Table 5.
Contemporary and Novel approaches (Preventive and Therapeutic) based on. Ayurvedic Pathophysiology of COVID-19.
| Pathogen centric approaches | Host centric approaches | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary approaches | ||
| Hygiene, Sanitization, Physical Distancing and other measures to avoid possibility of infection. | 7–8 H of sleep. Vitamin C, D3 and other supplements. Yoga and Respiratory Exercises. Interventions of Pulmonary Function improving agents | Evidences of immunomodulatory mechanisms of exercise, micronutrients and sleep |
|
Ayurveda Immunomodulator Herbs for minimizing virus replication and to arrest Cytokine syndrome. |
Evidences of Ayurveda immunomodulatory herbs/formulations mechanisms in biomedical terminology |
|
| Proposed Novel Approaches based on Host centric Approach and Ayurveda Pathophysiology of COVID-19 | ||
| Nasya, Gandusha can be local measures for care of pathogen entry points. | Conservation of Agni-Bala & maintenance of Agni (Digestive and metabolic equilibrium). | As MahaSrotas is associated with Pranavaha Srotas as moolasthana |
| Attainment of ‘Rakta–Pitta-Prana’ homeostasis with specific dietary, lifestyle modifications and therapeutic interventions. | According to Ayurveda Physiology Prana (not mere oxygen but vitality) follows Rakta and both are interdependent [8]. The Inflammatory Responses, Sepsis as well as Coagulopathy are result of Rakta and Pitta vitiation |
|
| Protection of Marma (Vital organs, the dedicated sites of Prana) with specific dietary, lifestyle modifications and interventions ‘Prana Kamiya Rasayana’ (Rasayana medicines particularly for vitals). Basti (Medicated enema) and Other relevant measures for protection of Heart, Brain and kidney from relevant chapters like Visha Chikitsa [8]. | Cytokine storm results in Inflammation and even necrotic changes in vital organs [45]. Basti is recommended as best measure for protection of vital organs [8]. |
|
| Ayurveda Immunomodulator Herbs for arresting viral load in different organs. This can be decided (from variety of Rasayana Herbs having efficacy on different systems and Organs) on basis of involvement of Organs and Tissues in the patient. | ||