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Coronaviruses

Potential Medicinal Plants for COVID-19 Management

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A team of researchers from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Medunsa, South Africa, has been studying the potential of medicinal plants in managing viral-induced diseases, including COVID-19. The research team, led by Idris O Raimi, examined 106 plants consumed in Africa as food or medicine, and found that they possess antiviral activities and immune-boosting properties. According to the researchers, these plants may be the key to reducing mortality rates associated with COVID-19 in Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team assessed over 172 articles from notable search engines to identify plants with antiviral activities and immune-boosting properties.
  • The 106 plants identified were reported for their potential to enhance healthy living and protect against viral infections.
  • The plants contain various immune-modulating compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, and micronutrients.
  • The study concluded that medicinal and food plants can be used to enhance healthy living and manage viral-induced diseases like COVID-19.
  • The research team identified Andrew M. Musyoki, Olusanya A. Olatunji, Muhali O. Jimoh, Welile V. Dube, and Joshua O. Olowoyo as co-authors of the study.
  • The study was published in the Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology, with the publisher being Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences.
  • The research highlights the potential of traditional African medicine in managing COVID-19 and other viral diseases.

Statistics:

  • 172 articles were assessed from notable search engines to identify plants with antiviral activities and immune-boosting properties.
  • 106 plants were identified as having potential to enhance healthy living and protect against viral infections.
  • The study examined over 20 journals and conference proceedings to identify relevant information on plant-based treatments for viruses.
  • The mortality rate associated with COVID-19 in Africa is shown to be lower compared to other regions, which may be attributed to the consumption of medicinal and food plants.

Sources:

  • Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology, 2022,11(1):20-34 (http://www.herbmedpharmacol.com/)
  • Research from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Yields New Findings on COVID-19 (Potential medicinal, nutritive and antiviral food plants: Africa's plausible answer to the low Covid-19 mortality). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. April 11, 2022; p 831.

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