Tinospora Cordifolia-An immunomodulatory drug in Ayurveda for prevention and treatment of Covid-19

Abstract

‘COVID-19’ is a highly infectious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 and it becomes a global pandemic in a very short period. Currently, there is a lack of precise management or vaccine available to counteract this disease which mainly attacks the immune system of a body. To manage COVID-19 existing disease-modifying and anti-virals agents and are being repurposed. Many research types are conducted in the development of particular immunomodulators, anti-virals agent or vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. In Ayurveda concept of epidemic condition (Janapadodhwanasa) is explained and various measures mentioned for prevention and treatment against such conditions including Rasayan dravyas (immunomodulator drugs). Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers is one of an immune-modulator drug in Ayurveda which known to possess properties like antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti- antiallergic, antiviral hyperglycaemic etc. This herb chiefly contains compounds like glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, diterpenoid lactones, sesquiterpenoid, aliphatic compound. Scientific researches on this drug may provide a new approach as well as insight for prevention, management and development of new therapeutic entity to treat COVID-19. The current review focus on researches conducted on properties of Tinospora cordifolia in the view of possible application in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.