Ayurvedic management for COVID-19 – A review

Abstract

As the corona pandemic has emerged, researchers around the globe are working on finding specific treatment for it. But till date, no conclusive specific treatment has been found, and we are following the protocols with symptomatic management. Ayurveda is an ancient science of healing, with highly sophisticated literature about diseases, their pathogenesis, clinical features, and management. The evaluation of different modalities for treating COVID-19 pandemic patients is the foremost aim of the study. For review, we used the knowledge of the ancient classics and past literature regarding human treatment guidelines mentioned in Ayurveda classics, for prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, to provide appropriate direction in the prevention of COVID-19. The thorough review has been done, of literature, Samhitas (Ayurveda Classics), and research articles which were published between January and June 2020 by PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO, Ministry of AYUSH. The opinions of experts have also been referred to. As individuals with lower immunity have a higher risk of COVID-19, so the herbal Rasayana (Rejuvenating) drug, which has proven immunomodulatory activity, is also included in the given study. The Review for Ayurveda formulations, which might help in preventing the progression of COVID-19, has also been made. The Indian herbs are widely utilized in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines or formulations or in the form of drinks to manage various respiratory disorders such as cough, cold, and flu. Hence, these drugs are formulated by using active parts of the plants, which are used for preventing and treating the COVID-19. These formulations are immunity modulators and they prevent the spread of the virus, by intruding at a different stage of virus multiplication in the infected person.