STRATEGIES OF TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE COMBATING WITH THE CURRENT PANDEMIC SITUATION OF COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become pandemic in no time in the world. Understanding the pathophysiological similarities with previously known viruses of the class gave opportunities to explore various molecular targets against COVID-19. Vaccines unavailability propose different research approaches of treatment, including various previously known and some new synthetic molecules, which are also associated with many unwanted effects. Phytochemical compounds and formulations also gain interest in this era, and all the traditional medicine systems were analyzed for any probable therapeutic possibilities. Hence author summarize the various approaches of herbal-based medicine against COVID-19 infection. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, and Chinese medicine systems constitute major traditional herbal-based systems known worldwide. Previous literature were studied to recapitulated findings with modern multi-mechanistic approaches and propose the use of herbals against COVID-19. Scientists are identifying all the possible interventions associated with herbal-based systems to have efficacy against various mechanisms against viral infection. Various herbal extracts and formulations are utilized to increase the human body’s immune system to counter the pathophysiological changes due to COVID-19 infections. Promotion of these herbal-based medicines having a positive impact on the immune system is essential now. The review discussed the old and novel approaches revealing the efficacy of different phytoconstituents and herbal-based medicines against COVID-19. This review briefly highlighted the use of traditional herbal-based medicine systems against the novel coronavirus utilizing the modern approaches of multi-mechanistic targeting. A thorough investigation of different formulations from these systems is warranted through clinical studies for their global acceptance.