Abstract

In the 21st century, humans are in the battle against a deadly contagious disease COVID-19, first reported in Wuhan, China. Coronavirus disease, designated as COVID-19, is caused by SARS CoV-2 virus from the beta coronavirus family. Although there are no specific anti- viral drugs and vaccines against this pandemic disease, however, many medicines are being repurposed for COVID-19 management but have shown limited success. Traditional medicine systems, since ancient time, were used for their immense efficacy with minimal adverse effects compared to allopathic medicines. Thus, for COVID-19 management, researchers are focusing on traditional medicines from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy as adjuvant therapy as per anecdotal data regarding their use in the treatment of infectious disease. In India, all the traditional medicine systems are under AYUSH ministry and government has been highlighting AYSUH medicines for improving immune system against COVID-19. In this review, the authors emphasize on the historical background of AYUSH medicines in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and the medicines recommended by the AYUSH ministry for combating COVID-19 as immunity boosters.

Keywords: COVID-19, AYUSH, traditional medicine, SARS CoV-2, ayurveda, homeopathy, siddha, unani.

Graphical Abstract