds was prepared, mimicking the chewing process. This extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic effect on oral cancer and pre-cancerous leukoplakia cells at a much lower concentration than the predicted oral concentration that could be achieved upon seed chewing. When the active constituent(s) in this water-based seed extract, was explored significant quantities of the compound α-hederin was detected but only modest quantities of thymoquinone suggesting that thymoquinone is not fully released into the aqueous medium during the chewing process. While the seed extract induced a different effect on the cells than that of pure thymoquinone, α-hederin alone induced a very similar effect on the cells to that of the extract. These results suggest that α-hederin and not thymoquinone, is the major component of the seed that is responsible for the inhibitory effect observed in vitro. Therefore, chewing whole seeds or applying a concentrated extract on the oral lesions may be an inexpensive, widely available, and effective option for patients at risk of developing oral cancer who are receiving no other preventive treatment.
Appropriate use of essential oils and their components in the management of upper respiratory tract symptoms in patients with COVID-19
Valussi M, Antonelli M, Donelli D and Firenzuoli F
The involvement of the upper respiratory tract is common in COVID-19, and the majority of patients are treated at home with a mild-to-moderate form of the disease. Many approaches based on essential oils have been proposed for the symptomatic treatment of COVID-19. This work aims to outline the potential and safe evidence-based uses of essential oils and their major components for the clinical management of mild respiratory symptoms caused by uncomplicated coronavirus infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Due to their wide use, a focus on the constituents eucalyptol and menthol has been provided.
Impact of acute, oral ingestion of hypoxoside from African potato on hepatic and renal function tests in HIV infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy
Matyanga CMJ, Morse GD, Gundidza M, Ndawana B, Reid A, Chitsike I and Nhachi CFB
African potato () is used against HIV to enhance immune-function, although no studies have evaluated its use in HIV infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy. The study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of orally administered hypoxoside, a constituent of African potato, on the hepatic and renal function in HIV infected individuals on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/ lamivudine/ efavirenz regimen.
An updated knowledge of Black seed ( Linn.): Review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties
Ahmad MF, Ahmad FA, Ashraf SA, Saad HH, Wahab S, Khan MI, Ali M, Mohan S, Hakeem KR and Athar MT
() has been used since ancient times, when a scientific concept about the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of human illnesses and alleviation of their sufferings was yet to be developed. It has a strong religious significance as it is mentioned in the religious books of Islam and Christianity. In addition to its historical and religious significance, it is also mentioned in ancient medicine. It is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for a number of diseases including asthma, fever, bronchitis, cough, chest congestion, dizziness, paralysis, chronic headache, back pain and inflammation. The importance of this plant led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on . Pharmacological studies on have confirmed its antidiabetic, antitussive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuro-protective, gastroprotective, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and bronchodilator activity. The present review is an effort to explore the reported chemical composition and pharmacological activity of this plant. It will help as a reference for scientists, researchers, and other health professionals who are working with this plant and who need up to date knowledge about it.
Potential benefits of combination of and Zn supplements to treat COVID-19
Rahman MT
An effective vaccine to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 is yet to be approved. Further there is no drug that is specific to treat COVID-19. A number of antiviral drugs such as Ribavirin, Remdesivir, Lopinavir/ritonavir, Azithromycin and Doxycycline have been recommended or are being used to treat COVID-19 patients. In addition to these drugs, rationale and evidence have been presented to use chloroquine to treat COVID-19, arguably with certain precautions and criticism. In line with the proposed use of chloroquine, Nigella sativa (black seed) could be considered as a natural substitute that contains a number of bioactive components such as thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and nigellimine. Further benefits to use . could be augmented by Zn supplement. Notably, Zn has been proven to improve innate and adaptive immunity in the course of any infection, be it by pathogenic virus or bacteria. The effectiveness of the Zn salt supplement could also be enhanced with . as its major bioactive component might work as ionophore to allow Zn2+ to enter pneumocytes - the target cell for SARSCoV-2. Given those benefits, this review paper describes how . in combination with Zn could be useful as a complement to COVID-19 treatment.
The rise and fall of tobacco as a botanical medicine
Sanchez-Ramos JR
A forgotten and valuable chapter in the history of tobacco concerns its role as a botanical medicine. For three hundred years following its importation into Europe, tobacco came to be considered a universal remedy highly prescribed by physicians. In the early history of tobacco, the literature on its medicinal benefits was voluminous. Nonetheless, bitter opposition to its use for non-medicinal purposes began to arise. There was little doubt of its medicinal efficacy at first, but with time, as the concepts and practice of medicine changed, the tide of medical opinion turned against it. Medical support for the therapeutic use of tobacco reached its nadir during the mid-nineteenth century, when it was dropped from most medical pharmacoepiae. Medical opinion on the health hazards of recreational smoking required another 100 years to arrive at the contemporary opinion that cigarette smoking is the single most important preventable environmental factor contributing to illness, disability and death in the U. S.
Identification of Plant Extracts that Inhibit the Formation of Diabetes-Linked IAPP Amyloid
Fuentes AL, Hennessy K, Pascual J, Pepe N, Wang I, Santiago A, Chaggan C, Martinez J, Rivera E, Cota P, Cunha C, Nogaj LA and Moffet DA
The extracts of 27 vegetables, spices and herbs were screened for their functional ability to inhibit the aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, amylin) into toxic amyloid aggregates. The aggregation of IAPP has been directly linked to the death of pancreatic β-islet cells in type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting the aggregation of IAPP is believed to have the potential to slow, if not prevent entirely, the progression of this disease. As vegetables, spices and herbs are known to possess many different positive health effects, the extracts of 27 plants (abundant within the United States and spanning several plant families) were screened for their ability to inhibit the formation of toxic IAPP aggregates. Their anti-amyloid activities were assessed through (1) thioflavin T binding assays, (2) visualization of amyloid fibers using atomic force microscopy and (3) cell rescue studies. From this research, mint, peppermint, red bell pepper and thyme emerged as possessing the greatest anti-amyloid activity.