Plant Immunoenhancers: Promising Ethnopharmacological Candidates for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity
Plant Immunoenhancers: Promising Ethnopharmacological Candidates for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity
Medicinal plants have gained attention for their bioactive phytochemicals, affordability, patient-friendly nature, and avoidance of synthetic drug side effects. Over the past 3 years, respiratory disorders have again caught the attention of scientists, since the pandemic of coronavirus warned people very seriously. The respiratory system is one of the most sensitive organs to various pathological attacks like viruses leading to inflammation, infection, immunity impairment, and even trauma. More specifically, the excess overproduction of highly active oxygen species in lung-related epithelial/endothelial cells can denature and structurally change the proteins and genes. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate the gene-related pro-inflammatory mediators and transcription factors, which are related to the initiation of inflammation. Indeed, cytokines and chemokines secretion happen in the immune cells, and consequently, the other immune cells are presented in the infected organ/tissue with high oxidative stress. Targeting these pathways is crucial in preventing oxidative stress and tissue damage. Medicinal plants rich in phenolic compounds, studied in ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology, show promise in reducing hospitalization and combating the coronavirus through immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. These natural sources provide active phytochemicals for drug development and enhance overall immunity against microorganisms.
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