Medicinal Plants to Strengthen Immunity during a Pandemic

Abstract

The development of new effective anti-coronavirus drugs and therapies is important, but it requires significant human, financial and, most importantly, time expenditures. The current pandemic is neither the first nor the last. Humanity has already accumulated considerable survival experience. We cannot do without prevention and epidemiological protection measures. This study reviews medicinal plants that grow in Northeast Asia and whose antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory characteristics are already known, also in the framework of the prevention and treatment of pneumonia of various etiologies. The need for a comprehensive approach to maintaining immunodefences, including functional foods and positive emotions, is emphasized. In the period of pandemics, it is important to research various areas that allow to us accumulate a critical mass of information and cope with the next global disease.

Contributions from Mexican Flora for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: Molecules of Psacalium decompositum (A. Gray) H. Rob & Brettell

“…Consequently, the current pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, place the pharmacological agents available for treatment of DM as priority. In this way, with the absent of an effective treatment for COVID-19 and specially in DM patients, treatments using medicinal plants and their metabolites cannot be ruled out [ 185 ], either as enhancers of the immune system [ 186 ], as adjuvants in the management of diabetes [ 187 ] and as competitors/inhibitors of the receptors involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 188 ]. Even more, recent reports indicated that terpenes could also inhibit some enzymes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 viral replication cycle [ 189 ].…”

Medicinal plants used to boost immunity and decrease the intensity of infection caused by SARS-COV-2 in Morocco

“…Allium sativum was prescribed to strengthen immunity. In vitro study showed that garlic extricate represses inhibits infection by restraining viral nucleoprotein union and polymerase action (Babich et al 2020). Ghedira (2005) carried out another study that determined the importance of Flavonoids as immunostimulants, especially in immunocompromised subjects.…”

Study of the Biologically Active Properties of Medicinal Plant Cotinus coggygria

“…The primary synthesis substances include compounds that perform energy and plastic functions—proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Secondary metabolites—iridoids, phytoncides, tannides, flavonoids, essential substances, nitrogen-containing compounds, glycosides, and organic acids—have unique antibacterial, antioxidant, and other properties that allow using medicinal plants in food, pharmaceutical, feed, and other industries [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…Medicinal plants and plant extracts with a complex of biologically active substances can be promising raw materials for producing antimicrobial components [ 2 ]. A certain ratio of secondary metabolites, which ensures beneficial effect on a living organism and pharmacological effect (antimicrobial, antioxidant, prebiotic properties), is a salient feature of plant extracts.…”