Abstract:
Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS COV-2 in early December 2019, its impact on human life throughout the world and the complications thereof has been published widely. In spite of tremendous study and research, there is no established medicine, or fully effective vaccine for COVID-19 to date. So, prevention is the key to combat COVID-19. The concept of immunity in the ancient science of life i.e., Ayurveda offers a holistic approach and a potential promise regarding immunotherapy. Depending upon the ease of availability of crude drugs in most of the Indian kitchens and in nature, eleven noble herbs are selected namely:
Cinnamon, Giloya, Haridra, Tulsi, Black pepper, Vasa, Bhumyamalaki, Kantakari, Laung, Mulethi, and Shunthi that possess the immune-modulatory and /or antiviral effects as reported in the literature. These herbs contain a variety of phytochemicals responsible for their Pharmacological effect, and when administered in form of Kwath, may prove to be an important prophylactic therapy against COVID-19 due to Kwath’s unique qualities, viz. good adaptability, better absorption, and assimilation in the body system, and retention of many of the water-soluble portions present in raw materials. Here we review the chemistry and pharmacological properties of eleven selected herbal drugs, that, if taken in form of Kwath, may act as an immunomodulator, by strengthening the immunity and provide the capacity to resist the external disease-causing agents including SARS COV-2. A glossary of important Ayurvedic terms used in this review is provided at the end to help understand the article well.
