project work synopsis

1. HERBS ACTING AS IMMUNE
BOOSTERS IN COVID-19
A PRESENTATION MADE BY- PRIYANSHA SINGH (40317000025), 8th semester student
SUBMITTED TO- Dr. ASHWANI KUMAR (Asst. Professor- Pharmacognosy & Phyto-chemistry) & Prof. INDU PAL KAUR
(Chairperson- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University)
PAPER- PROJECT WORK REPORT
MODULE- QUALITY CONTROL & STANDARDIZATION OF HERBALS (BP806ET)

2. CONTENTS
1. Abstract
2. About COVID- 19 (an overview)
3. Management of COVID- 19
4. Herbal drugs used as immune boosters
5. Conclusion
6. Reference

3. ABSTRACT
 Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization and is known to cause harmful and hazardous health
problems worldwide where medical research network around the world is trying hard for finding treatment against the
novel corona -virus infection. Our immune system plays a pivotal role to protect the host from microbes and to keep our
body healthy and robust. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. The medicinal herbs enable the people to
boost their immunity in times of health crisis like corona virus and plays a vital role as immunity modulator. In this
situation, there are certain methods to improve immunity which is paramount at this juncture. It is necessary to
understand the correlation among medicinal herbs, immune system and COVID-19 in present times. In the wake of the
COVID-19 outbreak, the development, maintenance and functioning of immune cells are dependent on adequate
nutritional diet. That’s way in this present study, we had discussed about various herbal remedies in order to identify
their immune-modulator effect against corona virus in a pandemic situation.

4. COVID-19 (an overview)
 Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more
severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (n CoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified
in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed
investigations found that SARS- CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS- CoV from
dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet
infected humans.
 SARS-CoV-2 refers to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 which was announced by ICTV
(International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) as the name of the new virus on 11 February 2020. This
name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS
outbreak of 2003. While related, the two viruses are different.
 COVID-19 is the name of this new disease announced on 11 February 2020, following guidelines previously
developed with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO).

5.  Clinical features of COVID-19- Incubation period: 1-27 days
 Recovery time: 3 weeks to 6 weeks
 Frequently reported signs and symptoms of patients include:
● fever (77–98%)
● cough (46%–82%)
● Myalgia or fatigue (11–52%)
● Shortness of breath (3-31%)
 Less commonly reported respiratory symptoms include sore throat, headache, cough with sputum
production and/or haemoptysis.

6.  Diagnosis:
 Travel history to endemic countries like (China, Iran & Italy)
 CBC (leukopenia, seen in 30% to 45% of patients, and lymphocytopenia, seen in 85% of the
patients)
 Chest X-Ray (cheaper & easier with 60% sensitivity)
 PCR (30%-70% sensitivity)
 Chest CT Scan (95% sensitivity, low specificity)
 IgM/ IgG combo test for COVID-19.

7.  Chest CT scan

Fig. no.1- Images depicting chest x ray vs chest CT scan of a COVID patient
Fig. no.2- Chest CT scan findings of a COVID 19 patient

8. IgG/IgM antibody rapid testing- Rapid Antigen Tests are immune assays that require specimen (blood sample or nasal
swab) from the patient as it is a pool of COVID antigen. Once collected the samples are placed in an extraction buffer and
tested for the presence of SARS- CoV- 2 specific antigens. This test reveals whether a patient is actively infected with
SARS- CoV- 2. They detect the presence of virus specific antigens which is SARS- CoV- 2 nucleo-capsid protein antigen.
Results are produced quickly generally within 15 minutes. If antigen is detected, it indicates the presence of antigen.
Fig. no. 3 diagrammatic procedure of rapid antigen testing

9. RT- PCR Test
 It detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction. The nasal
swab/ oral swab are analysed. PCR tests are very accurate when performed properly by a health care
professional. It is more accurate than rapid antigen tests.

*Specimen Collection:
1. Combined nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab
2. If positive repeat every 3 days till negative
3. If negative repeat second test after 24 hours
4. If 2 consecutive negative isolation can be discontinued
● Lower respiratory specimen is preferred when applicable
● Airborne and contact isolation is recommended for further information contact your
infection control practitioner

10. Pathophysiology of COVID- 19
Fig. no. 6- The cycle of COVID 19 as it enters human body

11.  Classification/ levels of COVID 19 infections
 Symptoms were categorized as follows:
● Mild cases: The majority (81%) of these coronavirus disease cases were mild cases include all patients
without pneumonia or cases of mild pneumonia.
● Severe cases: This includes patients who suffered from shortness of breath, respiratory frequency ≥
30/minute, blood oxygen saturation ≤93%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio <300, 30 and/or lung infiltrates >50% within
24–48 hours.
● Critical cases: Include patients who suffered respiratory failure, septic shock, and/or multiple organ
dysfunction or failure.

12. MANAGEMENT OF COVID- 19 WITH THE
HELP OF HERBALS
 In the current COVID scenario it is clear that those with weak immune system are highly susceptible to this infection and its worst
outcomes. In this regard immunity boosting medicinal herbs may definitely be helpful for the body to fight COVID-19 infection and also
help improve the immune response of our system. Many supplements basically from medicinal plants may help improve immune
response

13. SOME SPECIFIED HERBS USED AS IMMUNE BOOSTERS IN
COVID- 19
 Medicinal plants are still considered as promising alternatives in the prevention and of many
diseases. The reviewed medicinal plants which have proven effective against viral diseases could be
used to prevent and manage COVID- 19. These plants can be introduced into the diet, especially of
COVID- 19 patients. It is also further necessary that further studies should be carried out to evaluate
their clinical usefulness, dosage and safety against COVID- 19
 Here I have provided a review of some immune boosting herbs and their important features with
preclinical and clinical evidences of their antiviral actions. Many supplements basically from
medicinal plants may help improve immune response.

14. 1. Tinospora cordifolia (GUDUCHI)
Fig. no. 8 - Tinospora cordifolia
 Tinospora cordifolia against SARS-CoV-2 infections. Tinospora cordifolia is the source
of various type of bioactive compounds including alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides,
aliphatic. Spotlight of the current study is to find an essential drug for the COVID19
disease using the antiviral activity of these compounds.
 Higher binding affinity with viral and host macro-molecular targets and other human pro-
inflammatory mediators, SARS CoV-2 main proteases, spike, human ACE2 and furin
proteins. Immunity booster, also used in diabetes, high cholesterol, allergic rhinitis, upset
stomach, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma etc.
 Contain Berberine, Palmatine, Magnoflorine, Jatrorrhine, Syringin
 Immunity booster, also used in diabetes, high cholesterol, allergic rhinitis, upset stomach,
cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma etc.

15.  Structures of a few important constituents of GUDUCHI/ GILOY
Fig. no. 9 – Berberine Fig. no. 10 - Syringin
Fig. no. 11 – Palmatine Fig. no. 12 – Magnoflorine

16. 1. Azadirachta indica (NEEM)
Fig. no. 13 – Azadirachta indica
 Contain nimbin, azadirachtin, nimbidin, quercetin, and salannin, nimbidol- Potential
inhibitor of COVID-19 Proteases Used in leprosy, eye disorders, cardiovascular disease,
stomach upset, gingivitis, fever and liver problems.
 Potential inhibitor of COVID-19 Proteases.
 Used in leprosy, eye disorders, cardiovascular disease, stomach upset, gingivitis, fever
and liver problems
 Azadirachta indica is a common tree that will be present in all the houses and its leaves,
bark, trunk; seeds had been already known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties
around the world. Azadirachta indica had antiviral property against Coronavirus.
 Since time immemorial, neem has been respected and widely used as an immunity
booster. It is very effective in keeping the body safe from attacks by harmful pathogens,
thanks to its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
 Neem can also keep your blood clean. It purifies the blood by flushing away toxins and
this can strengthen immunity.

17.  Structures of a few important constituents of NEEM
Fig. no. -14- Nimbin Fig. no. – 15- Nimbidin
Fig. no. -16- Azadirachtin Fig. no. -17- Quercitin
Fig. no. – 18- Salannin

18. 1. Zingiber officinale (GINGER)
Fig. no. – 19- Zingiber officinale
 Consists of zingiberene, β- bisabolene, gingerol, paradols, α- farnesene and
curcumene
 SARS-CoV-2 papain like protease inhibitors and also have binding potential with
active residues of ACE-II
 Anti-inflammatory agent, osteoporosis, myalgia, dys- menorrhea, immunity boosting
agent
 Ginger has been an age-old remedy for flu and the common cold. It can also be
effective against COVID-19. It contains gingerol – an antioxidant that can power up
our immune system and kill viruses. Ginger is particularly good in preventing
respiratory tract infections. Add ginger to your meals or you can also have it raw.
 Phytocompound 6-gingerol from Zingiber officinale acts as a promising drug to treat
COVID-19. 6- Gingerol possesses excellent drug likeliness parameters with zero
violations of different rules and very good ADME pharmacokinetic properties.
Finally, 6-gingerol proves anti-viral efficiency against SARS CoV-2 by showing the
highest binding affinity and interaction with multiple targets of COVID19 including
Viral proteases, RNA binding protein, Spike protein.

19.  Structures of a few important constituents of GINGER
Fig. no. – 20- Zingiberene Fig. no. – 21- B- bisabolene
Fig. no. – 22- gingerol Fig. no. – 23- Paradols
Fig. no. – 24- a farnesene Fig. no. – 25- Curcumene

20. 1. Ocimum sanctum (TULSI)
Fig. no. – 26- Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi/ Basil leaves)
 Consists of oleanolic acid, rosmaric acid, linalool, urosolic acid, carvacrol, eugenol,
germacrene
 Potential inhibitor of COVID-19 proteases
 Relieves headache, cough and diarrhoea, fever, also recommended in bronchitis, asthma,
dysentery & skin issues.
 Tulsi is another wonder herb that is much favoured by Ayurveda. This aromatic leaf can
be your primary line of defence against COVID-19. Tulsi or basil is a powerful
germicide. Because of its phytochemicals and antioxidants, it can effectively locate
germs, viruses and bacteria the moment they enter your body and destroy them.
 Simply chew a few leaves first thing in the morning. You can also add a few drops of
water boiled with tulsi leaves into your food.

21.  Structures of a few important phytoconstituents of Tulsi
Fig. no. – 27- Oleanolic acid Fig. no. – 28- Rosamaric Acid
Fig. no. – 29- Linalool Fig. no. – 30- Ursolic Acid
Fig. no. – 31 Carvacrol Fig. no. – 32- Eugenol
Fig. no. – 33- Germacrene

22. 1. Lianhuaqingwen formula (Combination of 13 herbs) •
1. Forsythia suspensa (Weeping forsythia)
2. Ephedra sinica (Chinese ephedra)
3. Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)
4. Isatis indigotica (Woad)
5. Mentha haplocalyx (Mint)
6. Dryopteris crassirhizoma (Thick-stemmed wood fern)
7. Rhodiola rosea L. (Golden root)
8. Gypsum fibrosum (Gypsum)
9. Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli)
10. Rheum palmatum L. (Chinese rhubarb)
11. Houttuynia cordata (Fish mint)
12. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Liquorice)
13. Armeniaca sibirica (Siberian apricot)
Mode of action- Inactivate SARS-CoV-2 replication, reduce pro-inflammatory
cytokines production and affect particle morphology of virus cell.

23. 1. Allium sativum (GARLIC)
Fig. no. - 36- Allium sativum (Garlic)
 Consists of ajoenes, allicin, diallyl disulphide and trisulphide & vinyldithiins
 Act as ACE-II receptor for resistance against Coronavirus and also inhibit amino acid
synthesis
 Helps in regulating blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, immunity
enhancer and also found to be active against microbes, even have antitumour activity.
 Just like ginger, garlic too will protect you from coronavirus by stimulating your
immunity. It contains allicin- a plant compound that acts as a germicide. But remember,
to make the most of garlic, consume it raw or partially cooked.
 Structures of some clinically significant phytoconstituents of Garlic
Fig. no. - 37- Ajoene Fig.no. - 38- Allicin
Fig.no. – 39- Disulphide compounds Fig. no. – 40 Vinyldithiine

24. 1. Curcuma longa (TURMERIC)
Fig. no. –34- Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
 Consists of curcumin, dimethoxy-curcumin and bisdemethoxy-curcumin Have
potential inhibitory potential against viral infection and replication and also supress
pulmonary oedema Modulate various targets that contribute to attachment &
internalization of SARS-CoV-2
 Home remedy for various diseases like biliary disorders, fever, cough, anorexia, hepatic
disorders, diabetic wounds and rheumatism.
 Curcumin may have beneficial effects against COVID-19 infection via its ability to
modulate the various molecular targets that contribute to the attachment and
internalization of SARS-CoV-2 in many organs, including the liver, cardiovascular
system, and kidney. Curcumin could also modulate cellular signalling pathways such as
inflammation, apoptosis, and RNA replication. Curcumin may also suppress pulmonary
oedema and fibrosis-associated pathways in COVID-19 infection.

25. CONCLUSION
 These traditional medicinal herbs are potential candidates for immune boosting therapeutic
drugs and have been a productive source for revealing novel lead molecules for drug
discovery. Currently, vaccine/medicine are developed to cure but its functioning can be
boosted up with the help of herbs. Immune systems in body play an important role to fight
against unhealthy environment and microbes such as virus, bacteria, fungus etc. Since these
botanical plants having low cost, minimum toxicity and almost found everywhere in
country, it has potential to enhance immunity to fight against COVID-19 and other
infectious disease and play an important role to becomes fit and healthy India and world.

26. REFERENCES
1. https://pharmeasy.in/blog/9-immunity-boosting-herbs-to-beat-covid-19/
2. https://www.eposters.net/poster/immunity-buster-herbal-plant-during-covid-19-pandemic
3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.578970/full
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7260602/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S222541102030506X
6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.588508/full
7. https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/herbal-medicine-might-help-battle-against-covid-
19