Possible therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa and its thymoquinone on COVID-19.

A study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of L. against COVID-19. The researchers conducted in vitro experiments and found that L. extract significantly reduced the replication of the virus. Additionally, the extract showed low toxicity and good stability in human plasma. These findings suggest that L. may be a promising natural remedy for COVID-19 and warrants further clinical trials.

Khazdair MR, Ghafari S and Sadeghi M (2021).

Pharm Biol.

DOI:

10.1080/13880209.2021.1931353

PubMed:

34110959

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Prevents Epidemics: From Ancient Pestilences to COVID-19 Pandemic.

Wu XQ et al (2021).

Am J Chin Med.

DOI:

10.1142/S0192415X2150049X

PubMed:

34107860

Corilagin prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting RBD-ACE2 binding.

Chinese herbal medicines, including Corilagin, have been found to exhibit important antiviral activities against various viruses. While vaccines and drugs may not be effective in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic due to coronavirus mutations, exploring the use of herbal medicines may provide an alternative solution. Corilagin has shown antiviral effects on HIV, HCV, and EBV but its ability to block the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and hACE2 has not been determined. Further research may reveal the potential of Corilagin as a COVID-19 treatment.

Yang LJ et al (2021).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153591

PubMed:

34029937

Natural plant products as potential inhibitors of RNA dependent RNA polymerase of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2.

Researchers investigated the interaction between phytochemicals from Indian medicinal plants and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of SARS-CoV-2. Using molecular docking and dynamics simulations, they identified four top phytochemicals, including cordifolide A and sitoindoside IX, which showed strong binding to RdRP and may serve as potential inhibitors. The study suggests that drug repurposing efforts can target RdRP inhibition and that natural compounds may hold promise as a treatment for COVID-19.

Koulgi S et al (2021).

PLoS One.

DOI:

10.1371/journal.pone.0251801

PubMed:

33984041

Potential of (Citrus nobilis Lour × Citrus deliciosa Tenora) metabolites on COVID-19 virus main protease supported by in silico analysis.

Researchers analyzed the medicinal plant, Lour. Ten, for compounds that might inhibit COVID-19 virus main protease. They found 21 compounds, four of which showed potential for inhibiting this enzyme. The most promising compound was quercetin-7-glucoside-3-rutinoside with the strongest binding affinity to the enzyme. These findings provide a potential new avenue for developing antiviral agents against COVID-19.

El-Hawary SS et al (2022).

Nat Prod Res.

DOI:

10.1080/14786419.2021.1917573

PubMed:

33949276

The effect of propolis plus Hyoscyamus niger L. methanolic extract on clinical symptoms in patients with acute respiratory syndrome suspected to COVID-19: A clinical trial.

A study found that a syrup with propolis and Hyoscyamus niger L. extract reduced COVID-19 symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat, but not nausea and vomiting.

Kosari M et al (2021).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.7116

PubMed:

33860587

Potential Role of Gut Microbiota in Traditional Chinese Medicine against COVID-19.

The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medication appears to be an effective treatment strategy for COVID-19 patients in China. This review focuses on the relationship between COVID-19 and gut microbiota and the potential impact of traditional Chinese medicine on gut microbiota in treating COVID-19 patients. Available data suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis occurs in COVID-19 patients, and intervention can improve patient's clinical condition. Certain traditional Chinese medicines have been proven to be safe and effective for treating COVID-19, and they have a positive impact on gut microbiota, immunity, and angiotensin converting enzyme 2. The hypothesis of gut microbiota-mediated traditional Chinese medicine treatment of COVID-19 is proposed, but more clinical trials and basic experiments are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Zhang Q et al (2021).

Am J Chin Med.

DOI:

10.1142/S0192415X21500373

PubMed:

33853498

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed a Candidate Protein Source with Potential for Combating SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Obesity.

To investigate this relationship, researchers conducted a systematic review of 75 studies, totaling 399,149 participants. They found that obesity is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. The study also highlights the importance of weight management and lifestyle interventions for obese individuals during the pandemic.

Morais AHA et al (2021).

Drug Target Insights.

DOI:

10.33393/dti.2021.2192

PubMed:

33840996