Phytotherapies for COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): Implications for present and future pandemics

Abstract

PurposeThis review aims to provide synoptic documentation on acclaimed anecdotal plant-based remedies used by Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) communities to manage COVID-19. The theoretical approaches that form the basis for using the anecdotally claimed phytotherapies were reviewed against current scientific evidence.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper plant-based remedies for managing COVID-19 were searched on social and print media to identify testimonies of people from different communities in LAC countries. Information was extracted, evaluated and reviewed against current scientific evidence based on a literature search from databases such as Journal Storage (JSTOR), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), SpringerLink, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline to explore the scientific basis for anecdotal claims.FindingsA total of 23 medicinal plants belonging to 15 families were identified as phytotherapies used in managing COVID-19 in LAC communities.Originality/valueThe plant-based remedies contained valuable phytochemicals scientifically reported for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Anecdotal information helps researchers investigate disease patterns, management and new drug discoveries. The identified acclaimed plant-based remedies are potential candidates for pharmacological evaluations for possible drug discovery for future pandemics.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a Panacea for Overcoming the Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Academic Staff Performance in Tertiary Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria

“…To tackle the challenges of COVID-19 and prepare for future pandemics, Husaini et al (2023) remarked that an indigenous remedial approach to the management of COVID-19 was adopted as evident in many regions across the globe resorting to homemade/local preventive and curative medicinal approach. Another perspective on the local approach in the management of COVID-19 is in the area of technology adoption in workplaces, especially by the big tech-giant countries like China that quickly resorted to the policy of continuous education of her citizens while at home through the windows of ICT devices (Zhang et al, 2020).…”

Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances

“…Due to Africa’s rich flora and fauna, the continent has extensively used medicinal plants for various ailments, even before scientific discoveries [ 204 ]. Medicinal plants still play a vital role in treating any disease in Africa, and in many communities, they are the primary healthcare or integrated into the healthcare system [ 222 , 223 ]. The World Health Organization reported that as of 2020, more than 34 research institutes on the African continent are dedicated to indigenous medicinal research, with approximately forty countries having traditional medicine policies [ 224 ].…”

Patient-physician communication on the use of traditional and complementary medicine during the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study on pregnant women in Bolivia

“…Among the various modalities of T/CM that have been identi ed, the use of chamomile, honey, cinnamon, lemon, and eucalyptus were most prevalent. The increased use of chamomile and eucalyptus could potentially be attributed to the pandemic situation, given their historical roles in treating respiratory conditions across many Latin American countries 37,43 . However, caution must be exercised when consuming chamomile because while safe in moderate amounts, excessive consumption can act as a uterine stimulant and has been associated with premature constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus 38,44 .…”