A review on SARS-CoV-2 and medicinal plants of Northeast India: their potential against COVID-19
Ankur Hazarika1*, Sanjib Kalita2 and Satarupa Hazarika3
1Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Gauhati-781014 (India) 2Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Gauhati-781014 (India) 3Department of Zoology, Handique Girls’ college, Gauhati-781001 (India) *Corresponding author: Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Assam, (India) Email: ankurhazarika910@gmail.com Cont. No. 9101123208
ABSTRACT
Covid-19, the worst humanitarian crisis in the form of zoonotic pandemic has covered the entire globe over 210 countries and is continuing to spread around the world. It has crushed the entire world’s health care system while illuminating the gaps in multiple fronts. Currently, Supportive treatment is offered with synthetic modern medicines and preventive measures including vaccines and personal hygiene. From decades, ethnobotanical studies and research have elucidated the use of medicinal plants and plant based products in combating against viral diseases. Highly potential bioactive compounds from plants with pharmacological properties can perform with minimal toxicity as compared to synthetic medicines with adverse effects. Ethnobotanical studies related to plants have blessed mankind during earlier pandemics. This review explains the possible pathogenesis of SARS-COV-2 infection in a comprehensive manner and presents some medicinal plants of northeast India which possess therapeutic properties such as anti viral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities which can help in combating the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection. This review will open a window for the research and development of new plant based formulation as a mode of combination therapy that will support in treatment and management of COVID-19.