Ayurveda Rasayana as antivirals and immunomodulators: potential applications in COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization with rapid spread across 216 countries. COVID-19 pandemic has left its imprints on various health systems globally and caused immense social and economic disruptions. The scientific community across the globe is in a quest for digging the effective treatment for COVID-19 and exploring potential leads from traditional systems of healthcare across the world too. Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine) has a comprehensive aspect of immunity through Rasayana which is a rejuvenation therapy. Here we attempt to generate the potential leads based on the classical text from Ayurveda in general and Rasayana in particular to develop effective antiviral and/or immunomodulator for potential or adjunct therapy in SARS-CoV-2. The Rasayana acts not only by resisting body to restrain or withstand the strength, severity or progression of a disease but also by promoting power of the body to prevent the manifestation of a disease. These Rasayana herbs are common in practice as immunomodulator, antiviral and protectives. The studies on Rasayana can provide an insight into the future course of research for the plausible development of effective management of COVID-19 by the utilization and development of various traditional systems of healthcare. Keeping in view the current pandemic situation, there is an urgent need of developing potential medicines. This study proposes certain prominent medicinal plants which may be further studied for drug development process and also in clinical setup under repurposing of these herbs.

Introduction

Viruses and associated ailments have always been considered as the greatest challenge for humanity and the epicentre of science, agronomy and healthcare system. Numerous viral infections, for instance, measles, poliomyelitis, rabies and yellow fever, are controlled and very rare these days. This is due to vaccination and other measures of public health. However, many new viruses emerge periodically which has a disastrous effect on an individual and society (Enquist 2009). Among many such viruses, coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of RNA viruses causing diseases in mammals, including humans. CoVs cause mild to moderate upper respiratory infections in humans, which lasts for few days and may be lethal in many cases (Li et al. 2020). The outbreak of new disease in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 was later named as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the causative virus was identified as novel coronavirus (n-CoV-2) (Luan et al. 2020; Singhal 2020). The main clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients are fever, cough, body ache and myalgia. It is also observed that diarrhoea and nausea may present initially prior to fever, and sometimes respiratory failure also occurs due to severe alveolar damage in patients (Chen et al. 2020). The rapid progression of disease sometimes leads to various organ dysfunctions and even death in severe cases (Wang et al. 2020).

This COVID-19 pandemic has left its imprints on various health systems globally and caused social and economic disruptions. Various efforts are underway for exploring the best possible treatment for COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 infiltration in India was reported from a student who returned from Wuhan on January 30, 2020. Later on, two more cases were reported in February 2020 (Ghosh et al. 2020; Kaushik et al. 2020c). Afterwards, the number increases in March, and there was a surge in the latter half of April 2020. The Government of India took various measures like travel restrictions, community surveillance, institutional quarantine, identification of hotspots or containment zones and several others along with strict lockdown that had to flatten the India’s case growth trajectory curve during the first surge of COVID-19 (Pal and Yadav 2020). However, there is a surge of cases again in April 2021 which is presumed to be the second wave of the pandemic and became much more disastrous in comparison to the first one. So far, India has reported more than 20.2 million cases on May 4, 2021. The two-pronged strategy to control the surge of second wave is massive vaccination and lessen the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 (Lancet 2021). Though biomedicine has enormously helped in managing symptomatic treatment and critical care of SARS-CoV-2, the systemic approach of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) systems towards strengthening the host defence mechanism for plausible prophylaxis and prevention may play a pivotal role (Kotecha 2021).

Traditional medicines are important source for developing effective treatment against various ailments. These can be used in the prophylactic measure in light that over 75% of the population in developing countries rely on herbs and use traditional remedies for primary healthcare (Diallo et al. 1999; Tewari et al. 2020). In addition, a large number of new molecules are directly obtained either from natural products or from their derivatives (Tewari et al. 2019; Newman and Cragg 2020). Ayurveda is the Indian traditional healthcare system which has been used for centuries to deal with various ailments (Mukherjee et al. 2017). It is considered as a complete self-sustainable system of medicine (Katoch et al. 2017). Various Ayurveda formulations are in practice to limit the fevers of any origin (Kaushik et al. 2020a, b) as immune herbs for prevention and curation. Several of these herbs have been extensively studied for their immune-enhancing, modulating and antiviral effects (Dhawan 2012; Jadhav et al. 2012), for instance, Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amalaki), Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi) and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu). The traditionally used herbs are considered safer and cost-effective than their synthetic counterparts. Many times, they also served as a primary source of various pharmaceutical agents which help in limiting the infectious and non-infectious diseases (Kaushik et al. 2018; Sharma et al. 2021). Extensive studies may provide an insight into the future course of research for the plausible development of effective COVID-19 management. This can be achieved by the utilization and development of various natural product-based medicines.

Various Materia Medica of Ayurveda conceptualize a group of herbs, formulations and therapies for enhancing body resistance under the comprehend term Rasayana. The specific properties possessed by these herbs of Rasayana category are evaluated and validated in various scientific studies (Chulet and Pradhan 2009). These botanicals are reported to be rich in numerous specialized metabolites responsible for immune modulation, antioxidant activities, neurodegenerative disorders and rejuvenators and may act as nutritional supplements (Thakur et al. 2007; Doshi et al. 2013). Here we provide a comprehensive detail on some possible potential leads from Ayurveda to develop effective antiviral and/or immunomodulator for prophylactic or adjunct therapy in SARS-CoV-2.

Methodology

The literature search was conducted on two broad dimensions. Initially, the classical text was searched to shortlist the plants followed by advanced search to explore the available scientific evidences in various search engines. In the classical literature search, an extensive review was done in Charaka Samhita to identify the Rasayana drugs. Charaka Samhita is one of the oldest, most authentic and the most widely practised treatises on Ayurveda. The text in Charaka Samhita is written in the form of verses or shloka and partly in prose. The compendium comprises 120 chapters categorized into eight sections or Sthana. Each section pertained to a specific subject. Chapters 31–60 are named as Chikitsa Sthana which consists of 30 chapters that deal with the study of preservation of health and prevention and management of various diseases. The first chapter in this is on Rasayana which is further divided into four sub-sections (or sub-chapters). These four sub-sections consist of 129 medicines (Rasayana) in the form of various single and compound herbal and herbo-mineral formulations. Out of these, 63 single or plant-based formulations have herbs and certain metals as a main ingredient. Upon excluding metals, alkali, dietary items and herbs whose identity was not confirmed, the remaining 50 was single herbs. These 50 herbs were scanned for antiviral and immunomodulator activities. A detailed methodology is presented in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1.

Schematic representation of the methodology for shortlisting the Rasayana drugs

After selection of these 50 herbs, an extensive literature search was performed through various web databases like Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar by Boolean information retrieval method (Pohl et al. 2010; Tewari et al. 2017, 2018). The botanical name of the plants with “AND” operator followed by keywords “antiviral,” “coronavirus,” “covid-19,” “immunomodulatory” and “immunity” was searched. The period of article analysis was from the last 20 years published in English language. Finally, 13 herbs were shortlisted fulfilling the criteria of having potential antiviral and immune modulation activities. A process of thorough discussions among authors and subject experts depending on their usage, i.e. most commonly used, known safety profiles, better availability and Jwar hara (virtue of their utility against fever) properties as per Ayurveda, was adopted to shortlist the potential herbs from the screened ones. In addition, we have also explored the clinical trials registered for these shortlisted herbs along with various in vitro, in silico and in vivo studies to understand the potential targets against SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV and MERS.

SARS-CoV-2, immune system and Ayurvedic perspective

Recent studies (Urra et al. 2020; de Candia et al. 2021) have reported that SARS-CoV-2 considerably affects the immune system through T cells, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ which have a substantial antiviral role in fighting the pathogens. However, it is associated with risk of elevated immune response causing autoimmunity or inflammation (Cecere et al. 2012). CD4+ T cells help in production of viral-specific antibodies through T cell–dependent B cells, while CD8+ T cells are cytotoxic and kill virus-infected cells. Further, CD8+ T cells are major players in clearing of the viral load and also in causing inflammatory damage in the pulmonary interstitium in SARS-CoV-infected patient (Maloir et al. 2018).

T helper (Th) cells act by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines via nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) signaling (Manni et al. 2014), and response of T cell is emphasized in order to protect against viral infections such as COVID-19 (Luo et al. 2020).

The cytokines interleukin (IL)-17 recruit monocytes and neutrophils at the infection site and activate other downstream cascades of cytokines, viz. IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-21, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (Bunte and Beikler 2019). However, earlier studies have also reported a crucial role of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in SARS-CoV clearance (Chen et al. 2020). It is also observed that development of SARS-CoV-specific neutralizing antibodies requires CD4+ T helper cells (Janice Oh et al. 2012). In certain cases, there is an overwhelmed immune response causing a serious inflammatory reaction causing apoptosis of host cell (Xu et al. 2020) by cascade of cytokine release leading to a life-threatening condition by cytokine release syndrome (CRS). It is more serious among patients with other comorbidities like cardiac ailments, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and hepatic or renal diseases (Guan et al. 2020). It becomes imperative to explore the specific approach where a tailor-made immune response is warranted, with an exact mechanism and reason of how in certain cases the exaggerated and abnormal immune response causing cytokine storm is present.

Ayurveda advocates multimodal approach to the disease, viz. nidanaparivarjana (avoidance of the etiological factors), apakarshana (removing the root cause) and prakritivighata (disease modifying or preparation of internal environment of the body hostile for the infectious agent). Ayurveda system believes in the concept of prevention through lifestyle and dietary management along with Rasayana therapy, which is considered as an effective measure in the prevention of disease by providing non-specific immunity (Kumar et al. 2012). Rasayana which is specific to the respiratory tract has been studied and found to be effective in the management of viral respiratory tract infections like dengue. These herbs act by exerting non-specific immunity and acting as inhibitory sources against the crucial dengue receptor NS2B-NS3 (Bency 2018) or by eliminating the vectors (Thanigaivel et al. 2017) as in Chikungunya (Sharma et al. 2019).

A study was conducted on the clinical analysis cohort of COVID-19 patients based on principles of Ayurvedic nosology. It suggests that COVID-19 can be categorized as agantuka (caused due to external factor, i.e. infection) type of vata-kapha-pradhana-sannipata-jvara (fever involving all three dosha with dominance of vata-kapha) with pittanubandhatva (in association with pitta dosha) (Girija and Sivan 2020). It has been postulated that COVID-19 can be understood from the Ayurvedic perspective as vata-kapha (two of the three Dosha mentioned in Ayurveda) dominant sannipatajvara (fever involving all three dosha) of agantu origin with pittanubandha (Puthiyedath et al. 2020). In accordance with Ayurveda pathogenesis, initial prophylactic measures can be adopted by suggesting certain Rasayana therapy like hot infusion of Zingiber officinalis Roscoe (Shunthi), Tinospora cordifolia, Amritottar Kasaya (comprise of T. cordifolia, Z. officinalis and Terminalia chebula) and Samshamani Vati (preparation of T. cordifolia) in high-risk population. As the person contact with disease with its progression, it can be understood in different stages for management point of view (Kumar et al. 2021).

Many Rasayana herbs possess good immunomodulatory effect which can provide promising leads in boosting the immune system capacity. For instance, Phyllanthus emblica efficiently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF and IL-1) levels and significantly upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) concentration in an in vivo study (Chatterjee et al. 2011). In another study, T. cordifolia was found to possess immunomodulatory activity by improving the phagocyte function without affecting cell-mediated and humoral immune systems (Sachan et al. 2019). Various other herbs, viz. Vitex trifolia (Nirgundi bhed) and Sphaeranthus indicus L. (Gorakhmundi), have also been reported to reduce inflammatory cytokines through NF-kB pathway, which is responsible for respiratory distress in SARS-CoV (Alam et al. 2002). Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. Ex Nees (Kalmegh) is an important herb used in Ayurveda to treat variety of viral infections especially respiratory infections and dengue fever (Coon and Ernst 2004; Arora et al. 2011; Yarnell 2017; Kaushik et al. 2021). Studies reported that A. paniculata suppresses increased NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and IL-1β molecules which are involved in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV and likely SARS-CoV-2 as well (Liu et al. 2020a, b).

It can be hypothesized that immunomodulators and immune adjuvant can play an important role in proper functioning of CD4+ and CD8+ cells as also reported for various Rasayana herbs too. Few herbs mentioned under the Ayurveda Rasayana like T. cordifolia and Glycyrrhiza glabra are reported for immune-enhancing effect through modulating the response of CD4+ and CD 8+ T cells against viral infections (Somarathna et al. 2010). Similarly, P. emblica is reported to enhance the immunity both in vitro and in vivo, especially in natural killer (NK) cell-induced cytotoxic activity (Huabprasert et al. 2012) which are detailed in the subsequent section of this paper. These Rasayana herbs can be used to ameliorate various symptoms of COVID-19. Though many medicinal plants have been identified, extensive research is required for the development of drug specific to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it is important to explore the effect of these prescribed traditional medicines in SARS-CoV-2.

Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and possible Ayurvedic interventions

Coronavirus belongs to the family Coronaviridae which is further divided into four genera: alpha, beta, gamma and delta coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to beta-CoVs in phylogenetic studies (Pal et al. 2020). The genome of SARS-CoV-2 is positive-sense single stranded RNA [(+) ssRNA] with a 5′-cap,3′UTR poly(A) tail with embedded 14 open reading frames (ORFs), encoding non-structural proteins (NSPs) for virus replication and assembly processes; structural proteins including spike (S), envelope (E), membrane/matrix (M) and nucleocapsid (N); and accessory protein (Mohamadian et al. 2021). NSP3, NSP9, NSP10, NSP12, NSP15 and NSP16 are the major NSPs among other polyprotein pp1a (nsp1–11) and pp1ab (nsp1–16) which play major role in viral replication (Rohaim et al. 2021).

S protein is a transmembrane protein that facilitates the binding of viral envelop to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors expressed on host cell surfaces (Noman et al. 2021). N protein attaches to the viral genome and is involved in RNA replication, virion formation and immune evasion. The nucleocapsid protein also interacts with the nsp3 and M proteins. M protein promotes the assembly and budding of viral particles, and E protein facilitates the production, maturation and release of virions (Schoeman and Fielding 2019). The most complex component of the CoV genome is the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the S protein. Six RBD amino acids are necessary for attaching to the ACE2 receptor and hosting SARS-CoV-like coronavirus (Mohamadian et al. 2021).

ACE2, a host receptor, is responsible for entry of CoV into host cells. S-like protein moored with viral envelop further forms the RBD. The RBD is responsible for particular host receptor recognition and fusion of viral particle into host membrane (Li et al. 2003; Li 2015, 2016). Host susceptibility is characterized by the affinity of RBD and against ACE2 (Ghosh et al. 2009). Clitoria ternatea L. (Aparajita), widely mentioned in various Ayurveda classics, has been reported to possess metalloproteinase inhibitory activity (Maity et al. 2012) which is associated with ACE shredding, hence can be further explored for its activity on ACE2.

Virus-host cell interaction is a vital part of pathogenesis in a viral infection like COVID-19. Future studies can be postulated on the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 may use proteases similar to SARS-CoV like TMPRSS11a, trypsin, plasmin, cathepsin L and furin in the cleavage of the S protein for the entry of the virus into the cell (Vellingiri et al. 2020). These proteases help in propagation of virus, and the proteolytic maturation of SARS-CoV-2 depends on the CoV 3CL hydrolase (Mpro) enzyme. Efforts are also in process to take a lead from this for the production of vaccine against SAR-CoV-2 (Jakhar et al. 2020). Several studies to identify potent inhibitors of the host enzyme TMPRSS2 are also underway (Hoffmann et al. 2020). Furthermore, these proteases can be explored as targets to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 (Millet and Whittaker 2015).

Herbs with potential effect on virus receptors or their target sites or interfering viral replication process can be used as antiviral apart from being potent immune enhancers or modulators. Plant-based traditional medicines are in use since ages. There are enough evidences of traditional medicines being used to treat the viral infection through enhancing the immunity of the body (Vimalanathan et al. 2009; Lin et al. 2014; Ganjhu et al. 2015). Plants as a whole and through variety of metabolites are useful for therapeutic purposes, for instance, cessation of viral proliferations by regulating its adsorption, binding to host cell receptors, inhibition of fusion of virus into the host cell membrane and modulating intracellular signals (Khan et al. 2005; Ghosh et al. 2009). Similarly, the binding interaction between a pathogen protein and ligand derived from herbal extracts may result in inhibition of the activity of pathogen protein (Hiremath et al. 2021). Various in silico studies were conducted (Narkhede et al. 2020; Pandit and Latha 2020; Srivastav et al. 2020; Joshi et al. 2020) for certain Rasayana herbs to explore their potential targets as mentioned in Table 1.

Table 1.

Potential targets and Rasayana herbs along with their phytoconstituents evaluated through various in silico studies

Potential target	Phytoconstituents	Herbs	Reference
3 CL protease	Vasicine	Adhatoda vasica Nees. (Vasa)	Thangaraju et al. (2021)
	Various phytoconstituents	Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki)	Upadhyay et al. (2020)
	Curcumin	Curcuma longa L. (Haridra)	Vajragupta et al. (2005)
	Berberine	Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi)	Chowdhury (2020); Shree et al. (2020)
	Withanolide I	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Khanal et al. (2021)
Pl pro	Withanolide G	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Khanal et al. (2021)
Inhibiting the enzyme activity of TMPRSS2	Phyllaemblicin G7	Phyllanthus emblica L. (Aamlaki)	Ilona et al. (2011)
High binding affinity to ACE2 protein and main protease (MPro)	Phyllaemblicin G7	Phyllanthus emblica L. (Aamlaki)	Kothandan et al. (2021)
	Piperolactam A	Piper longum L. (Pippali)	Kothandan et al. (2021)
	Anisotine	Adhatoda vasica Nees. (Vasa)	Ghosh et al. (2021)
	Embelin	Embelia ribes Burm. (Vidang)	Caruso et al. (2020)
	Withaferin A	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Straughn and Kakar (2020)
	Cordioside and other constituents	Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi)	Jena et al. (2021)
	Glycyrrhizin	Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yastimadhu)	Muhseen et al. (2021)
Mpro	Boeravisterol	Boerhavia diffusa L (Punarnava)	Rutwick Surya and Praveen (2021)
	Embelin	Embelia ribes Burm. (Vidang)	Caruso et al. (2020)
	Various phytoconstituents	Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi)	Shree et al. (2020)
Nsp 15 endoribonuclease	Glyasperin	Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu)	Muhseen et al. (2020)
	Asparoside-D	Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari)	Chikhale et al. (2020)
ACE2–RBD interface	Withanone Withanolide A Glyasperin	Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Balkrishna et al. (2020b); Muhseen et al. (2020)
	Glycyrrhyzin	Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu)	Muhseen et al. (2020)
RBD complex	Glycyrrhizinate complex	Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu)	Kalhor et al. (2020)
Spike protein	Phyllaemblicin G7	Phyllanthus emblica L. (Aamlaki)	Ilona et al. (2011)
	Racemoside A, racemoside C, asparoside-C, asparoside-F	Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari)	Chikhale et al. (2020); Patel et al. (2021)
	Glycyrrhizic acid	Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu)	Sinha et al. (2020)
	Withaferin	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Straughn and Kakar (2020)
	Withanolide M	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Khanal et al. (2021)
Helicase inhibitors	Phyllaemblicin B Phyllaemblinol	Phyllanthus emblica L. (Aamlaki)	Ilona et al. (2011)

Antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of Rasayana herbs

Ayurveda has been used for centuries to deal with different viral diseases through various immunomodulatory herbs. Quest for specific treatment of nCoV infections is a challenge with changing strain of virus rapidly. The rapid increase of persistent emerging new viral infections like COVID-19 poses a tremendous threat to mankind globally. Effective strategies for prophylaxis and holistic management are of paramount importance. In the current understanding of the pandemic, it is well known that immunity has a pivotal role in prevention of the severity of such infections. Thus, maintaining good immunity should be taken as a potential alternative for addressing such viral infection outbreaks (Hegde et al. 2009; Rijckborst et al. 2011). Herbs, which affect the immune system in specific or non-specific mode, can be categorized under immuno-herbs that are covered under the broad umbrella of Rasayana in Ayurveda (Doshi et al. 2013). These are being studied to deal with vast array of ailments like infections, non-specific fevers (van der Meijden 2001) and immune deficiency conditions (Ziauddin et al. 1996). Here, we describe the potential role of the shortlisted Rasayana herbs against COVID-19.

Justicia adhatoda L. (Adhatoda vasica Nees) (Vasa)

Adhatoda vasica is well known for its effectiveness in respiratory disorders, particularly bronchitis and antitussive effect in Ayurveda (Dhuley 1999; Shrivastava et al. 2006). The alcoholic extract of A. vasica is reported to reduce the count of neutrophils, thus diminishing the phagocytosis activity. The extract was found responsible to decrease in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and inhibitory effect on T lymphocytes and also reported to possess human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitory activity (Singh et al. 2010; Vinothapooshan and Sundar 2011).

The oral administration of aqueous extract in allergic and severe asthmatic subtypes mouse model reports that A. vasica reduces increased airway resistance and alleviates steroid (dexamethasone) resistance molecular signatures. These include IL-17A, KC (murine IL-8 homologue) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) by restoring expression of its negative regulator—prolyl hydroxylase domain-2 (PHD2) (Gheware et al. 2021b). In vivo studies showed that increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-1, IL-6 and HIF-1 in pulmonary fibrosis and sepsis rescues siRNA-induced inflammation and modifies cellular hypoxic response and thrombosis (Gheware et al. 2021a). These studies figured out the potential role of A. vasica in inflammatory situations led in SARS-CoV-2 and suggest a possible role in severe steroid-resistant asthma. The potential role of A. vasica is also supported by recent in silico studies. Various phytoconstituents of A. vasica reported higher negative binding affinity for C- and O-glycosides for HIF-1α, IL-6, Janus kinase 1/3, TNF-α and TGF-β key players of hypoxia inflammation diverse respiratory ailments. It was also found that vasicine possessed inhibitory activity on 3 CL protease (Thangaraju et al. 2021). Another alkaloid anisotine has also shown inhibitory effect on the proteolytic activity of Mpro in docking studies (Ghosh et al. 2021). In another study, anisotine and vasicoline of A. vasica were found effective as protease and replicase inhibitor of COVID-19 virus using COVID-19 docking server (Bag and Bag 2020).

Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari)

Asparagus racemosus is commonly used galactagogue in Ayurveda (Alok et al. 2013). Various pharmacological activities of A. racemosus include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory , immunoadjuvant and adaptogenic activity (Bopana and Saxena 2007; Alok et al. 2013). The aqueous extract of A. racemosus showed significant increase of CD3(+) and CD4/CD8(+). This effect is proposing its effect on T cell activation (Gautam et al. 2009). There was an upregulation of Th 1, IL-2, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines proposing its blended Th1/Th2 adjuvant action. Higher antibody titres and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were also reported along with the effect on activated lymphocytes (Sabde et al. 2011). The herb was also evaluated against anti-HIV activity in a human CD4+ T cell line, a stable T cell line (CEM)—green fluorescent protein cells infected with HIV-1NL4—and the extract was found to possess reduction of viral production in CEM-GFP cells infected with HIV-1NL4 (Dhar et al. 1968).

A recent in silico study was conducted to explore the effect of A. racemosus in COVID-19 (Chikhale et al. 2020). The prime specialized metabolites of the plant asparoside-C, asparoside-D and asparoside-F were evaluated against NSP15 endoribonuclease and S RBD. The study revealed that asparoside-C, asparoside-D and asparoside-F exhibited their potential effect against both the proteins and reported to have substantial effect against SARS-CoV-2. In another in silico study, natural steroidal saponins racemoside A and racemoside C interact with RBD of S-protein and inhibit its interaction with ACE2, ultimately blocking the entry of viral particle into the human host. It interact with S-protein and other structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 (Patel et al. 2021). As far as the toxicity is concerned, the aqueous extract of the roots of A. racemosus has been reported for diuretic activity at the highest dose of 3200mg/kg without any acute toxicity (Kumar et al. 2010). However, it does not reported mortality at the oral dosage of 64 g/kg in an earlier study (Goyal et al. 2003).

Boerhavia diffusa L. (Punarnava)

B. diffusa is reported for anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antioxidant properties (Mishra et al. 2014). The compound eupalitin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (Bd-I) found in B. diffusa is reported for inhibition of the production of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) which stimulated IL-2 at the protein and mRNA transcript levels and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which stimulated TNF-α production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). The activation of DNA binding of NF-kB and activator protein 1 (AP-1), two major transcription factors which are involved in the expression of IL-2 and IL-2R gene, which is necessary for T cell activation and proliferation are also blocked by Bd-I (Manu and Kuttan 2007). Punarnavine, another compound found in B. diffusa, is reported to enhance the immune responses against the metastatic progression by promoting the cell-mediated immune responses. It enhances the NK cell activity and production of cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ and lowers the peaks of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α (Bose et al. 2017). Boeravinone H is a potential antiviral agent for the prevention and control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It acts by inhibiting the initial phase of HCV entry binding and entry of hepatitis C–like particles (HCV-LPs) in hepatoma cells in vitro. The prevention of HCV entry and infection in cell culture was also reported in ex vivo studies (Hossan et al. 2018). In addition, the plant is also reported for a potent anti-HIV compound and in Ranikhet disease virus (Pandey et al. 2005). In an in silico study, the compound boeravisterol found in B. diffusa was evaluated against Mpro and was found to have therapeutic properties against COVID-19 (Rutwick Surya and Praveen 2021). Further, no acute and sub-acute toxicity was reported from B. diffusa root extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg in Wistar rats (Karwasra et al. 2016).

Curcuma longa L. (Haridra)

C. longa is among the most commonly used drug in Ayurveda, a common spice (Thimmulappa et al. 2021) and colouring agent (Ou et al. 2013). Curcumin, one of the main active principle of C. longa (Li et al. 2019), is reported to inhibit NF-κB activation post exposure of various inflammatory stimuli in 117 randomized control trials. There was a significant reduction in TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β and MCP-1 following curcumin supplementation (Panahi et al. 2016). Curcumin inhibits mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 synthesis/signaling and NF-kB (IL-2 promoter transcription factor) activation (Ranjan et al. 2004). Additionally, the macrophage phagocytic activity is also increased by curcumin (Antony et al. 1999).

A study exhibited that nanoparticulate curcumin stimulated higher early cell-mediated and humoral immune response with similar results in secondary humoral antibody titres. Production of white blood cells and weight of the lymphoid organs were also enhanced in the groups that received 10 mg/kg nanocurcumin (Afolayan et al. 2018). Curcumin has been reported effective against many enveloped viruses, including respiratory viruses like influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus (Praditya et al. 2019). Curcumin may interfere the entry of type A influenza virus by its interaction with the receptor binding region or interfering with viral haemagglutination protein (Ou et al. 2013). The monoacetyl-curcumin, a structural analogue of curcumin on Akt phosphorylation, is needed for propagation of influenza A virus (Richart et al. 2018). An in vitro study of curcumin reported capability to inhibit gene replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by inhibiting cccDNA-bound histone acetylation, and it has the potential to be developed as a cccDNA-targeting antiviral agent for hepatitis B (Wei et al. 2017). Furthermore, a study reported that curcumin inhibits 3CL protease activity in SARS-CoV, an essential composition for viral replication (Wen et al. 2007). Taking leads from earlier studies, a recent docking study on SARS-CoV-2 reports the potential of curcumin in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 into lung cells by disrupting the interaction of S protein and ACE2 (Rajagopal et al. 2020; Pandey et al. 2020). This shows the potential of curcumin in the disruption of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and replication which is also associated with the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway (Thimmulappa et al. 2021). C. longa and its phytoconstituents are found to be safe in various clinical studies (Tønnesen et al. 2002; Maheshwari et al. 2006; Aggarwal et al. 2016; Thimmulappa et al. 2021).

Embelia ribes Burm. (Vidang)

E. ribes is a commonly used anthelmintic traditional remedy (Bhandari et al. 2002). It is reported to have antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, contraceptive and antipsychotic activity and also used in acute respiratory distress syndrome (Bhandari et al. 2002; Harish et al. 2012; Shirole et al. 2015; Durg et al. 2017). Embelin, the major phytoconstituent of E. ribes, was examined in an in silico molecular docking study. The study showed that the binding site for embelin is located in the RBD of viral haemagglutinin which can be utilized for the development of a plant-based anti-influenza agent (Bachmetov et al. 2012). Another important polyphenol present in the plant is quercetin. It is reported for diverse antiviral activities against influenza virus (H1N1) and HCV. Quercetin inhibits the HCV NS3 protease and reduces viral production by inhibiting both NS3 and heat shock proteins which are essential for HCV replication (Bachmetov et al. 2012). Quercetin is reported for viral step inhibition of internal ribosome entry site translation, NS5A protein levels, HCV replication, HCV production and putative viral target—NS3 protease (Gonzalez et al. 2009; Shirole et al. 2015). Further, in a study, ethyl acetate extract of fruits of E. ribes has shown very promising antiviral activity against influenza virus A/34 (H1N1), with an IC50 of 0.2 μg/mL; also, the study revealed that embelin was most effective when added at early stages of the viral life cycle (0–1 h post-infection), and also, it was found effective against avian influenza virus A/84 (H5N2) (Bachmetov et al. 2012).

A study has reported that pre-treatment with embelin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased lung oedema, mononucleated cellular infiltration, nitrate/nitrite, total protein, albumin concentrations, TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and myeloperoxidase activity in lung homogenate. Embelin markedly prevented pO2 down-regulation and pCO2 augmentation. Additionally, it attenuated lung histopathological changes in acute respiratory distress syndrome model, thus exhibiting lung protecting property and anti-inflammatory activity in lung cell. hence can be a promising herb in preventing lung damage like complications in COVID-19 (Hossan et al. 2018). A recent computational study reports the role of embelin to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro protease more specifically due to formation of a covalent bond between S (Cys145) and an embelin C (carbonyl). This is further assisted by two protein amino acids N (imidazole-His41) which are able to capture H[S(Cys145)] and HN(His163), which donate a proton to embelin O(carbonyl) forming an OH moiety. This results in inhibition of the viral protease (Caruso et al. 2020). Ayurvedic literature mainly counts the fruits of E. ribes for its effect as antibacterial, antiprotozoal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and treatment for abdominal disorders and lung fungus infections (Dwivedi et al. 2019). This drug has been reported for the treatment of influenza in 1919 (Menon 1919). Respiratory distress is one of the major symptoms found during the second surge of SARS-CoV-2 in India. E. ribes also possesses anti-inflammatory and protective effect against LPS-induced airway inflammation by reducing nitrosative stress, physiological parameters of blood gas change, TNF and mononucleated cellular infiltration, indicating it as a potential therapeutic agent for acute respiratory distress syndrome (Shirole et al. 2015). The drug can be repurposed for the respiratory distress happening in SARS-CoV-2.

Potassium embelate, 2,5-dihydroxy, 3-undecyl-1, 4-benzoquinone, derived from E. ribes was tested for subacute, chronic, reproductive toxicity and teratological studies in laboratory animals (mice, rats and monkeys), showing this as a safe compound (Johri et al. 1990). However, embelin was found to reduce sperm count at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight to male albino rats for 15 or 30 days (Gupta et al. 1989). Dose-dependent visual deficits were also observed in chicks by embelin (Low et al. 1985), and 6 weeks consumption resulted in severe pathological changes in the liver and kidney, such as disintegration, necrosis and perinuclear vacuolation (Harish et al. 2012).

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yastimadhu)

G. glabra has been reported for anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antiviral, antipyretic, antidemulcent and antitussive activity (Shah et al. 2018; Sharma et al. 2018; El-Saber Batiha et al. 2020). Glycyrrhizin, the main active constituent of the plant, is reported to interfere with immune responses by targeting dendritic cells. It also upregulate the expression of CD40, CD86 and MHC-ІІ maturation markers on dendritic cells as well as enhances the production of IL-12 by these cells. It also increases the IFN-γ and IL-10 and further reduces IL-4 production (Bordbar et al. 2012). Glycyrrhizin treatment increased antioxidant status, decreased the incidence of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation and improved immunity activities in the nasal and blood mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice (Li et al. 2011). The root extract of G. glabra in association with zinc has also shown immunomodulatory activity (Mitra Mazumder et al. 2012). G. glabra has shown promising result in targeting the viral replication of SARS-CoV; thus it is a potential herb for further study on SARS-CoV-2 (Cinatl et al. 2003). Glycyrrhizin is also reported to inhibit SARS-CoV replication in vitro (Hoever et al. 2005). Licorice and glycyrrhizin are reported to inhibit the plaque formation in three strains of Japanese encephalitis virus (Badam 1997). Glycyrrhizin and its other derivatives reduce the hepatocellular damage in chronic hepatitis B (Sato et al. 1996). Similarly, glycyrrhizin reduces the levels of transaminase in chronic hepatitis C in phase II randomized trials (Orlent et al. 2006; Fiore et al. 2008). The mechanism behind the antiviral activity of various species of Glycyrrhiza includes reduced transport to the membrane and sialylation of HBV surface antigen, reduced membrane fluidity leading to inhibition of fusion of the viral membrane of HIV1 with the cell, induction of IFN-γ in T cells, inhibition of phosphorylating enzymes in vesicular stomatitis virus infection and reduction of viral latency (Fiore et al. 2008).

The in vitro studies reported the inhibition of growth of several DNA and RNA viruses by glycyrrhizic acid and also reported the inactivation of herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1) irreversibly (Pompei et al. 1980). Glycyrrhizin inhibits the viral replication in H5N1 influenza (Michaelis et al. 2011) and in SARS-CoV too (Cinatl et al. 2003). Glycyrrhizin may act against viruses via a variety of mechanisms, including increasing nitrous oxide production in macrophages, influencing transcription factors and cellular signaling pathways, directly altering the viral lipid-bilayer membrane and binding to the ACE2 receptor (Chrzanowski et al. 2021). This may provide two-pronged approach to reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking the number of entry points and initiating the ACE2-independent anti-inflammatory mechanism (Murck 2020). G. glabra extracts and glycyrrhizin possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and may bind to viral fusion proteins, preventing viral entry into host cells, as well as increasing ACE2 expression (Gomaa and Abdel-Wadood 2021). Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits the growth of the virus and inactivates virus particles. Thus, glycyrrhizic acid is a potential source of immunomodulatory effect (Arora et al. 2011). A structure-based virtual screening followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding energy analysis was used to identify specific terpenes from medicinal plants that can block SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD binding to human ACE2 and act as potent anti-COVID-19 drugs (Muhseen et al. 2020). An in silico study found that glyasperin A had a high affinity for Nsp15 endoribonuclease with uridine specificity, whereas glycyrrhizic acid was best suited for the binding pocket of S glycoprotein and also prevented virus entry into the host cell (Sinha et al. 2020). N nonpolar licorice extract of G. uralensis reports no acute and chronic toxicity (Kim et al. 2020a). Glycyrrhizin is majorly used as flavouring agent and listed its use in food without restrictions. Glycyrrhyzic acid ammoniated is safe for all species at a concentration of 1 mg/kg complete feed, except chickens for fattening and laying hens. A safe concentration of 0.3 mg/kg complete feed applies to these two categories ((FEEDAP) EP on A and P or S used in AF 2015). However, a study reports use of G. glabra and glycyrrhizin salts with caution during pregnancy and selective cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells (Nazari et al. 2017).

Phyllanthus emblica L. (Emblica officinalis) (Aamlaki)

P. emblica is reported for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and diuretic properties (Patel et al. 2011; Lee et al. 2016; George et al. 2019a; Harikrishnan et al. 2020). P. emblica is reported to enhance NK cell activity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in syngeneic BALB/c mice (Suresh and Vasudevan 1994). The fruit extracts are reported to restore the IL-2 and gamma-IFN production (Sai Ram et al. 2002) and decrease the levels of lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the activity of caspase-3, apoptosis and increased cell viability, levels of antioxidant enzymes, cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial membrane potential (Singh et al. 2013). It exhibited cytoprotective effects and lowered ROS levels in cells subjected to t-BHP-induced oxidative stress (Yamamoto et al. 2016). Further, it also stimulates the reticulo-endothelial system and activates the polymorphonuclear and monocyte-macrophase system (Thatte and Dahanukar 1997).

An in vitro study was conducted on E. officinalis extracts in IB3-1 CF bronchial epithelial cells exposed to the pseudomonas aeruginosa laboratory strain PAO1. Pyrogallol found in E. officinalis extract inhibits the neutrophil chemokines IL-8, growth-related oncogene (GRO)-alpha, GRO-gamma, the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and IL-6 (Nicolis et al. 2008). E. officinalis stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immunity along with macrophage phagocyte (Suja et al. 2009). In silico studies have shown that piceatannol and phyllaemblicin G7 present in P. emblica have a high affinity for spike protein and also inhibit the enzyme activity of TMPRSS2 which cuts the spike protein helping to trigger SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and has a high binding affinity to ACE2 protein. Phyllaemblicin B and phyllaemblinol present in it have a good affinity towards helicase inhibitors (it is a multi-functional protein, including N-terminal metal binding domain (MBD) and helicase domain (Hel); it is reported to be a necessary component for the replication of coronavirus) (Ilona et al. 2011). The acute toxicity at 5000 ml and chronic oral toxicities (300, 600 and 1200mg/kg) were evaluated in rats, and it is reported safe (Jaijoy et al. 2010b). Another study also reports the no acute and chronic toxicity by P. emblica (Jaijoy et al. 2010a; Huabprasert et al. 2012).

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. (Bhumi amalaki)

Phyllanthus amarus is commonly used for kidney, liver and genitourinary tract disorders in Ayurveda (Patel et al. 2011). It is also reported for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities (Joseph and Raj 2011; Sarin et al. 2014). Phyllanthus amarus has anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects by disrupting the NF-kB, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and Wnt signaling networks (Harikrishnan et al. 2020). P. amarus specifically reported to inhibit NF-κB (Ismail et al. 2020). The NF-κB signaling pathway connects pathogenic and cellular danger signals, thus providing cellular resistance to invading pathogens. This is considered as an innate immunity regulator (Albensi 2019). Phyllanthin found in P. amarus inhibits cellular and humoral immune response in Balb/C mice (Ilangkovan et al. 2016). Ethanolic extract of P. amarus has targeted the NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways to exert its anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating the prospective inflammatory signaling mediators (Harikrishnan et al. 2018). Another in vitro study reported that hairy roots of P. amarus have shown inactivation of HBV surface antigen (Mehrotra et al. 1991). Aqueous extract of P. amarus showed antiviral activity against white spot syndrome virus (Balasubramanian et al. 2007). Viral enzymes NS3 protease and NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase are required for polyprotein processing and viral RNA replication and can be potential targets for anti-HCV compound screening. An in vitro study of P. amarus root extract is reported for inhibition of HCV-NS3 protease enzyme, and P. amarus leaves extract showed inhibition of NS5B (Ravikumar et al. 2011). There is a structural similarity of NS3 protease and SARS-CoV-2 (Bafna et al. 2020) particularly in the key active site residues. P amarus and E. ribes are known to have activity against HCV NS3/4A protease. These may be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 (Mandal et al. 2021). A recent in silico docking analysis reports the potential of various phytochemicals of P. amarus may have action on multiple target sites of SARS-CoV-2 (Hiremath et al. 2021). Many formulations of P. amarus are found to be safe in clinical trials as well (Ajala et al. 2016; George et al. 2019b). In a toxicity study, extracts of P. amarus were found to be safe in mice and rats (Lawson-Evi et al. 2008).

Piper longum L. (Pippali)

Piper longum is majorly regarded as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, bioavailability enhancer, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antiplatelet and antifungal agent (Kumar et al. 2011; Yadav et al. 2020). The 4α dihydroxy-1-(3-phenyl propanoyl)-piperidine-2 compound found in P. longum is reported to reduce the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats and protected guinea pigs against antigen-induced bronchospasm (Kulshreshta et al. 1969). The chloroform extract of P. longum inhibits ICAM-1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 and E-selectin via the inhibition of NF-kB in endothelial cells. This also inhibited NADPH-catalysed rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation, demonstrating its antioxidant activity (Singh et al. 2008). These findings point towards anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of P. longum (Reddy and Lokesh 1992). P. longum is also reported to activate cellular and humoral immune responses (Sunila and Kuttan 2004). It also exhibits good bioavailability enhancer properties (Kesarwani et al. 2013). In vitro studies of piperine reported for significant inhibitory HBV activity against the secretion of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg) (Jiang et al. 2013). Piperolactam A, another phytoconstituent of P. longum, was found to be an effective inhibitor of S-protein binding to the GRP78 receptor which can prevent the virus from binding to the host by preventing the S-protein from binding to the CS-GRP78 cell surface receptor in an in silico study (Kothandan et al. 2021).

Many clinical studies on P. longum have been conducted, and the herb has been found to be safe (Manoj et al. 2004; Pathak et al. 2010). A randomized, pen label exploratory trial is registered in India for the evaluation of safety and efficacy of T. cordifolia + P. longum as adjunct treatment to standard care for the management of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients (CTRI/2020/06/025557). A similar kind of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of curcumin-piperine in SARS-CoV-2 patients in Iran is also ongoing (Miryan et al. 2020). Acute toxicity studies of P. longum show no mortality or morbidity when 3 to 5g/kg is administered to animals during pharmacological studies; however, under certain conditions, such as pregnancy and lactation, the fruits of P. longum should be used with caution due to potential interactions (Chanda et al. 2009).

Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Patla)

Stereospermum suaveolens is mainly indicated as analgesic, liver stimulant, astringent, wound healing and antidyspeptic in Ayurveda (Wahab Sab et al. 2015). It has been reported for anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant and antidiabetic (Balasubramanian et al. 2012; Latha et al. 2020). The root extract is reported to increase the total leukocyte count and the population of monocyte and neutrophil in experimental studies. Immunostimulatory potential is reported via DTH response, phagocytic activity and intracellular killing potential of phagocytes (Maji et al. 2014). S. suaveolens also reported to provide protection from Ranikhet disease virus (Bhakuni et al. 1971).

S. suaveolens is an important ingredient of Dashamoola kwath, an important Ayurvedic formulation. Dashamoola formulation, both alone and in combination with aspirin, demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-platelet effects comparable to aspirin (Parekar et al. 2015). S. suaveolens is also one of the major ingredients of the decoction used in the formulation of AYUSH-64 which is officially recommended for the different categories of COVID-19 patients by the Ministry of AYUSH (Sumathi et al. 2021) and also found effective as an antiviral, anti-asthmatic and immunoboosting (Ahmad et al. 2021).

Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki)

Terminalia chebula is reported for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiarthritic and gastrointestinal motility (Bag et al. 2013; Manosroi et al. 2013; Afshari et al. 2016). Triphala is a polyherbal formulation comprised of T. chebula, T. bellerica and Emblica officinalis reported for stimulating neutrophil function and significantly reduces IL-4 levels and corrects decreased IL-2 and IFN levels (Belapurkar et al. 2014).

The aqueous extract of dried fruits of T. chebula was reported to increase humoral antibody titre and DTH in mice (Shivaprasad HN 2006). Another study also reported enhanced expression of Th1 cytokine, INF-γ; decreased IL 4; increased percentage of CD4+ cells; lymphocyte proliferation; macrophage phagocyte response; and DTH response in mice (Rubab and Ali 2016). Chebulagic and chebulinic acids are reported for antiviral activity against HSV-2 possibly due to inhibition of virus attachment and penetration to the host cells as compared to acyclovir (Kesharwani et al. 2017). Chebulagic acid and punicalagin are also reported for potent antiviral activity against HSV-1 by inhibiting viral glycoprotein interactions with cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (Lin et al. 2011).

Further, in extended study, chebulagic acid and punicalagin are found effective in abrogating infection by human cytomegalovirus (CMV), HCV, dengue virus, measles virus and respiratory syncytial virus at μM concentrations. The tannin compounds, viz. chebulagic acid and punicalagin, have been reported for antiviral activity possibly mediated through inhibition of early virus entry and inactivation of free virus particles (Lin et al. 2013). The aqueous extract of T. chebula acted as potential inhibitor of 3CL^pro protease activity of SARS-CoV-2 in in silico study. The inhibition of this enzymatic activity has the potential to prevent virus replication within cells and may confer a protective effect in COVID-19 (Upadhyay et al. 2020). Hot water extract of T. chebula inhibited the replication of human CMV in vitro and in an AIDS model with immunocompromised mice, and the study concluded that it could be useful in the prevention of CMV diseases and immunocompromised patients (Yukawa et al. 1996). T. chebula is reported for diverse pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and antiproliferative (Bag et al. 2013). T. chebula has shown neither genotoxic effect nor cellular toxicity on sheep erythrocytes and acute oral toxic effects on rats (Bag et al. 2013). Furthermore, a hydroalcoholic extract of T. chebula fruits inhibited cytochrome P-450 in rats (Ponnusankar et al. 2011). The safety studies have been reported and may be repurposed for prophylactic and therapeutic effect against COVID-19.

Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi)

Tinospora cordifolia is one of the most widely used plants in Ayurveda for a wide range of diseases. Various studies reported the effect of T. cordifolia in increasing phagocytic, intercellular bactericidal capacity, lysozyme activity, enhanced nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) level, total immunoglobulin level, antiprotease activity, myelo-peroxidase activity, macrophage activation and secretion of lysozyme by macrophage cell line J774A and preventing deterioration of Kupffer cell activity (Thatte et al. 1992; Aranha et al. 2012; More and Pai 2012). It was also reported to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-α and MIP-1 (Sannegowda et al. 2015). The aqueous extract of T. cordifolia is reported to influence the cytokine production, mitogenicity, stimulation and activation of immune effector cells. In vitro evidence also supports it by showing upregulating effect on the IL-6 cytokines facilitating the acute response to injuries, inflammation, activation of cytotoxic T cells and B cell diffraction (Sharma et al. 2012).

Berberine found in T. cordifolia inhibits the cytopathogenic effects and neuraminidase activity of influenza virus both in vitro and in vivo as well as improving pathogenic changes by suppressing the release of inflammatory substances (Wu et al. 2011). In addition, T. cordifolia also increases IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-1β (Sachan et al. 2019). The aqueous extract was reported to reduce the mortality rate and enhance the immunity in the young chicks infected from infectious bursal disease caused by infectious bursal disease virus. This suggests its possible use as immunomodulator in viral diseases (Sachan et al. 2019). The ethanolic leaf extract decreases the high-level intracellular ROS in the Chikungunya patients with persisting polyarthralgia (Banerjee et al. 2018). Medication like Samshamanivati, composed of aqueous extract of T. cordifolia (Kalikar et al. 2008), has been found to be effective in various types of viral infections by virtue of cell-mediated immunity (Aranha et al. 2012).

T. cordifolia secondary metabolites have a high binding efficiency in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease as reported in an in silico study (Thakkar et al. 2021). T. cordifolia also reported to inhibit main protease (M^pro or 3Cl^pro) of SARS-CoV-2 (Shree et al. 2020). Another docking study revealed the potential of six constituents of T. cordifolia in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 S protein from binding to the human receptor ACE2 protein (Jena et al. 2021). T. cordifolia also demonstrated high binding efficacy against the targets involved in attachment and replication of the virus, as compared to favipiravir and lopinavir/ritonavir (Chowdhury 2020). In a safety study, T. cordifolia has not shown clastogenicity and DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes up to a concentration of 3000 μg/ml in Balb/c mice (Chandrasekaran et al. 2009; Alajmi et al. 2018) and also was found safe in clinical studies (Castillo et al. 2013).

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)

Withania somnifera is the most commonly used herb in Ayurveda. This is well known for its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-tumorigenic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, organ-protective, antimicrobial and antifungal activities (Dar et al. 2015; Kakar et al. 2017; Gurav et al. 2020; Saleem et al. 2020). The aqueous extract of roots of W. somnifera was reported to upregulate Th1-dominant polarization, thus supporting the humoral immunity and cell-mediated immune responses in BALB/c mice (Bani et al. 2006). The methanolic extract of the roots enhances the level of IFN-γ, IL-2 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in mice (Iuvone et al. 2003). Another study reports that the aqueous extract enhances nitric oxide synthetase activity of the macrophages, activates and mobilizes macrophages for rendering increased phagocytic activity and potentiates activity of lysosomal enzymes (Rasool and Varalakshmi 2006). In a docking study, withanolides (withanolide G, withanolide I and withanolide M) have shown binding affinity for PLpro, 3CLpro and spike protein, respectively (Khanal et al. 2021). Withaferin may bind to spike protein causing interference in viral S-protein binding to host receptor and a lack of effect on ACE2 expression in the lungs (Straughn and Kakar 2020). Withanone, another compound found in W. somnifera, docked very well in the binding interface of AEC2-RBD complex; this suggests withanone may interrupt interactions between the RBD and ACE2 by destabilizing the complex of ACE2 and RBD of spike protein and thus interfere with virus entry and its subsequent infectivity (Balkrishna et al. 2020b). W. somnifera aqueous extract along with fatty acids inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) along with reduced NF-κB expression (Balkrishna et al. 2020a). There is also an excessive generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines known as cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2 (Guan et al. 2020; Tang et al. 2020). W. somnifera may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigate cytokine storm, modulate inflammatory receptor protein and inhibit the NF-κB expression in COVID-19 patients (Saggam et al. 2021). W. somnifera is found to be safe in clinical studies (Raut et al. 2012; Langade et al. 2019). Further, the details of the possible herbs that can investigate and be utilized against COVID-19 are given in Table 2, and a mechanistic approach showing possible mechanism of action of various plants/phytoconstituents is presented in Fig. 2.

Table 2.

List of plants with proven immunomodulatory and antiviral activity having potential for exploring against COVID-19 categorized for prioritization on the basis of their earlier in vitro and in vivo studies

Botanical name (Ayurveda terminology)	Immunomodulatory effect			Antiviral effect
	Dose/model/part used	Function/mechanism	Reference	Dose/model	Function/mechanism	Reference
In vitro studies
Adhatoda vasica Nees. (Vasa)	Aqueous extract (leaves) (in vitro)	Restores the cellular hypoxia-mediated loss of mitochondrial morphofunction	Gheware et al. (2021b)	Aqueous and methanol extract from leaves at 10mg/ml each	Methanolic extract significantly inhibited formation of plaques in Vero cells infected with 100 pfu of HSV1 and 2 by 100% and aqueous by 100% and 86%, respectively	Chavan et al. (2013)
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu)	25–100μg/ml in RAW macrophages stimulated with LPS (root)	Inhibits LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 production	Sharma et al. (2018)	Glycyrrhizin	Inhibit SARS-CoV replication	Hoever et al. (2005)
	50–200μg/ml in LPS-stimulated mouse endometrial epithelial cells	Glycyrrhizin inhibits LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, NO and PGE2 production	Wang et al. (2017)		Inactivates HSV-1 virus irreversibly	Pompei et al. (1980)
	200, 40, 8mg/l in LPS-induced macrophage cell line of RA W264.7	Glycyrrhizin acid supresses IL-1β, IL-3, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13 and TNF-α (LPS stimulated)	Li et al. (2015)	Licorice and glycyrrhizin	Inhibit plaque formation in all three strains of Japanese encephalitis virus	Badam (1997)
Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari)	Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (tissue cultured extract—Shatawarin) (in vitro)	Stimulates interleukin (IL)-12 production, inhibited production of IL-6, strong modulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cytokine profile	Pise et al. (2015)
Boerhavia diffusa L. (Punarnava)	Compound eupalitin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (Bd-I)	Inhibited production of PHA-stimulated IL-2 at the protein and mRNA transcript levels and LPS-stimulated TNF-α production in human PBMCs; it also blocked the activation of DNA binding of NF-kB and AP-1	Pandey et al. (2005)	Hepatoma cells Boeravinone H	Inhibits HCV binding and entry, probably by acting directly on the viral particle	Bose et al. (2017)
Phyllanthus emblica L. (Aamlaki)	500μg/ml IB3-1 cells from cystic fibrosis patient (fruit: pyrogallol) (in vitro)	Inhibits the PAO1-dependent expression of the neutrophil chemokines IL-8, GRO-α, GRO-γ, of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6	Nicolis et al. (2008)
Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn (Bhumiamalaki)	5–60μg/ml, LPS-activated U937 cells (phyllanthin) (in vitro)	Inhibits IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2 and COX-2	Harikrishnan et al. (2018)
Piper longum L. (Pippali)	17.5μg/ml. human endothelial cells (fruit extract)	Inhibits TNF-α-induced adhesion of neutrophils to endothelium monolayer	Singh et al. (2008)
Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Patla)	Ethanol extract, in mice	Produced significant dose-dependent analgesic effect in central and peripheral nociceptive tests and antipyretic response	Mpharm and Kumar (2010)
	Methanolic extract, bark, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the ova albumin-sensitized mice	Protected the mast cell disruption induced by compound 48/80 in rat model. Mast cell stabilizing activity and decreases bronchial hyperactivity by decreasing the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airway	Bhalerao et al. (2013)
Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki)	20–80μg/ml LPS-induced mice microglial cell (fruit)	Decreases TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE-2, COX-2	Aher VD (2010)
	50–62.5 mg/kg/d for 5 weeks bovine type II collagen-induced arthritis DBA/1J mice (fruit) (in vitro)	Suppresses the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner	Narayana Moorthy et al. (2013)
Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi)	The macrophage cells J774A.1 were treated with guduchi	NADH oxidase, NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities via macrophage activation	More and Pai (2012)	Berberine, mice model (in vivo)	Inhibitory effects on cytopathogenic effects and neuraminidase activity of virus. In vivo, decreased mice mortality from 90 to 55%, reduced virus titres in the lungs on day 2 post-infection	Wu et al. (2011)
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Significant increase in total count of WBC, ALC and Platelets.	(Ali et al. 2015)	Antiviral activity against infectious bursal disease virus replication, hydroalcoholic root extract, in chicken embryo fibroblast	Inhibition of virus at maximum 99.9 % in its highest nontoxic concentration, 25μg/ml in cytopathic effect reduction assay	Pant et al. (2012)
In vivo studies
Adhatoda vasica Nees. (Vasa)	400mg/kg p.o. for 8 days in male Wistar rats (methanolic, chloroform and diethyl ether extracts of leaves)	Increase adhesion of neutrophils to nylon fibres	Vinothapooshan and Sundar (2011)
	130mg/kg for 21 days in male C57BL/6 mice (aqueous extract)	Increases TGF-β1, IL-6, HIF-1α in pulmonary fibrosis and sepsis, rescues the siRNA-induced inflammation. Alters cellular hypoxic response, modulates thrombosis	Gheware et al. (2021a)
Asparagus racemosus	Root aqueous extract (100mg/(kg b.w.p.o.) Balb/c mice	Significant increase of CD3(+) and CD4/CD8(+) percentages, significant upregulation of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines suggesting its mixed Th1/Th2 adjuvant activity also showed higher antibody titres and DTH responses	Gautam et al. (2009)
Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn (Bhumiamalaki)	2 μg–2 mg (w/v) i.p. Oreochromis mossambicus fish of either sex (aqueous leaf extract)	Enhances neutrophil activation	Muthulakshmi et al. (2016)
Piper longum L. (Pippali)	10–100mg/kg p.o. in C57BL/6 mice with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (piperine)	Piperine reduces production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6; reduces acute pancreatitis-induced neutrophil infiltration	Bae et al. (2011)
Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Patla)	Methanolic extract, bark, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the ova albumin-sensitized mice	Protected the mast cell disruption induced by compound 48/80 in rat model. Mast cell stabilizing activity and decreases bronchial hyperactivity by decreasing the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airway	Bhalerao et al. (2013)
Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers. (Guduchi)	50 to 100mg/kg p.o. for 11 days in male BALB/c mice (glycyrrhizin)	Inhibits airway inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-6, COX-2	Kim et al. (2020b)
	Migration in response to LPS 1g/kg in 2ml volume p.o. from day 9 to 19 in male Lewis rats adjuvant induced arthritis model (methanolic stem extract)	Reduces pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-α and MIP-1	Sannegowda et al. (2015)
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)	Aqueous extract ashwagandha (300mg/kg b.w.)	Significant increase in total count of WBC, ALC and platelets.	Ali et al. (2015)
	Ethanolic extract administered orally as 0.1% suspension of carboxymethylcellulose at a dose of 100 mg kg−1 of body weight of male Swiss albino mice (in vivo)	Enhanced neutrophil counts and humoral antibody response	Siddiqui et al. (2012)

Fig. 2.

Possible mechanism of actions of various plants/phytoconstituents against CoV Withaferin A, Clitoria ternatea, xanthones and phyllaemblicin G7 act through ACE2; phyllaemblicin G7 inhibited TMPRSS2 and Vitex trifolia inhibited proinflammatory cytokines (created with BioRender.com)

Discussion

Plant-based traditional medicines have been used for centuries (Petrovska 2012). Herbs with potential effect on virus receptors or their target sites or interfering viral replication process can be used as antiviral apart from being potent immune enhancers or modulators (Mukhtar et al. 2008; Khanna et al. 2021). There is ample evidences of traditional medicines being used to treat the viral infection through enhancing the immunity of the body (Patwardhan and Gautam 2005). Plants as a whole and through variety of metabolites are useful for therapeutic purposes, like cessation of viral proliferations by regulating its adsorption, binding to host cell receptors, inhibition of fusion of virus into the host cell membrane and by modulating intracellular signals (Gautam et al. 2004; Fuzimoto and Isidoro 2020).

Rasayana herbs help in improving immunogenicity and work as potential immunomodulators (Doshi et al. 2013). These herbs have shown their potential to modulate immune targets such as dendritic, Th1/Th2 and NK cells (Patwardhan and Gautam 2005). In addition, they also have preferential effects on Th1/Th2 immunity, which is one of emerging targets for adjuvant discovery (Saggam et al. 2021). Experimental studies have established oral adjuvant activity of selected Rasayana botanicals with diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus (DPT) vaccine (Gautam et al. 2004). This implies that Rasayana herbs can be used in conjunction with vaccines and have the potential to be used as an adjuvant. Furthermore, vaccines provide specific immunity by injecting antigens/attenuated pathogens etc., which require boosters at regular intervals. There are fewer recombinant viral vaccines in use, more similar in approach to those recently licensed for SARS-CoV-2. The majority of viral vaccines do not escape strains due to evolvement of antigenic drift or re-assortment as happened in influenza virus (Williams and Burgers 2021). Similarly, the new variants of SARS-CoV-2 is emerging very fast, making control of SAR-CoV-2 even more difficult (van Oosterhout et al. 2021). However, the mutation rate is slower than other RNA viruses (Callaway 2020).

Majority of the plants discussed in this article are commonly found herbs that are less expensive and may be effectively used for enhancing non-specific immunity among individuals. This may also aid in the relief of associated symptoms and the prevention of co-infections. The host defence mechanism may be strengthened in this scenario. Rasayana herbs help in developing non-specific immunity. NK cells are involved in non-specific innate resistance, but they also play roles in adaptive immunity by promoting the development of antigen-specific Th1 cells by producing IFN- and IL-2. A better NK effector cell response [via IFN production and cytotoxic granule exocytosis] directly contributes to virus neutralization (Cook et al. 2014; Boucher and Boucher 2020). In other words, a better NK effector cell response directly contributes to virus neutralization (Horowitz et al. 2010) and the efficiency with which specific antigens are developed during infection. NK cells specialize as memory NK cells during an infection, mediating protection against a second infection by the same pathogen. Children have had the highest resistance to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, but this resistance gradually decreases with age (Ludvigsson 2020). Here the Rasayana herbs may contribute and play a pivotal role. These Ayurveda Rasayana with a multipronged approach of salutogenesis (by immune-enhancing/modulating activities) and direct antiviral effect may certainly play a pivotal role in future approaches towards such viral infections and epidemics. Further, taking leads from this for future studies on COVID-19 and similar pandemics and/or viral diseases will be beneficial in number of ways as elucidated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3.

Utility of Ayurveda Rasayana herbs as primary therapy towards viral infections

The herbs reviewed in this paper can be utilized and studied for their multipronged action against COVID-19. A unique strategy can be envisaged based on immunity in Ayurveda in two-fold prongs, viz. boosting immunity or improve resistance to fight against SARS-CoV-2 and to look the antiviral activities of these Rasayana herbs. For instance, A. vasica can help in symptomatic management of respiratory symptoms along with T cell–mediated activity against viral invasion in the respiratory mucosa. A. vasica in regular practice is used for the management of non-specific viral respiratory diseases in Ayurveda (Gupta and Prajapati 2010). Herbs with immune potentiating properties like A. racemosus, P. longum, S. suaveolens and T. chebula can be studied for their effectiveness and efficacy in prophylactic care against COVID-19.

To address the complications especially inflammatory reaction in lung cells, E. ribes can be a promising candidate with its lung-protective and anti-inflammatory activity as studied in acute respiratory syndrome and a good antiviral activity against a number of viral infections including flu. B. diffusa can help in sustained immune response, controlling pro-inflammatory cytokine release, thus can help in preventing cytokine storm-like complications. The broad-spectrum antiviral agents are those which act by inhibition of viral or host factors thereby blocking its replication. They also reduce the viral burden to a level so that the host immune responses can deal with it or facilitate apoptosis of infected cells (Andersen et al. 2020). Certain herbs may provide promising leads through direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 like G. glabra.

Ayurveda Rasayana herbs can be used as an add-on to other antiviral agents or multi-herb formulations to get a synergistic effect against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Such combinations can certainly play a pivotal role as the first line of management against a variety of viral infections (Andersen et al. 2020). Various clinical studies are under progress to study G. glabra and W. somnifera whole extract in the management of COVID-19 as add-on to other clinically used medicines. Other plant studies here might also offer promising leads based on scientific studies and thus might serve as suitable candidates which can be further taken up of study against COVID-19.

There are numerous ongoing clinical trials on traditional medicines in India. The data collected from the Clinical Trials Registry—India (CTRI) reports 122 clinical trials registered on COVID-19 in which sixty-seven pertains to AYUSH systems which include traditional system like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. Out of sixty-seven, majority of traditional medicine trials comprised of Ayurveda. The maximum is related to Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Glycyrrhiza glabra either in combination or as a single ingredient also ranging from asymptomatic to moderate to severe COVID-19 patients as shown in Table 3.

Table 3.

The details of clinical trials of various Ayurvedic Rasayana drugs

Herb	Study design	Primary outcome	CTRI details
Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) as single ingredient or in combination	Prospective non-randomized open label controlled interventional study	Incidence rate of COVID-19 infection	CTRI/2020/06/025525
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Comparative assessment of incidence of COVID-19	CTRI/2020/05/025488
	Non-randomized, active controlled trial	Comparative assessment of occurrence of COVID-19 infection	CTRI/2020/05/025485
	Non-randomized, multiple-arm trial	Comparative assessment of occurrence of COVID-19 infection	CTRI/2020/05/025385
	Single-arm trial	Clinical cure rate: time to get a negative status of COVID-19	CTRI/2020/05/025370
	Single-arm trial	Incidence of COVID-19-positive cases as confirmed by RT-PCR	CTRI/2020/05/025213
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Comparative assessment of occurrence of COVID-19 infection in healthy volunteers	CTRI/2020/05/025088
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Improvement in bala (physical and mental health) of an individual	CTRI/2020/05/025171 (part of whole regime/protocol)
	Non-randomized, active controlled trial	Percentage of patients progressing to serious/critical stage of disease Progress of disease as per clinical severity score Number of days taken to test negative for COVID, total days to discharge from hospital	CTRI/2020/04/024882 (Guduchi and Piper longum and standard treatment)
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Improvement in bala	CTRI/2020/05/025178
	Single-arm trial	Efficacy in boosting Vyadhikshamatwa and prevention against communicable diseases. 2. Will help in overcoming the anxiety level and stress of HCQs	CTRI/2020/05/025276 (multiple ingredient and haritki)
	Randomized, parallel-group, active controlled trial	1. Mean time (days) for clinical recovery 2. Proportion of patients showing clinical recovery	CTRI/2020/06/025557 (Guduchi, Yastimadhu and Ayush 64)
	Randomized, parallel-group, placebo- controlled trial	Virological clearance as measured by RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab	CTRI/2020/05/025273
	Single-arm trial	Episodes and severity of symptoms of respiratory tract infection (cold, sore throat, dry cough, breathlessness)	CTRI/2020/04/024731
Ashwagandha	Single arm trial	Incidence of COVID-19- positive cases (as confirmed by RT-PCR)	CTRI/2020/05/025069 (Guduchi and Ashwagnadha and regime)
	Randomized, parallel-group, placebo- controlled trial	Virological clearance as measured by RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab	CTRI/2020/05/025273 (Guduchi and Ashwagandha and regime
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Comparative assessment of occurrence of COVID-19 infection	CTRI/2020/05/025166
	Non-randomized, active controlled trial	Comparative assessment of occurrence of COVID-19 infection	CTRI/2020/05/025429 (combination)
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Efficacy in the management of mild and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 patients	CTRI/2020/05/025341
	Single-arm trial	1. Efficacy in boosting Vyadhikshamatwa and prevention against communicable diseases. 2. Will help in overcoming the anxiety level and stress of HCQs	CTRI/2020/05/025398
Amla (Chyawanprash)	Randomized, parallel-group trial	1. Comparative assessment of incidence of COVID-19 2. Comparative assessment of incidence of other non-COVID-19 infections	CTRI/2020/05/024981
	Randomized, parallel-group trial	Percentage of participants with SARS-CoV-2 positivity as estimated by RT-PCR	CTRI/2020/05/025275

However, the maximum number of preventive studies is being up in high-risk population rather than in healthy individuals. Two studies were also reported on Chyawanprash wherein the Emblica officinalis was the main ingredient. The maximum trails are government sponsored and focusing on the preventive aspect of these medicinal plants (Londhe et al. 2020). It is highly recommended to explore the possibility of drug development from at least some of the prominent phytochemicals as mentioned in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4.

Prominent phytoconstituents of various Rasayana herbs possible effective against COVID-19

Conclusion

Rasayana herbs exhibit non-specific immunity, which may not be attributable to specificity; however, individual studies of this Rasayana have shown activity against SARS-CoV-2 in various experimental settings. However, this may not be comparable to a vaccine as both have a different mode of action; hence, sensitivity does not imply to Rasayana herbs therapy. The cost of herbs mentioned in the study is significantly less compared to the vaccine; however, these are in no ways a substitute to the vaccine, and our arguments are these can be used concomitantly with vaccine. Use of vaccines should be indeed the primary option for the protection from this pandemic; however, it is also very important to have a robust mechanism for adverse reaction reporting and pharmacovigilance of the vaccine use.

Still considering common factors of cost-benefit analysis like cost of drugs, setup for the administration of a drug, healthcare provider fees, logistics and other related cost, the cost of a Rasayana which does not need any special setup for administration, has no special logistic care and is locally available at many part globe will be substantially lower than other counterparts. The Rasayana herbs can help in resisting any pathogenic invasion by virtue of its immune potentiating and immune modulating property and via imparting non-specific immunity. As we have discussed in this paper, few of these herbs have been studied for providing specific immunity through direct antiviral properties against certain viral infections. Though, a clear mechanism of the same is still unexplored owing to complex phytochemical constituents which are acting on different targets of SARS-CoV-2 apart from salutogenic approach. Hence, there is a potential need to conduct comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanism of actions of these Rasayana drugs.

Taking leads from Ayurveda and traditional medicine may be used for further studies which will help in reducing time in drug discovery in this pandemic time for COVID-19. A consortium of Ayurveda and other traditional medicine, modern medicine and basic biology can provide a platform for real discovery engine from traditional wisdom to newer, safer, cheaper and effective therapies. Such approaches are a need of the hour, and medicinal herbs must be utilized to the greatest extent with incorporation of fundamentals of the traditional medicine through Ayurveda biology approach.

Author contribution

All authors contributed equally in the study. RS and SG conceptualized the study and prepared the primary draft, DT planned the framework of manuscript and done the final editing, PB and LA review and revised the manuscript. Discussion part was discussed among all authors.

Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Declarations

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Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.