COVID-19, its prevention and treatment in the light of Ayush medicines

Abstract

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic had globally caused a significant burden on governments and the medical community. Drugs notably Remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir-ritonavir, ribavirin, and interferon were repurposed for COVID-19 treatment. Whereas, alternative system of medicine also gained popularity emphasizing COVID-19 prevention and cure. In India, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, jointly referred to as Ayush, are prevalently practiced since time immemorial much before the allopathic system of medicine came into existence.

Methods

All the data in the current study was collected using scientific databases like Pub Med, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. The information requisite to carry out the current study related to Ayush medicines in the management of COVID 19 were gathered and interpreted. All the articles published between 2020 and 2023 were attempted to be cited, and the review on this subject included over 50 research citations.

Results and discussion

Ayush medicines have been used as prophylactics for viral diseases like chicken pox, mumps, influenza, and dengue. Recent clinical trials reported their benefits as an adjunct therapy, leading to early clinical recovery in COVID-19 patients. Data from the in-silico and in-vitro models along with clinical studies supports the therapeutic application of Ayush medicines to treat COVID-19. This review addresses the Ayush therapies in COVID-19, integrating the complete spectrum of the Indian Traditional System of Medicine against COVID-19. Additionally, the health care professionals, guideline makers, and authorities will all benefit from this up-to-date analysis enumerating the varied approaches of Ayush medicines in the treatment of COVID-19.