An Update on Herbal Bioactive Phytochemicals and their Potential Role during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic is the main issue globally, and finding solutions either for disease prevention or treatment is nowadays a key scientific concern. Good immunity can be shown as the only proven method of overcoming or minimizing the adverse effects of virus infections. Since Coronavirus spread, different conventional herbs were used as a traditional medication to enhance people's immunity to combat the virus. Herbs are sources of several phytochemical compounds with compelling bioactivities. A review of the studies concerning herbal plants with proven properties against viral infections is highlighted in the present work. Besides, this work also contains some of the recently published studies related to natural herbs that could be highly beneficial in preventing or treating the infection by Coronavirus. Based on the reviewed literature presented in this update, it was concluded that phytochemical constituents found in many herbs could have a potential role in preventing or treating the symptoms associated with Coronavirus infection.