A review on therapeutic potential of Indian medicinal plants against COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 has changed the way of living and altered the lifestyle in many ways since 2019 and its various mutant forms were responsible for millions of deaths globally. According to the reports, this virus was more dangerous to the people with weak immune systems, who already had certain illnesses. Therefore, the World Health Orga nization a nd the Ministry of Ayu sh recommend easy-to-a ccess immu nity-boosting foods, regular exercise and yoga to lead a healthy lifestyle and fight against COVID infection. As most of the plants are powerful sources of several phytocompounds with biological activity and this list includes a variety of medicinal or therapeutic plant species such as ashwagandha, aloe vera, garlic, neem, giloy, harar, lemon grass and many more. The various parts of these plants contain beneficial elements su ch phenols, flavonoids, tannins and vita mins that strengthen the immune system and improve health. In India, there are different climatic zones where various herbs and medicinal plants can be grown abundantly in different regions. These medicinal plant species and herbs do not directly cure COVID infection but plays a significant role in controlling the disease conditions which are similar to this infection like cold, cough, fever, diabetes, obesity, heart problems and especially respiratory problems. A healthy immune system has the ability to mitigate the disease's adverse effects. Thus, increasing immunity through the use of these herbs and medicinal plants can assist us in future in reducing the severity of various diseases, including COVID infection.