Page 437 - e-Book

For almost the last two years we are locked in our houses due to COVID-19. And still this

pandemic is unmanageable. Although the causative agent of COVID-19 i.e., SARS-COV-2
resembles the other members of the Coronaviridae family-like SARS-CoV-1 and MERS, it is

more dangerous and lethal. Somewhat we have managed the initial strains of this deadly virus
by using symptomatic treatments, Ayurvedic decoctions, natural products from the plants,

and the easy availability of remedies from the Indian kitchen. Also, the scientific community
successfully identified the vaccine candidates and few vaccines are being used. But due to the

emergence of double and triple mutants, so far preparations are becoming outdated. The

variants of interest (B.1.526, B.1.526.1, B.1.525, and P.2) and the variants of concern
(B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.427, and B.1.429) have been identified and spreading all over the

globe including US, UK, Africa, and INDIA. The infectivity rate or positivity rate of these

mutant strains is significantly higher compared to the previous strain as it can be easily
understandable by the rapid rise in the number of infected cases after Mid March-2021. Few

vaccines and drugs like 2-DG (2-Deoxy-d-glucose, invented by DRDO) are showing
promising results, but still, it is difficult to reach a large population. Meanwhile, trying to

manage the pandemic by using available natural plant products might be a greater strategy. In
this article, the possible role of such compounds in dealing with the pandemic has been

discussed.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANT NATURAL PRODUCTS:
The health benefits of Ayurvedic natural products from plant sources have been

experientially proved by various research groups and well documented. The internet is full of
such information and resources. Giloy (Guduchi; Tinospora cordifolia) have a varying degree

of active gradients like Alkaloids, Steroids, Diterpenoid lactones, Phenolics, Glycosides,
Sesquiterpenoid, Aliphatic, and Polysaccharides and posses immunomodulator, antiviral,

antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities (Kalikar et

al., 2008; Koppada et al., 2009; Saha & Ghosh, 2012; Sudhakaran, Srirekha, Devasree,
Premsingh, & Michael, 2006). Due to its wide distribution and easy availability throughout

the year, people used to call it ‘Amruta’. The Neem (Azadirachta indica) has Azadirachtin,

Nimbolinin, Nimbin, Nimbidin, Nimbidol ingredients. The Antiviral, anticancer, anti-
inflammatory, wound healing, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and Neuroprotective activities of

Neem have been well described (Alzohairy, 2016; Arumugam et al., 2014; Harish Kumar,
Vidya Priyadarsini, Vinothini, Vidjaya Letchoumy, & Nagini, 2010; Othman et al., 2011;

Tiwari, Darmani, Yue, & Shukla, 2010). Due to its flavor Mango (Mangifera indica) attracts
everyone. Due to its Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Phenols, Saponins, Tannins components, it shows

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