The pros and cons of utilizing crude herbal preparations as opposed to purified active ingredients, with emphasis on the COVID pandemic

Abstract

It is well recognized that many plants contain substances with pharmacological activities, and there is a large body of traditional knowledge regarding their use in different clinical situations. Yet, most physicians are reluctant to use herbal preparations, because there are no large-scale randomized controlled trials to support their use. In this paper, we challenge this approach and propose that herbal treatments should be added to our armamentarium, even if cautiously. This pertains to situations in which there is no existing well-studied evidence-based approach; the known pharmacological properties of the plant or plants being used are relevant to the pathophysiology of the disease and the safety profile of the herbal preparation is well established. Specifically, we share our knowledge and experience regarding the treatment of patients with COVID with the plant _Artemisia._