Medicinal plants as immune booster in the palliative management of viral diseases: A perspective on coronavirus

Abstract

Medicinal plants are not only popular for their ample store of active ingredients but also boast of several pharmacological properties including the modulation of components of the immune system. An adequate immune response is vital in counteracting the unwanted activities of pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Some diseases caused by viral pathogens such as measles, chickenpox, Ebola, and human immunodeficiency virus may result in death or dire consequences in mammals with inadequate immunity. Ever since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) boisterously announced itself to the world in December 2019, there has been a surge in the number of researches targeting medicinal plants as candidates for a potent vaccine and antiviral drug. COVID-19 is a member of a family of coronaviruses that have been responsible for past pandemics such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreaks. However, the nascent COVID-19 defeated existing pharmaceutical advances and nonpharmacological measures such as high personal hygiene, physical distancing, and lockdown to stop the vicious mortality arising from the viral outbreak. Consequently, the battle against this virus relies majorly on a vibrant immune system. It is therefore imperative to promote interest in the use of medicinal plants that will significantly assist in the management of COVID-19 infection by boosting body's immune responses or arresting symptoms/molecules associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis. This review underscores the need for the exploration of plant-based agents that may prove effective in fighting COVID-19 based on scientific evidence of their positive immunomodulatory effects.