@article {2211, title = {Bacteriological Profile of Clinical Isolates from COVID-19 Hospitalised and Non-Hospitalised Patients in Bloemfontein}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, month = {February 2024}, pages = {67-75}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {67}, abstract = {

The COVID-19 literature is limited regarding bacterial infections. If bacterial infections drive mortality in respiratory viruses, this has clear implications for patient management. To address this limited literature problem, we review current knowledge on bacterial infections in COVID-19, assess information from past viral respiratory pandemics, and determine the most prevalent infections. We also study antibiotic misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study conclude that there is a need to consider presence or absence of bacterial infection in COVID-19 management. Early determination and antibiotic treatment are of importance, however not all patients who are tested for COVID -19 are also tested for bacterial infections which may exacerbate the disease. Physicians utilised antibiotics as a treatment for COVID -19 for various reasons, this posed a risk of antibiotic overuse and antimicrobial resistance when administered in patients with no bacterial infection. While lack of access to antibiotics could be dangerous in the same vein as its misuse, it is of importance to ensure that these life-saving agents are preserved and used with utmost care.

}, keywords = {Antibiotics, Bacterial Infections, COVID-19, Patients}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2024.16.10}, author = {Matsaba B.M and Makhoahle P.M} } @article {2196, title = {Analysis of Policy Recommendations in Efforts to Control Positive COVID-19 Cases in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {December 2023}, pages = {1230-1235}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {1230}, abstract = {

Introduction: Inconsistent COVID-19 policies have caused the government to experience a degradation in public trust. So, it is necessary to propose policy recommendations for controlling positive COVID-19 cases that receive support from various multi-sectoral areas. Method: This research was conducted in January{\textendash}May 2023. This type of research is qualitative-exploratory, using case study methods through indepth interviews and literature studies of all informants. Sampling was purposive sampling. This research variable uses Patton and Sawicki{\textquoteright}s alternative policy criteria theory (1986). Results: The proposed policy recommendations are increasing COVID-19 vaccine coverage and surveillance for monitoring coronavirus mutations. The two policy recommendations have met technical feasibility because they have clear outcomes, where the outcome of vaccination is to establish herd immunity. In contrast, surveillance of coronavirus mutations has the outcome of analyzing the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. From the economic and financial possibility side, a budget is available with the advantage of carrying out normal activities without any restrictions and efficiency in the health budget. Regarding political viability, the government supports the policy, does not violate the rules, and serves the community{\textquoteright}s needs. Regarding administrative operability, the government as the authorized party is considered to have adequate capability, organizational support, and institutional commitment. Conclusion: The policy recommendations proposed by policymakers and epidemiology experts are increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage and monitoring surveillance of coronavirus mutations, and it is hoped that the South Sulawesi Provincial Government can consider the proposed policy recommendations.

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Health Policy, Policy Analysis, Surveillance, Vaccination}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.223}, author = {Sri Nuriana and Balqis and Sukri Palutturi and Indar and Yahya Thamrin and Stang and Anwar Mallongi} } @article {1986, title = {Curcumin from Curcuma longa L. as Dual Inhibitors Against Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 Isolates: A Molecular Docking Study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {March 2023}, pages = {228-232}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {228}, abstract = {

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic since 2020. The search for promising drugs based on the abundant herbal ingredients in Indonesia is one of the breakthroughs. Curcumin is a chemical compound with various potentials such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. We conducted a molecular docking analysis to determine the potential of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 non-structural and structural proteins, such as the main protease and spike protein. This study used the compound of curcumin (PubChem CID: 969516) from Curcuma longa L. or turmeric and two Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 isolates that have been deposited in the GISAID database (hCoV-19/Indonesia/JI-PNF-217315/2021 - EPI_ ISL_12777089 or lineage B.1.617.2 and hCoV-19/Indonesia/JI-PNF-211373/2021 - EPI_ISL_6425649 or lineage B.1.470). In addition, we used molnupiravir (PubChem CID: 145996610) as a drug control. We performed molecular docking analysis with PyRx software 0.9.9 (academic license) and visualization of molecular docking results with PyMOL software 2.5.4 (academic license). The results of this study found that curcumin had good potential against main protease and spike protein compared to the drug (control). In summary, we suggested that curcumin is a potential drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2. However, there is a need for future wet laboratory-based pre-clinical research such as in vitro and in vivo.

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Curcumin, Indonesia, Molecular docking, SARS-CoV-2}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.34}, author = {Chairul A. Nidom and Arif N. M. Ansori and Astria N. Nidom and Setyarina Indrasari and Reviany V. Nidom} } @article {2122, title = {Knowledge and Perception of the Risk of Respiration Disorders in COVID-19 Pandemic in COPD Patient: A Mixed-Method Study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {October 2023}, pages = {801-810}, chapter = {801}, abstract = {

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher risk for COVID-19-related complications. Knowledge and perception will greatly influence the behavior of a COPD patient in dealing with a problem, such as the risk of COVID-19 infection. The purpose of the study was to determine knowledge and perceptions about the risk of respiration disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in COPD patients. This research was a mixed methods research with an explanatory sequential research design. The location was conducted in Rungkut District in Surabaya City, East Java, from May-October 2022. Sampling by purposive sampling method, and analyzed descriptively. The research sample was 116 people. On the knowledge, the most correct answers were the COVID-19 virus was contagious (112 of 116). On the perception, the answer with the most positive level is a question regarding the use of masks. Some respondents had a low knowledge category (54 of 116), and the most positive perception category (57 of 116). The respondents{\textquoteright} knowledge of the COVID-19 virus showed COVID-19 virus was a contagious disease and was transmitted through air. But many respondents didn{\textquoteright}t know about the type of COVID-19 virus. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a strategy to increase knowledge about COVID-19 and related COPD treatment.

}, keywords = {COPD, COVID-19, knowledge, Perception.}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.155}, author = {Amelia Lorensia and Rivan Virlando Suryadinata and Dita Sukmaya Prawitasari} } @article {1925, title = {Differences in interleukin-6 and interleukin-17 expression in covid-19 post-mortem lung tissue biopsy compared with noncovid- 19}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {January 2023}, pages = {887-892}, type = {Original Article }, chapter = {887}, abstract = {

Background: COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world. It is necessary to study lung tissue of postmortem COVID19 patients to determine the molecular alteration particularly the role of IL-6 and IL-17 in causing fatality. Objective: This study aims to determine the differences in the expressions of IL-6 and IL-17 in lung tissue of post-mortem COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients. This study also aimed to analyze the correlation between the expressions of IL-6 and IL-17 in lung tissue of post-mortem COVID-19 patients. Methods: This research is an observational analytic study with crosssectional approach. The samples were 15 paraffin blocks of post-mortem lung tissue biopsy of COVID-19 patients, and 15 paraffin blocks of inflammatory lung tissue biopsy or surgery of non-COVID-19 patients. IL-6 and IL-17 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemical procedure. Result: There was a significant difference in the expression of IL-6 in the COVID-19 group and the non-COVID-19 group with a p-value = 0.001 (p \< 0.05). There was a significant difference in the expression of IL-17 in the COVID-19 group and the non-COVID-19 group with p-value = 0.001 (p \< 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the expressions of IL-6 and IL-17 in the COVID-19 group, with the Spearman coefficient value (rs) of 0.548 with p = 0.034 (p \< 0.05). Conclusion: There are differences in the expression of IL-6 and IL-17 between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 lung tissue. There is a significant correlation between the expressions of IL-6 and IL-17 in post-mortem lung tissue of COVID-19 patients.

}, keywords = {Biopsy, COVID-19, IL-17, IL-6, Post mortem lung tissue.}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.184}, author = {Etty Hary Kusumastuti and Priangga Adi Wiratama and Grace Ariani and Stephanie Natasha Djuanda and Alphania Rahniayu and Nila Kurniasari and Dyah Fauziah and Anny Setijo Rahaju and Isnin Anang Marhana and Alfian Nur Rosyid and Dwi Wahyu and Gilang Muhammad Setyo Nugroho and Adhitri Anggoro and I Komang Rusgi Yandi and Bambang Pujo Semedi and Jilientasia Godrace Lilihata and Ummi Maimunah and Supriadi and Achmad Lefi and Lalu Galih Pratama Rinjani and Edi Suyanto and Ricardo Ardian Nugraha} } @article {1819, title = {Evaluation of Antiviral Effects and Toxicity of Herbal Medicine Vipdervir Capsules}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {June 2022}, pages = {681-689}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {681}, abstract = {

Background: Antiviral vaccine is not effective, synthetic antiviral drugs are highly toxic, leading to increased interest in herbal medicines as promising antiviral drugs. Recently, Vipdervir has been developed from medicinal herbs with the aim to support and treat diseases caused by viruses such as H5N1 and SARSCoV- 2. In the present study, we assessed Vipdervir{\textquoteright}s antiviral activity against H5N1 and SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we also evaluated the acute toxicity and repeated dose toxicity of Vipdervir in mice and rabbits, respectively. Methods: H5N1 inhibitory effect of Vipdervir was assessed using hemagglutination inhibition assay. Vipdervir{\textquoteright}s SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory effect was evaluated by Plaque Reduction Neutralization assay. Acute and repeated dose oral toxicities of Vipdervir were determined according to OECD 423 and OECD 407 guidelines, respectively. Results: Data show that Vipdervir is effective against both H5N1 and SARSCoV- 2. At concentrations of 3 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL Vipdervir completely inhibits H5N1. At a concentration of 50 μg/mL Vipdervir showed an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. Acute toxicity data revealed that the LD50 of Vipdervir is greater than 35200 mg/kg, b.wt. in mice. Repeated toxicity data indicated that Vipdervir did not induce significant differences in body weight gain, hematology and clinical biochemistry in compared to the control group. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level of Vipdervir is greater than 613.8 mg/kg b.wt./day in rabbits. No delayed toxicity effects of Vipdervir were observed. Conclusion: Vipdervir capsules were found to be antiviral effective and relatively safe in the tested doses and experimental conditions.

}, keywords = {Antiviral, COVID-19, H5N1, Herbal, SARS-CoV-2.}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.87}, author = {Thi-Lien Nguyen and Huong Ha Thi Thanh and Kiet Ngo Tuan and Doan Cao Son and Thao Le Quang and Hang Nguyen Thi and Tien Vuong Duy and Quyen Doan Thi Tam and Huan Le Quang} } @article {1872, title = {In Silico Study of Entry Inhibitor from Moringa oleifera Bioactive Compounds against SARS-CoV-2 Infection}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {October 2022}, pages = {565-574}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {565}, abstract = {

The aim of this study is to screen the content of bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera and to identify its potential as an antiviral against COVID 19 through an entry inhibitor mechanism using bioinformatics tools. The sample was obtained from PubChem database. Amino acis sequences were obtained from the NCBI. Protein modeling is made through the SWISSMODEL site. The target proteins for this study were SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and RdRp. The protein-inhibitory interaction of the drug from M. oleifera bioactive compounds to SARS-CoV-2 was predicted by molecular docking with PyRx software. The result shows that M. oleifera was a potential antiviral candidate for SARS-CoV-2 with an entry inhibitor mechanism through a compound, especially quercetin. The RFMS value of both interactions between Mpro and quercetion and RdRp with quercetin were not higher than 1.05. This result still needed further research to prove this prediction.

}, keywords = {Active site, COVID-19, Moringa oleifera, Mpro, RdRp}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.137}, author = {Nala Mawaddani and Ekris Sutiyanti and Muhammad Hermawan Widyananda and Viol Dhea Kharisma and Dora Dayu Rahma Turista and Muhammad Badrut Tamam and Vikash Jakhmola and Syamsurizal and Bayu Ramadhani Fajri and Muhammad Raffi Ghifari and Muhammad Thoriq Albari and Muhammad Arya Ghifari and Amalia Putri Lubis and Dony Novaliendry and Dwi Hilda Putri and Fadhilah Fitri and Devni Prima Sari and Alexander Patera Nugraha and ANM Ansori and Maksim Rebezov and Rahadian Zainul} } @article {1854, title = {Massive Pleural Effusion with Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test Positive and COVID-19 Confirmed: A Case Report}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {August 2022}, pages = {450-454}, type = {Case Report}, chapter = {450}, abstract = {

A 26-year-old man complained of shortness of breath for 3 days before the hospital admission. The patient had a history of coughing up blood and had consumed alcohol and drugs. Decreased vesicular auscultation and dull percussion in the left lateral pulmo. Laboratory result showed increased neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio C-reactive protein, D-dimer, procalcitonin, ferritin, and decreased albumin level. Pleural fluid analysis indicated the presence of exudate, SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive, and increased ADA level to 43 U/L. Based on the examination results, we suspected that the etiology of the massive pleural effusion was tuberculous pleurisy, particularly due to increased ADA levels. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia with massive pleural effusion and tuberculous pleurisy. Massive pleural effusion in SARS-CoV-2 infection is rare. Thus, laboratory modalities for massive pleural effusion diagnosis are needed to determine the etiology and effective treatment for the patient. ADA analysis could be considered as an initial examination in patients with pleural effusion during the wait for pleural fluid culture results.

}, keywords = {ADA test, COVID-19, Infectious disease, Pleural effusion, Pneumonia, Tb pleuritis}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.120}, author = {Dewintha Airene Novianti and Puspa Wardhani} } @article {1762, title = {The Potential Effect of Nigericin from Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. Hygroscopicus Against the Syndemic of Malaria and COVID-19 through Molecular Docking Perspective}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {April 2022}, pages = {268-275}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {268}, abstract = {

Background: Malaria is a constantly challenging problem, notably in the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The syndemic condition, malaria-COVID-19 co-infections, had been reported. Our previous study successfully revealed several compounds from Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. Hygroscopicus, including nigericin that has both antimalarial and antiviral effects. In malaria infection, Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance Transporter (PfCRT) is the potential target for eliminating Plasmodium. Meanwhile, for SARS-CoV-2 infection, MPro is an essential protein for SARS-CoV-2 survival. This research aims to examine the potential effect of nigericin towards Plasmodium and SARS-CoV-2 by assessing its molecular interaction with PfCRT and MPro through molecular docking study. Methods: The protein target PfCRT and MPro were obtained from Protein Data Bank. Nigericin and the control ligand (chloroquine and N3) were obtained from PubChem. The pharmacokinetic analysis was done using SwissADME. Specific molecular docking was conducted using PyRx 0.9 and was visualized using LigPlot and PyMOL. Results: Nigericin has a large molecular weight, leading to the non-fulfillment of the Lipinski rule for oral administration. Through molecular docking study, the binding affinity of the Nigericin-PfCRT complex was -8.1 kcal/mol, and Nigericin-MPro was -8.6 kcal/mol. These binding affinities were stronger than the control ligand. The interaction between Nigericin-PfCRT and Nigericin-MPro share a similar pocket-site and amino acid residues as the control ligands. Conclusion: Nigericin has potential antimalarial and anti-coronavirus effects through molecular docking perspective by assessing the binding affinity and similarity of amino acid residues compared to control. Administration of systemic route can be an option in giving nigericin.

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Malaria, Molecular docking, Nigericin}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.33}, author = {Faratisha IFD and Cahyono AW and Erwan NE and Putri AM and Ariel DG and Yunita KC and Nugraha RYB and Mardhiyyah K and Fitri LE} } @article {1853, title = {Thalassemia β Major in Confirmed Covid-19 Patient: A Case Report}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {August 2022}, pages = {445-449}, type = {Case Report}, chapter = {445}, abstract = {

The incidence of Thalassemia with confirmed Covid 19 is very rare. The aim of this study is to know the prognosis and evaluate the management of therapy in thalassemia β Mayor patients with COVID-19. This case study describes the progression of Thalassemia β Mayor with COVID 19 starting from how to establish the diagnosis of Thalassemia β Mayor and COVID 19 until how to treat thalassemia β Mayor patients with COVID-19 This case study result describes that COVID 19 aggravates thalassemia β Mayor. Infection can adversely affect thalassemia. Giving Blood transfusions must be done due to anemia in Thalassemia, but it will have an impact on the accumulation of iron in the body which will increase the severity of the infection. The administration of iron-chelation drugs is beneficial for Covid but on the other hand, it is contraindicated in Thalassemia patients.

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Infection, Preventable Death, Thalassemia}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.119}, author = {Yosua Butar Butar and Puspa Wardhani} } @article {1623, title = {Number of research papers about Agricultural production, Meat, and Egg During COVID-19 Pandemic: Does it Changed than Before?}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {July 2021}, pages = {995-998}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {995}, abstract = {

COVID-19 pandemic limits many physical activities of the society in public areas. The agricultural production sector is one of the important sectors in supporting the country{\textquoteright}s nutrition demand. Research is a way to maintain the productivity of the agricultural sector. This study has a purpose to analyze if pandemic COVID-19 has an impact on the number of papers about agriculture recorded by Scopus. This study uses a quantitative with secondary data analysis approach in collecting data. The samples are paper on the Scopus website contains keywords {\textquotedblleft}agriculture\& meat{\textquotedblright}, and {\textquotedblleft}agriculture\&egg{\textquotedblright}. the period of samples are during 2019-2020. The data are analyzed using Vosviewer software to show the institution with the most related topic paper. The result shows that some papers are decreasing while others are increase based on the document type. For paper related to {\textquotedblleft}agriculture{\textquotedblright} meat{\textquotedblright}, article as full type research paper increases along with review type paper. For a paper about {\textquotedblleft}agriculture \& egg{\textquotedblright}, conference type paper and review increase, while other decreases. It can be concluded that the type of paper along with the topic affects the institutions{\textquoteright} productivity in publishing papers

}, keywords = {Agricultural production, COVID-19, Egg, Meat, Research papers}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2021.13.128}, author = {Maslichah Mafruchati and Jonathan Makuwira} } @article {1726, title = {Online Survey: Prevalence and Attitude of Jordanians Towards Using Herbal Remedies in the Pandemic COVID-19}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {December 2021}, pages = {1632-1638}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1632}, abstract = {

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new virus caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus from the coronavirus family, that can provoke severe respiratory syndrome. The disease became a pandemic in December 2019. Impaired immune modulation is one of the processes implicated in its pathogenesis, which contributes to poor COVID-19 outcomes. Many investigations have been conducted using medication to control coronaviral infections as antiviral agents or immunomodulators. The results of these tests, however, demonstrated that these medications were useless in fighting the disease. Some people believe that using herbal immunomodulators can aid in the prevention or even curing of COVID-19. Based on prior research, in the management of COVID-19, several botanicals may be useful. We go over the patient attitude and benefits of using such herbal remedies in the regimen of treating COVID-19 in Jordan.

}, keywords = {Botanicals., Coronavirus, COVID-19, Herbal immunomodulators, Herbal remedies, Pandemic, SARS-CoV-2}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2021.13.210}, author = {Noha Abd Alkareem Younis Younis and Rania Mohammad Hamam and Amal Mayyas} } @article {1339, title = {Repurposing of FDA Approved Alkaloids as COVID 19 Inhibitors; in silico Studies}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {January 2021}, pages = {110-123}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {110}, abstract = {

Background: Alkaloid drugs were permitted for using as a treatment of numerous diseases. Colchicine, codeine, piperine, papaverine, ergometrine, theophylline, theobromine and caffeine are recognized safe alkaloids and used for many human disfunctions. The chemical structures of alkaloids have flexible chemical moieties with various electronic and chemical characters. COVID-19 is a horrible disease as result from that the discovering of potent drugs from previously FDA approved drugs is the main objective of this study. Methods: docking studies were used for discovering the interactions of alkaloids with protease proteins. The nature of selected alkaloids structures was utilized for advance insights studies to predict new medical applications. Results: Docking studies for alkaloids were completed and the obtained outcomes, displayed that all tried alkaloids have great attraction with the five protease proteins, the energy docking score ranged from -2.9516 (for colchicine with 5R82) to -24.7449 (for ergotamine with 5R80) kcal/mol with 1-5 variable interactions bond. Conclusion: Among the tested drugs, papaverine and ergometrine revealed high docking scores for all five proteins (score ranged from, -14.1058 to 23.1619 for papaverine and, -4.7900 to 24.7449 for ergometrine) and number of interactions with all tested proteins are two to three for papaverine but for ergometrine are two to five.

}, keywords = {Alkaloids, COVID-19, Docking study, FDA, Natural drugs}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2021.13.16}, author = {Ehab M Mostafa and Mohammed Gamal and Mohammed M Ghoneim and Shaimaa Hussein and Ahmed H El-Ghorab and Mohamed A Abdelgawad and Arafa Musa} } @article {1400, title = {Role of Spices in Offering Natural Immunity to Fight Various Diseases}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {March 2021}, pages = {600-613}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {600}, abstract = {

Adequate nutrition intake is one of main factors to strengthen immunity. Traditional and cultural practices of food consumption involve use of several spices in limited quantities as part of food. Spices have offered versatile biological effects due to presence of valuable biochemicals. The aim of the present paper is to review published scientific evidence on potential role of spices in offering innate and adaptive immunity to human body. It has been demonstrated that, turmeric, one of the widely used spices, acts as an anti-viral agent through inhibition of viral entry into cells, suppression of viral replication and modulation of cytokines. A field study revealed that nations with higher consumption of spices have shown lesser COVID-19 cases and higher recovery rates. Further, spices also have shown to possess antioxidant activity superior or equivalent to ascorbic acid and are known to regulate inflammation processes. Evidence generated from the published literature is compelling to arrive at a conclusion that consumption of spices might improve immunity there by offering protection against various diseases including COVID-19. It is also noted that there are lesser number of human clinical trials in this area which warrants immediate attention to provide scientific evidence to immunity offered by spices.

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Diet, Immunity, Nutrition, Spices}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2021.13.76}, author = {T Sudhakar Johnson and D. B. Anantha Narayana} } @article {1241, title = {Phytotherapeutic Evidence Against Coronaviruses and Prospects for COVID-19}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {September 2020}, pages = {1252-1267}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1252}, abstract = {

The emergence of the novel β-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and subsequent outbreak of COVID-19, is a global health challenge with no known treatment to date and has culminated in significant morbidity and mortality. This article highlights current understanding on SARSCoV- 2 based on the available scientific evidence on human coronavirus (HCoV) infections, which could offer novel insights and therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Specifically, the paper presents available phytotherapeutic evidence against pathogenic HCoVs with a view to identifying potent plant-derived antiviral agents that could be developed to aid the fight against coronaviruses and the current COVID-19. Evidently, elucidation of CoV integral proteins such as the spike protein, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, 3C-like cysteine protease and papain-like protease, as good targets for drug developments has lent credence to the use of medicinal plants or their metabolites as prophylaxis or treatment interventions in CoV infections and holds promising ground for SARS-CoV-2. While some promising phytocompounds are currently under clinical trials for COVID-19, increased research into plants and in-depth characterization of their metabolites could reveal more interesting results that would benefit humanity in its fight against emerging and re-emerging viral infections including the current COVID-19. Overall, given the current body of evidence on the potential development of phytotherapeutics for COVID-19, fears need to be allayed while clinical trials continue. Conclusively, the lockdown and other preventive measures which have been implemented in most parts of the world should be humanely exercised and supported to ensure compliance and safety of lives.

}, keywords = {Antivirals, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Drug target, Natural products, Plant metabolites, Plants, SARS-CoV-2}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2020.12.174}, author = {Abdullahi Temitope Jamiu and Christiana Eleojo Aruwa and Ismail Abiodun Abdulakeem and Abdulwakeel Ayokunnun Ajao and Saheed SABIU} }