A Review on Efficacy of Siddha Medicinal Herbs as Antiviral Drugs against COVID-19

In a very short time, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become global pandemic. It infected about 29,155,581 patients and brought forth death rate 926,544 among 216 countries as recorded World Health Organization on 15th September 2020. At present, there is no specific direct treatment or vaccine for this infectious disease. No therapeutic options available to cure infection in till date which increases mortality across countries. Currently antiviral treatments have been approved, several approaches proposed western medicine, Chinese CAM, AYUSH other systems. Siddha Herbal medicines are achieving high attention because of extensive therapeutics like potent anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. Ministry AYUSH, Govt. India recommended 12 herbals (Inji – Zingiber officinale, Thulasi Ocimum sanctum, Milaku Piper nigrum, Karunjeeragam Nigella sativa, Keezhanelli Phyllanthus niruri, Adhimathuram Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vellaippoondu Allium sativum, Citramutti Sida cardifolia, Seenthil Tinospora cordifolia, Manjal Curcuma longa, Elumitchai Citrus lemon Vembu Azadirachta indica) prevention enhancing immunity well management its recent official publication ‘Guidelines Practitioners COVID 19’. This common advisory anti-viral activity these against 19 not established yet. The current situation demands proper herbal drug utilization prepare population fight infection. present review spotlight literature pharmacological actions herbals.