Medicina Alternativa e Integrativa

Introduction: For centuries medicinal plants serve as a curative agent for many respiratory viruses. The emergence of another respiratory virus i.e. SARS-CoV-2 has already affected many lives worldwide. The unavailability of antivirals drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 has drawn attention to alternative therapy. This review article focused on the antiviral activity of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy to combat COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed using scientific web portals including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct. This covered articles published in English language from 1953-2020 for antiviral activity of medicinal plants against respiratory viruses. Data from Clinical Trials Registry- India was used to assess the current herbal trials used for the treatment of COVID-19. Results: Studies showed that medicinal plants significantly inhibit the pathogenesis of respiratory viruses by acting as an immune booster, inhibiting viral attachment, entry, and replication into the host cell. Some of the proven ones for their antiviral efficiency are Ashwagandha (Withania sominifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Giloy (Tinospora cardifolia). Conclusion: From the above finding, it can be anticipated that these medicinal plants may provide antiviral compounds in the future and can be used as an alternative therapy against COVID-19.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest public health crisis of this century. Challenges include the overactive immune responses such as cytokine storm and hyper-inflammation, increased likelihood of severe complications in high-risk populations, limited treatment options mainly based on supportive care and potential long-term complications from clinical management. Falun Gong was the most popular qigong in China before 1999. Limited studies have demonstrated significant positive effects of Falun Gong practice on Health Related Quality Of Life (HRQOL), cellular function and gene expression. A health survey using SF36 in Taiwan revealed significantly higher HRQOL and abstinence of unhealthy behavior including smoking among Falun Gong followers. The health benefits were also observed in those 60 years and older, and those with previous chronic conditions, all of which are among the high-risk populations in COVID-19 for severe complications. Gene expression and cellular study results of Falun Gong practice were characterized by enhanced immunity, down regulation of cellular metabolism, and alteration of apoptotic genes in favor of a rapid resolution of inflammation. Biophysical and bio-energy study demonstrated enhanced energy field and cellular function. We hypothesized that the practice could play a potentially significant role in supporting the prevention, treatment and reducing long-term complications of COVID-19. Methods and Results: By searching the internet using diagnosis as keywords, including “SARS”, “Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia”, “Pulmonary Fibrosis”, and “Femoral Head Necrosis”, we found different number of cases in which patients recovered by learning and practicing Falun Gong. Conclusion: These results suggest potential benefits of Falun Gong practice in the prevention, treatment and prognosis in COVID-19 and warrant further studies.

Primary headache and Migraine are common conditions in every society and are the 6th leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 12% of Americans and millions worldwide, resulting in an inability to attend work or school for at least 1 day every 3 months. Numerous pharmacological options exist for headaches treatment, but these therapies come at high cost and carry numerous potential adverse effects. Yoga is an ancient Indian non-religious technique that is known to aid in treatments of chronic conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, hypertension and diabetes, and have a substantial effect on reducing headache burden. Research studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of yoga lifestyle modifications and exercise on chronic pain syndromes, specifically in primary headache and migraine. Yoga was shown to improves quality of life, reduce headache intensity and headache frequency, when used alone or as an adjuvant to conventional therapy and show a significant decrease in headache frequency and intensity along with a reduction in the use of symptomatic medication. Yoga, being a slow non-exertional aerobic exercise, enhances mood and alleviates stress and depression in adults and invaluable treatment alternative in the pediatric population, where it can create a sustainable healthy lifestyle.