Does complementary and alternative therapy work for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

Abstract

Abbreviations: SARS-CoV : Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus; COVID-19 : Coronavirus disease 19; FDA : Food and drug administration; RNA : Ribonucleic acid; CP : Convalescent plasma; IU: International units; IV : Intravenous; CM : Chinese medicines/ medications; MAPK: Mitogen-activated protein kinase; PI3K : Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoforms; mTOR : Mammalian Target of Rapamycin kinase/mechanistic Target of Rapamycin; SGK1 : Serine/ threonine-protein kinase; IL- 6R : Interleukin 6 receptor also known as CD126 (Cluster of Differentiation 126); AKG : Alkylglycerols (AKGs); TGF-β: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β); EMT : Epithelial to mesenchymal transition; CQ: Chloroquine; HCQs : Hydroxychloroquines; MRSA : Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Μm : Micrometer; mg: Milligrams; WHO : World health organization; SLAM: Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule; Vero: Verda Reno which means "green kidney" in Esperanto; pCXN2 : Vero cells with a vector plasmid; pCAG-Hslam : Expression plasmid encoding the human signaling lymphocytic activation molecule. Abstract Amidst the mid of December 2019, a novel coronavirus surfaced in the Wuhan region of China causing outbreaks of respiratory diseases along with assuming a pandemic proportion throughout the world due to its incredibly high airborne dissemination potential. Owing to the lack of efficient and specific treatments and the need to contain the epidemic”, alternative therapies including herbal and Phyto medications, Chinese drugs, convalescent plasma therapy, and vitamin C and D were relied upon for the management of this SARS-CoV pandemic. Drug repurposing and repositioning strategies were also adopted. These alternative therapies may set the stage towards a supplemental alternative and all-inclusive treatment of COVID-19 till a safe, tested and long-lasting protection via a vaccine becomes available for public use.