Ethnopharmacology and Drug Discovery for COVID-19: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents from Herbal Medicines and Natural Products

Book excerpt: This book presents a complete overview of COVID-19 and provides a series of in-depth analyses of the literature and a comprehensive discussion and perspectives on promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents based on the system of ethnopharmacology, which covers Chinese medicine, traditional medicines of India and Africa, Turkish folk medicine, essential oils, and some well-known medicinal plants. In this book, the current status of therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 was summarized and a perspective of potential options for the future was proposed. Based on ethnopharmacology, some well-established traditional herbal formulations and bioactive compounds with anti-virus activity were repurposed for managing COVID-19 and post-illness, including neurological disorders and kidney illness. Using drug discovery tools, promising immune enhancers were explored from phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2. Nutraceuticals from dietary plants, spices, and fruits with anti-virus and antioxidant activities were recommended to prevent infection or severe illness caused by emerging variants. With the aid of systems pharmacology, researchers have gained insights into possible molecular mechanisms of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and have predicted a range of candidate compounds from medicinal plants to combat COVID-19. This book explores the current knowledge of drug discovery and ethnopharmacology for managing coronavirus diseases. The content proved the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity from natural products and traditional herbal medicines. It contributes to the management of global public health and fits the goal of establishing “Good Health and Well-Being,” which is one of “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030".