Therapeutic role of traditionally used Indian medicinal plants and spices in combating COVID-19 pandemic situation

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a big challenge and burning issue to the scientific community and doctors worldwide. Globally, COVID-19 has created a health disaster and adversely affects the economic growth. Although some vaccines have already emerged, no therapeutic medication has yet been approved by FDA for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Traditionally, we have been using different medicinal plants like neem, tulsi, tea, and many spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, black seed, onion, etc. for the treatment of flu-like diseases. In this paper, we are highlighting the recent research progress in the identification of natural products from the Indian medicinal plants and spices that have potential inhibition properties against SARS-CoV-2. This study will provide an initiative to stimulate further research by providing useful guidance to the medicinal chemists for designing new protease inhibitors effective against SARS-CoV-2 in future.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

In this review article, recent advances in the identification of natural products from the traditionally used Indian medicinal plants and spices that have potential inhibitory properties against SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been discussed. A prospective natural drug-like compound has minimum side effects. The in vitro study of the reported molecules might be provided a preventive measure against COVID-19 disease.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• drug design
• Indian spices
• medicinal plants
• natural products

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to M. B. B. College, Tripura for providing the infrastructural facility for this research work.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other financial support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Author contributions

M. Nath carried out the literature survey and drafted the manuscript. P. Debnath conceptualized, designed and supervised the study. The whole manuscript was read by both authors and approved before the submission.

Data availability statement

Not applicable.