Traditional Medicine as Natural Remedy in ARDS & COVID-19 Through Interleukins

Abstract

SARS-Corona-Virus-2 related disease (COVID-19) is a 2019 outbreak and was declared as a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. The high mortality rate in humans with SARS-CoV-2 has been attributed to its effects on major organs and primarily on the lungs. Therefore, it is extremely imperative to identify effective strategies for the prevention and treatment that can cease or reverse the inflammatory process associated with acute lung injury, ARDS, and multi-organ failure in COVID-19 patients. Inflammation to lungs through cytokine storm [also known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS)] is mediated through many cytokines, and IL-17 is one amongst them. We have experimentally demonstrated IL-17 responses in autoimmune/inflammatory disorders through Boerhavia erecta L in vitro and in vivo models recently, and further, propose this herbal medicine in this review chapter as a potential treatment option for mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords: ARDS, Autoimmune, Boerhavia erecta L, COVID-19, CRS, Cytokine, Inflammation, Interleukins, Mortality, Prevention, Traditional.