Medicinal Plants Helpful in Corona Infection (COVID-19)

 Medicinal Plants Helpful in Corona Infection (COVID-19)

Introduction--------------------------------

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affects the respiratory system but can also impact multiple organs. Though vaccines and modern medicines play a central role in treating and preventing the disease, medicinal plants have been extensively studied and used for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and respiratory-supportive properties. Especially in India, Ayurveda and herbal medicine were widely used during the pandemic to support conventional treatment.

This report outlines key medicinal plants used in COVID-19 management, their mechanisms, traditional and modern uses, and scientific backing.

1. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum / Holy Basil)--------------------------

Key Actions:

Immunomodulatory

Anti-viral

Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant

Benefits in COVID-19

Enhances natural immunity, which helps in fighting viral infections.

Possesses broad-spectrum antiviral activity, including against respiratory viruses.

Reduces stress-related cortisol levels (adaptogen), which helps regulate immune function

Usage

Tulsi tea: Boil 5–6 leaves in water with ginger and black pepper.

Raw leaves: 2–3 daily.

Kadha: Mixed with other herbs like cinnamon and black pepper.

2. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)-----------------------------

Key Actions:

Immunostimulant

Antipyretic

Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant

Benefits in COVID-19

Known as a powerful Rasayana herb in Ayurveda for boosting immunity.

Helps reduce fever and inflammation, common in COVID cases.

Supports detoxification and liver function during infection recovery.

Usage

Juice: 15–20 ml with water in the morning.

Tablets/Powder: Available in Ayurvedic pharmacies.

Kadha: Boiled with tulsi and cinnamon.

3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)----------------------------------

Key Actions:

Adaptogen

Anti-inflammatory

Immunomodulator

Benefits in COVID-19

Reduces stress and anxiety, which affect immune response.

Modulates cytokine activity (important in cytokine storm cases).

Aids in post-COVID fatigue and mental health recovery.

Usage

Powder: 1 tsp with milk at bedtime.

Capsules/Extract: Used under supervision.

Decoction: Boiled with milk and cardamom.

4. Mulethi (Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra)------------------------------

Key Actions:

Demulcent (soothes mucous membranes)

Anti-viral

Anti-inflammatory

Expectorant

Benefits in COVID-19

Soothes sore throat and dry cough.

Demonstrates antiviral activity against coronaviruses in lab studies.

Reduces lung inflammation and improves breathing

Usage

Powder: ¼ tsp in warm water or tea.

Kadha: Mixed with tulsi and black pepper.

Mouth gargle: For sore throat relief.

5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)-‐---------------------------------------------

Key Actions:

Potent anti-inflammatory (due to curcumin)

Antioxidant

Immune-enhancer

Benefits in COVID-19

Helps in controlling inflammatory response during infection.

Prevents lung fibrosis and supports respiratory healing.

Supports immunity and tissue repair post-infection.

Golden Milk: ½ tsp turmeric in warm milk with black pepper.

Curcumin capsules: Taken under medical supervision.

Paste: For steam inhalation or nasal application (with oil).

6. Neem (Azadirachta indica)--‐--------------------------------------------------

Key Actions:

Antiviral

Immunomodulator

Antiseptic

Benefits in COVID-19

Acts as a natural antiviral agent in traditional medicine.

Supports immunity and gut detoxification.

Useful for oral hygiene, which impacts viral transmission

Usage

Neem juice: 10–15 ml daily.

Mouth rinse: Neem leaf decoction.

Paste: Antibacterial skin protection for COVID patients.

7. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

Key Actions:

Rich in Vitamin C

Antioxidant

Immunity booster

Benefits in COVID-19

Strengthens immunity and antioxidant levels.

Protects against oxidative stress in respiratory tissues.

Enhances iron absorption and hemoglobin recovery post-COVID.

Usage

Raw amla: Eaten daily or as juice.

Chyawanprash: Amla-based immunity tonic.

Candy/Murabba: Traditional method to consume Amla

8. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)-----------------------------------------------

Key Actions:

Bioavailability enhancer

Mucolytic (helps break mucus)

Respiratory stimulant

Benefits in COVID-19

Enhances absorption of curcumin from turmeric.

Clears nasal passages and lungs.

Stimulates digestion and reduces toxin accumulation.

Usage

Kadha ingredient: Used in herbal decoctions.

With turmeric: For better absorption.

Steam inhalation: Used with ajwain and clove.

9. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)------------------------------------

Key Actions:

Anti-inflammatory

Antiviral

Digestive stimulant

Benefits in COVID-19

Helps reduce inflammation in respiratory tract.

Known for antimicrobial action.

Used in traditional Ayurvedic kadhas and teas

Usage

Kadha: Boiled with tulsi, giloy, and black pepper.

10. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)------------------------

Key Actions:

Antiviral

Immunostimulant

Antipyretic

Benefits in COVID-19

Traditionally used in flu, viral fever, and respiratory infections.

Scientific studies show antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2.

Boosts liver function and detoxification during infection.

Usage

Tablets: As per dosage advised.

Kadha: Combined with neem and tulsi.

Powder: Bitter, taken with honey or water.

Scientific Backing and Research

Several medicinal plants have shown in-vitro activity against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2. For example:

Giloy and Ashwagandha were part of AYUSH-64, an Ayurvedic formulation approved by India’s Ministry of AYUSH for COVID-19.

Tulsi, turmeric, and neem have shown immunomodulatory and antiviral effects in traditional and peer-reviewed studies.

Clinical trials on Ayurveda formulations like Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha extract, and Guduchi (Giloy) showed improvements in immune markers in mild COVID cases.

Guidelines by Ministry of AYUSH (India)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of AYUSH recommended several herbal and Ayurvedic remedies to boost immunity and relieve symptoms:

Immunity Boosting Measures

Herbal tea (Tulsi, Dalchini, Kalimirch, Shunthi)

Chyawanprash 1 tsp daily

Inhalation of steam with pudina and ajwain

Gargling with turmeric-salt water

Precautions and Considerations

Not a cure: These herbs support the immune system but are not replacements for vaccines or antiviral drugs.

Dosage: Must be used in recommended amounts; overuse of herbs like mulethi or neem can be harmful.

Drug Interactions: Some herbs may interact with medications, especially in patients with hypertension, diabetes, or liver disease.

Medical Supervision: Important for moderate-to-severe cases of COVID-19 or for those with comorbidities.

Conclusion

Medicinal plants play a supportive role in managing COVID-19 by boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and improving respiratory health. Herbs like Tulsi, Giloy, Ashwagandha, Mulethi, Amla, and Turmeric are time-tested in traditional medicine and backed by emerging scientific research. They are best used as preventive and adjunct therapies, especially during early symptoms and recovery stages of COVID-19.

Their responsible and holistic use, combined with a balanced diet, adequate rest, and conventional medical treatment when needed, can significantly strengthen resilience against infections like COVID-19.