-
1.
Therapeutic opportunities of edible antiviral plants for COVID-19.
Patel, B, Sharma, S, Nair, N, Majeed, J, Goyal, RK, Dhobi, M
Molecular and cellular biochemistry. 2021;(6):2345-2364
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The pandemic of Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that produces corona virus disease (COVID-19) has challenged the entire mankind by rapidly spreading globally in 210 countries affecting over 25 million people and about 1 million deaths worldwide. It continues to spread, afflicting the health system globally. So far there is no remedy for the ailment and the available antiviral regimens have been unsatisfactory for the clinical outcomes and the mode of treatment has been mainly supportive for the prevention of COVID-19-induced morbidity and mortality. From the time immortal the traditional plant-based ethno-medicines have provided the leads for the treatment of infectious diseases. Phytopharmaceuticals have provided potential and less toxic antiviral drugs as compared to conventional modern therapeutics which are associated with severe toxicities. The ethnopharmacological knowledge about plants has provided food supplements and nutraceuticals as a promise for prevention and treatment of the current pandemic. In this review article, we have attempted to comprehend the information about the edible medicinal plant materials with potential antiviral activity specifically against RNA virus which additionally possess property to improve immunity along with external and internal respiration and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties for the prevention and treatment of the disease. This will open an arena for the development of novel nutraceutical herbal formulations as an alternative therapy that can be used for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
-
2.
Medicinal Plants and Zinc: Impact on COVID-19 Pandemic.
Jalal, Z, Bakour, M, Lyoussi, B
TheScientificWorldJournal. 2021;:9632034
Abstract
The world is currently grappling with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The infection can cause fever, a dry cough, fatigue, severe pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and in some cases death. There is currently no effective antiviral SARS-CoV-2 drug. To reduce the number of infections and deaths, it is critical to focus on strengthening immunity. This review aims to conduct a comprehensive search on the previous studies using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus for the collection of research papers based on the role of zinc in the immune system, the antiviral activity of zinc, the effect of zinc supplementation in respiratory infections, the therapeutic approaches against viral infections based on medicinal plants, and the role of plants' bioactive molecules in fighting viral infections. In conclusion, we highlighted the pivotal role of zinc in antiviral immunity and we suggested the bioactive molecules derived from medicinal plants as a search matrix for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
-
3.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Medicinal Plants used for Vitiligo in Traditional Persian Medicine.
Ebrahimabadi, MH, Lamardi, SNS, Shirbeigi, L
Current drug discovery technologies. 2021;(2):160-178
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disorder that affects 1% of the world's population. Vitiligo causes white spots on the skin, mucous membranes, or white hair by destroying skin melanocytes. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is unknown but autoimmune, autocytotoxic, and neural mechanisms are suggested. According to the autoimmune theory, in people with vitiligo, immune cells invade and damage melanocytes. T cells are more commonly present in vitiligo patients' skin and remain in the lesion site, which is composed of CD8 and CD4 T cells. Many studies have been conducted on the presence and role of cytokines such as interleukins and interferongamma (IFN-γ) in the vitiligo process. AIM: This study aimed to introduce herbs effective against vitiligo from the perspective of Persian medicine and to investigate their possible therapeutic mechanisms with the possible effects of herbs on autoimmune mechanisms. METHODS For this purpose, keywords were used to extract data from Persian medicine textbooks, and then relevant scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were examined. RESULTS It was found that Persian medicine scholars used 50 different medicinal plants to treat and reduce the complications of vitiligo, and recent scientific studies have proven immune-regulating properties and reducing the effect of many of them on cytokines. CONCLUSION According to scientific evidence on immunomodulatory effects, new research into the effects of these plants on vitiligo can lead to the discovery of new drugs and approaches for treating this disease.
-
4.
The Interrelationships between Intestinal Permeability and Phlegm Syndrome and Therapeutic Potential of Some Medicinal Herbs.
Park, J, Choi, TJ, Kang, KS, Choi, SH
Biomolecules. 2021;(2)
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has an intriguing and critical role beyond digestion in both modern and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as demonstrated by its link with the immune system. In this review, we attempted to explore the interrelationships between increased GI permeability and phlegm, an important pathological factor in CAM, syndrome, and therapeutic herbs for two disorders. The leaky gut and phlegm syndromes look considerably similar with respect to related symptoms, diseases, and suitable herbal treatment agents, including phytochemicals even though limitations to compare exist. Phlegm may be spread throughout the body along with other pathogens via the disruption of the GI barrier to cause several diseases sharing some parts of symptoms, diseases, and mechanisms with leaky gut syndrome. Both syndromes are related to inflammation and gut microbiota compositions. Well-designed future research should be conducted to verify the interrelationships for evidence based integrative medicine to contribute to the promotion of public health. In addition, systems biology approaches should be adopted to explore the complex synergistic effects of herbal medicine and phytochemicals on conditions associated with phlegm and leaky gut syndromes.
-
5.
A Comprehensive Computational Screening of Phytochemicals Derived from Saudi Medicinal Plants against Human CC Chemokine Receptor 7 to Identify Potential Anti-Cancer Therapeutics.
Alrumaihi, F
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(21)
Abstract
Homeostatic trafficking of immune cells by CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) keeps immune responses and tolerance in a balance. The involvement of this protein in lymph node metastasis in cancer marks CCR7 as a penitential drug target. Using the crystal structure of CCR7, herein, a comprehensive virtual screening study is presented to filter novel strong CCR7 binding phytochemicals from Saudi medicinal plants that have a higher binding affinity for the intracellular allosteric binding pocket. By doing so, three small natural molecules named as Hit-1 (1,8,10-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylanthracen-9(4H)-one), Hit-2 (4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one), and Hit-3 (10-methyl-12,13-dihydro-[1,2]dioxolo[3,4,5-de]furo[3,2-g]isochromeno[4,3-b]chromen-8-ol) are predicted showing strong binding potential for the CC chemokine receptor 7 allosteric pocket. During molecular dynamics simulations, the compounds were observed in the formation of several chemical bonding of short bond distances. Additionally, the molecules remained in strong contact with the active pocket residues and experienced small conformation changes that seemed to be mediated by the CCR7 loops to properly engage the ligands. Two types of binding energy methods (MM/GBPBSA and WaterSwap) were additionally applied to further validate docking and simulation findings. Both analyses complement the good affinity of compounds for CCR7, the electrostatic and van der Waals energies being the most dominant in intermolecular interactions. The active pocket residue's role in compounds binding was further evaluated via alanine scanning, which highlighted their importance in natural compounds binding. Additionally, the compounds fulfilled all drug-like rules: Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge passed many safety parameters, making them excellent anti-cancer candidates for experimental testing.
-
6.
A pharmacology-based comprehensive review on medicinal plants and phytoactive constituents possibly effective in the management of COVID-19.
Jalali, A, Dabaghian, F, Akbrialiabad, H, Foroughinia, F, Zarshenas, MM
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021;(4):1925-1938
Abstract
Arisen in China, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-II) is a novel coronavirus that has been expanding fast worldwide. Till now, no definite remedial drug or vaccine has been identified for COVID-19 treatment. Still, for a majority of infected patients, supportive therapy is the cornerstone of the management plan. To the importance of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, this article proposed to collecting capable medicinal plants and bioactive components in both treat and supportive therapy of this novel viral infection. Clinical points in the pathogenesis, symptoms, and complications of COVID-19 were considered. The effective plants and bioactives that may play a role in supportive therapy/management of COVID-19 were searched, collected through the "Scopus" database and listed in three sections. Numerous medicinal plants such as Citrus Spp., Camellia sinensis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra can interference with COVID-19 pathogenesis via inhibition of virus replication and entry to its host cells. Also, some anti-inflammatory herbal medicine such as Andrographis paniculata, Citrus spp., and Cuminum cyminum can relieve fever and cough in COVID-19 patients. Medicinal plants such as G. glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Allium sativum, Althea officinalis, and Panax ginseng may modulate the immune system and possess prevention and supportive therapy. However, more clinical data are required to confirm these hypotheses.
-
7.
Botanical drugs and supplements affecting the immune response in the time of COVID-19: Implications for research and clinical practice.
Brendler, T, Al-Harrasi, A, Bauer, R, Gafner, S, Hardy, ML, Heinrich, M, Hosseinzadeh, H, Izzo, AA, Michaelis, M, Nassiri-Asl, M, et al
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021;(6):3013-3031
Abstract
In times of health crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, the potential benefit of botanical drugs and supplements emerges as a focus of attention, although controversial efficacy claims are rightly a concern. Phytotherapy has an established role in everyday self-care and health care, but, since botanical preparations contain many chemical constituents rather than single compounds, challenges arise in demonstrating efficacy and safety. However, there is ample traditional, empirical, and clinical evidence that botanicals can offer some protection and alleviation of disease symptoms as well as promoting general well-being. Newly emerging viral infections, specifically COVID-19, represent a unique challenge in their novelty and absence of established antiviral treatment or immunization. We discuss here the roles and limitations of phytotherapy in helping to prevent and address viral infections, especially regarding their effects on immune response. Botanicals with a documented immunomodulatory, immunostimulatory, and antiinflammatory effects include adaptogens, Boswellia spp., Curcuma longa, Echinacea spp., Glycyrrhiza spp., medicinal fungi, Pelargonium sidoides, salicylate-yielding herbs, and Sambucus spp. We further provide a clinical perspective on applications and safety of these herbs in prevention, onset, progression, and convalescence from respiratory viral infections.
-
8.
Medicinal Plants with Anti-Leukemic Effects: A Review.
Maher, T, Ahmad Raus, R, Daddiouaissa, D, Ahmad, F, Adzhar, NS, Latif, ES, Abdulhafiz, F, Mohammed, A
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(9)
Abstract
Leukemia is a leukocyte cancer that is characterized by anarchic growth of immature immune cells in the bone marrow, blood and spleen. There are many forms of leukemia, and the best course of therapy and the chance of a patient's survival depend on the type of leukemic disease. Different forms of drugs have been used to treat leukemia. Due to the adverse effects associated with such therapies and drug resistance, the search for safer and more effective drugs remains one of the most challenging areas of research. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are important to improving outcomes. Almost half of the drugs utilized nowadays in treating cancer are from natural products and their derivatives. Medicinal plants have proven to be an effective natural source of anti-leukemic drugs. The cytotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of these plants to leukemic cells and their isolated compounds were investigated. Effort has been made throughout this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in leukemia therapies using plant-derived compounds and the crude extracts from various medicinal plants. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of these plants are discussed.
-
9.
Herbal medicine, a reliable support in COVID therapy.
Grigore, A, Cord, D, Tanase, C, Albulescu, R
Journal of immunoassay & immunochemistry. 2020;(6):976-999
Abstract
At present, specific therapies for COVID-19 are not well established, being certain only that the immune system plays a decisive role in the initiation and progression of the disease. Plants have given and continue to give compounds with great efficiency and low toxicity, some of them being a starting point for extremely effective synthetic substances. Although herbal remedies are used mainly for preventive purposes, there are also guidelines issued by some countries that indicate the use of traditional remedies for different stages of COVID-19 disease.Europe has a long and strong tradition of using medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes, but clinical trials for this type of approach are scarce, compared to Asia. In this regard, a bridge between tradition and science, would have a strong impact on the capacity for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The paper reviews compounds of plant origin that have previously proven effective in counteracting some coronaviruses but also some of their major effects - direct action on virus replicative apparatus (viral entry or replication, action on the viral enzymatic system), collateral action of natural compounds on the immune system and also the contribution of herbal medicine as vaccine adjuvants are tackled.
-
10.
Medicinal Plants As Natural Polarizers of Macrophages: Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Effects.
Davoodvandi, A, Sahebnasagh, R, Mardanshah, O, Asemi, Z, Nejati, M, Shahrzad, MK, Mirzaei, HR, Mirzaei, H
Current pharmaceutical design. 2019;(30):3225-3238
Abstract
Macrophages are one of the crucial mediators of the immune response in different physiological and pathological conditions. These cells have critical functions in the inflammation mechanisms that are involved in the inhibition or progression of a wide range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc. It has been shown that macrophages are generally divided into two subtypes, M1 and M2, which are distinguished on the basis of their different gene expression patterns and phenotype. M1 macrophages are known as pro-inflammatory cells and are involved in inflammatory mechanisms, whereas M2 macrophages are known as anti-inflammatory cells that are involved in the inhibition of the inflammatory pathways. M2 macrophages help in tissue healing via producing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Increasing evidence indicated that the appearance of different macrophage subtypes is associated with the fate of diseases (progression versus suppression). Hence, polarization of macrophages can be introduced as an important venue in finding, designing and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Albeit, there are different pharmacological agents that are used for the treatment of various disorders, it has been shown that several natural compounds have the potential to regulate M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and vice versa. Herein, for the first time, we summarized new insights into the pharmacological effects of natural compounds on macrophage polarization.