Evidence map on the contributions of traditional, complementary and integrative medicines for health care in times of COVID-19

Abstract

Background Due to the pandemic, there is a significant interest in the therapeutic resources linked to TCIM to support potentially therapeutic research and intervention in the management of Coronavirus - 19 (COVID-19). At the date of this evidence map´s publication, there is no evidence of specific treatments for COVID-19. This map organizes information about symptoms management (especially on dimensions related to mental health and mild viral respiratory infections, as well as immune system strengthening and antiviral activity). Method This evidence map applies methodology developed by Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information based on the 3iE evidence gap map. A search was performed in the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Virtual Health Library and PubMed, using the MeSH and DeCS terms for respiratory viral diseases associated with epidemics, COVID-19 symptoms, relevant mental health topics, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions related to TCIM. Results For the map, 126 systematic reviews and controlled clinical studies were characterized, distributed in a matrix with 62 interventions (18 phytotherapy, 9 mind-body therapies, 11 traditional Chinese medicine, 7 homeopathic and anthroposophic dynamized medicines and 17 supplements), and 67 outcomes (14 immunological response, 23 mental health, 25 complementary clinical management of the infection and 5 other). Conclusion The map presents an overview of possible TCIM contributions to various dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the field of mental health, and it is directed to researchers and health professionals specialized in TCIM. Most of the antiviral activity outcomes described in this map refers to respiratory viruses in general, and not specifically to SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2). This information may be useful to guide new research, but not necessarily to support a therapeutic recommendation. Finally, any suspicion of COVID-19 infection should follow the protocols recommended by the health authorities of each country/region.

COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?

“…Oftentimes, dismissing the potential of herbal medicines to relieve early COVID-19 symptoms is just an uncritical and legalist approach. An international initiative from Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health -CABSIn, TCIM Americas Network, and the Latin-American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME/PAHO/WHO) is systematizing the available evidence about Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (including herbal medicines) potentially useful in the COVID-19 pandemic (Portella et al, 2020).…”

“…Two species (Allium sativum L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe) mentioned in this study that had their in vitro potential and immune capacity assessed, were also included in our study. Moreover, in an elegant evidence-based analysis, eighteen phytotherapeutic preparations were mentioned as having some role in the clinical management of viral respiratory diseases, showing different levels of immunological response (Portella et al, 2020). Four plants mentioned in that report [Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Sambucus nigra L., and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi] were also included in our study.…”

Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine evidence map: a methodology to an overflowing field of data and noise

“…This evidence map includes 126 controlled clinical studies and reviews that are arranged in a graphic platform and distributed across 62 interventions and 67 clinical outcomes divided into immunological response, complementary clinical management, and mental health ( 10 ).…”

“…This work synthesized evidence for researchers and health professionals duly trained in the use of complementary therapies in the management of symptoms, especially in the dimensions of mental health and mild symptoms. Most antiviral activity findings described refer to respiratory viruses in general, not specifically to SARS-CoV-2; these may guide new research but do not necessarily support a therapeutic protocol recommendation ( 10 ).…”

Os territórios existenciais e a Saúde Coletiva: antes e depois da pandemia

“…A estratégia permitiu identificar algumas implicações quanto à prática e à pesquisa acerca das MTCI. Os resultados deste mapa de evidência ressaltam os efeitos positivos apresentados em saúde mental, destacando os transtornos de ansiedade e estresse pós-traumático, assim como o emprego de probióticos, plantas medicinais, formulações tradicionais e suplementos (Portella et al, 2020). O IdeiaSUS destacou, também, a intervenção da Terapia Comunitária Integrativa (TCI) no enfrentamento à Covid-19.…”