Mechanical Insights and Advances in Herbal Medicine Pharmacology for Covid-19 Treatment: Exploring Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Future Prospects
Amina Razzaq 1*, Huma Ameen 1, Rida Aziz 2
Australian Herbal Insight 7(1) 1-9 https://doi.org/10.25163/ahi.7120046
Submitted: 01 December 2023 Revised: 02 February 2024 Published: 08 February 2024
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the exploration of various therapeutic strategies, including the potential use of herbal medicine as an adjunctive treatment. This study, "Mechanical Insights and Advances in Herbal Medicine Pharmacology for COVID-19 Treatment: Exploring Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Future Prospects," aims to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of specific herbal compounds in combating SARS-CoV-2. Herbal medicines, with their rich historical usage and diverse bioactive constituents, offer a multifaceted approach to viral inhibition, immune modulation, and inflammation reduction. Compounds such as quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol have shown promising antiviral activities by targeting key viral enzymes and modulating immune responses. Clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine formulations like Lianhua Qingwen and Shufeng Jiedu have demonstrated potential benefits in symptom reduction and recovery enhancement. Moreover, herbal medicines are generally well-tolerated, affordable, and accessible, making them viable for low-resource settings. This study highlights the need for rigorous scientific validation and standardization of herbal formulations to maximize their safety and efficacy. Future research should focus on integrating modern pharmacological techniques with traditional knowledge to discover new bioactive compounds and develop innovative therapeutic agents. The successful integration of herbal medicine into COVID-19 treatment protocols requires interdisciplinary collaboration and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and efficacy.
Keywords: COVID-19, Herbal medicine, Antiviral mechanisms, Traditional Chinese medicine, Pharmacological efficacy
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