Is
there evidence for the use of an herbal "Taryaqe
Vabaii" for conditions similar to COVID-19?
Mahdi Zarvandi 1,
Saeed Sepehrikia
1*
1 Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
*Corresponding
Author: Saeed Sepehrikia
* Email: dr.sepehrikia@yahoo.com
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccination is currently the best option to protect people against
COVID-19. On the other hand, some concerns, such as efficacy against new types
of viruses, have made it reasonable to consider some additional options
available, such as using the capacity of herbal medicines to strengthen the
immune system. The present study aimed to investigate the scientific evidence
on the possibility of using a herbal compound
(anthrax), emphasized in Iranian medical sources, to help control and prevent
COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: This article is a
library retrospective study that is purposeful and with certain criteria by
searching the authoritative books of Iranian medicine, including Al-Hawi and Al-Qanun, and some sources of common medications
such as reference books of medicinal plants and internal scientific databases and
internationally including SID, PubMed, and Google scholar with related
keywords, without a time limit.
Results: So far, no clinical study has shown the effectiveness of the herbal
compound of anthrax (including yellow aloe, saffron, and myrrh) in the paired
pains of COVID-19, but there is ample scientific evidence that its components
are useful in similar medical conditions. It has been reported to have
immune-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
Conclusion: Conducting clinical trials can make the use of cholera opioids more
reassuring to help control conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, especially
in people at higher risk.
Keywords: COVID-19, Iranian medicine, Taryaqe Vabaii
Introduction
COVID-19
disease caused by the new coronavirus 2019 The latest coronavirus infectious
disease has been discovered, which has led to an epidemic worldwide. The
clinical course of COVID-19 varies from mild disease with nonspecific signs and
symptoms of acute respiratory illness to severe respiratory pneumonia and
septic shock (1).
The
early symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are very similar to other viral
infections of the respiratory tract (eg, influenza)
and include lung disease, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue (2, 3). According to
the World Health Organization, its mortality rate is 3.4% (4). To date, no
definitive vaccine or successful antiviral drug has been clinically approved
and available. Therefore, prevention and control of infection and observance of
hygienic principles by the general public a priority (3, 5).
On
the other hand, the development of existing vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is good
news, but there are concerns about safety, allergic reactions, free access,
cost-effectiveness and safety on a large scale, unfair distribution, and
efficacy against new varieties. And there is a possibility of a lethal mutation
of the virus in the body in the future. What is more, according to recent
laboratory and epidemiological studies, there is a growing list of mutations in
the virus that increase its potential to transmit or help escape the immune
response (6). These barriers have made it reasonable and necessary to consider
some additional options available, such as using the capacity of traditional
herbal medicines, especially natural immune-boosting products. The World Health
Organization also supports cooperation with research institutes to select
traditional medicine products that can be prescribed for the control and
treatment of COVID-19 due to their clinical efficacy and safety (6, 7).
Therefore,
because an effective treatment method for this emerging disease has not yet
been discovered (2), there is a significant need for preventive policies and
the use of traditional medicine experiences (2), especially in people at risk
of death. And they are more inclined to it; There are people with diabetes and
obesity (8, 9). For this purpose, the present study aimed to investigate the
scientific evidence on the possibility of using a
herbal composition based on yellow aloe and emphasized the sources of
traditional Iranian medicine which in some scientific articles is referred to
as " Taryaqe Vabaii
" (10) for Help is written to control this situation.
Materials and Methods
This
article is a review and library review that is purposeful and with certain
criteria by searching the authoritative books of Iranian medicine, including;
Al-Hawi Fi Al-Tib, Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tib, Elixir Azam,
Akbari Medicine, and some sources of common medications such as reference book
of medicinal plants and domestic and international scientific databases
including SID PubMed, Google scholar, with the keywords of Iranian medicine,
plague, diseases Plague, herbal compounds and pandemics of COVID-19, performed
without time limit; Information related to the research is often extracted from
relevant books and articles, and the content of the study is analyzed based on
a specific pattern, and finally, by re-reading the contents.
It
should be noted that data analysis has been done in the form of content
analysis (Content Analysis). That is, the categories of notes are put together
and a theme is extracted from each note, and the collection of these themes or
themes that belonged to the notes of a category are put together to form a new
note; Then, by summarizing these topics, the outlines were identified. To
increase the validity of the study, expert professors were consulted and direct
results were obtained from the data obtained from the study samples without
opinion analysis. Observance of the principle of fidelity in the expression of
the contents by mentioning the source for all the contents, including ethical
points, has been considered.
Results
In
the textual studies of Iranian traditional medicine sources, a term called
"plague weather" or "fever or plague diseases" has been
mentioned, which is largely due to the conditions created in corona-like
epidemics (such as influenza and its new strains such as COVID- 19) is
compatible. Because the term (plague air) means the spread of pollution and
infection through the air and is generally used to describe the conditions in
which the air of a geographical area is out of its moderation (temperament) for
some reason; In such a way that in its nature and quality, a state of species
corruption and infectiousness appears and its consequence manifests itself in
the form of a high incidence of diseases with unpleasant and unpleasant
complications at the same time among the population of that region. In these
texts, the occurrence of such diseases and the pervasive unpleasant
complications that result from a single cause such as bad weather is also
referred to as "diseases" or "uninvited and migratory
diseases" (11).
These
sources, while explaining how this condition occurs and how to diagnose it, as
well as detail its general symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, lung
involvement, and sometimes other organs along with climate and environmental
changes (11-13), for prevention and control These conditions, as well as
strengthening the body's basic and defensive forces, include recommendations and
instructions; 1) Modifying the air of the residential environment, with
measures such as daily cleaning of the residential environment, disinfection of
home surfaces with cold and dry nature materials such as vinegar and its
combination products such as vinegar and halite (Kundel
gum or Ferula Foetida),
creating proper ventilation with measures Such as frequent smoking (Fumigation)
of aromatic plants or their gums in residential environments such as;
Pomegranate peel, turmeric, frankincense, halite, camphor and aromatherapy with
aromatic agents such as frequent watering at home. 2) Improving nutrition; With
measures such as avoiding overeating, reducing the volume and amount of food
consumed, using fast-digesting and soft or light foods, tending to consume food
to sour taste with cold and dry factors such as vinegar, juice, lemon, orange
juice, Tamarhandi, pomegranate and plum juice and the
use of beverages such as peppermint and jalab (heated
mixture of rose and sugar), use of foods with antioxidant properties
(antioxidants) such as onions and garlic. 3) Avoid strenuous work and physical
activity Heavy, which leads to weakness of physical strength. 4) Avoid
oversleeping. 5) Cleansing impurities and excess body fluids (body fluids)
depending on the situation with methods such as diarrhea, urine, feces, and the
use of laxatives. And 6) finally, strengthening the heart and brain and
avoiding any unnecessary fears and worries; Today, scientific evidence shows
the effects of modulating and strengthening the body's defense system if these
recommendations are used correctly (2, 11).
But
in addition to these preventive recommendations, including herbal combinations,
which are emphasized by the elders of this medical school such as Razi and Ibn
Sina, their use has been mentioned as a way to get rid of such conditions; the
Use of a herbal composition based on yellow aloe; Aloe
is yellow, myrrh and saffron. "Razi" (925-854 AD) was one of the most
important medieval medical figures in favor of experimental medicine, in his
encyclopedia called "Al-Hawi fi al-Tib"
(14) - quoted by Rufus (Greek physician) in this regard He says: I have not
seen anyone use this medicine in cholera unless they survived. And that
medicine is a combination based on two units of yellow aloe and one unit of
mecca and saffron, which should be powdered and a small amount of it should be
consumed every day (13). Ibn Sina (1037-980 AD) also mentions this as one of
the most important thinkers and scientists of all later periods in his book
"Law in Medicine" (14); Among the beneficial compounds that help get
rid of and safe from plague or infectious epidemics; Use a combination of aloe
vera (two units), myrrh and saffron (one unit each) at a rate of about one
dirham (3.5 grams) per day. (12).
Ibn Rushd (1826-1198 AD) also considered the use of this
compound in the book "Alcohols in Medicine" useful for the conditions
of the plague and its consumption, especially at the beginning of this type of
infectious epidemic, makes a person safe. Knows the effects of cholera (15,
16).
According
to the scholars of Iranian medicine such as Ibn Sina, a patience has a warm and
dry nature and has general properties such as; Absorption power, drying of
excess body fluids, is useful in poor quality wounds, and slow healing. He
introduces the consumption of about 5 grams of it with hot water twice a day,
but with benefits, as an effective laxative and evaluates its effect on
cleansing the stomach and digestion (18). Razi, quoting previous physicians
such as Disqorides, Galen, Ibn Masouyeh,
Hanin Ibn Ishaq, etc., in addition to the mentioned
cases, considered yellow patience useful in various inflammations and ailments
and considered it as the protector and protector of the body and one of the
best Medications for stomach upsets (19). Hakim Gilani also considers the
consumption of food, sprinkling on the stand, and eating (smoke) of yellow aloe
in great conditions to have great properties (20).
Ibn
Sina Murr has a warm and dry nature and has general
properties such as; Openness in evaluating the win-win analysis of all types of
winds and at the same time the property of receiving, linting, preventing the
infectivity of materials, and eliminating the infection of wounds and also
preparing the materials (surplus and waste) for expulsion from the body. Smoke
introduces it as an air modifier and highly drying agent and introduces myrrh
as one of the prominent combination drugs due to its many benefits. He found it
useful for respiratory ailments such as chronic whooping cough and shortness of
breath, as well as a loose stomach and bloating (18). Razi mentions the same
properties in his encyclopedia, quoting former physicians (19).
Finally,
Ibn Sina saffron has a warm and dry nature and has general properties such as;
Astringent, which knows the winning analysis and preparation of materials
(excess and waste) for excretion from the body. It is also described as
invigorating, administering, and strengthening the heart, respiratory system,
stomach, liver, and spleen (21). In addition to the above, Razi is also
considered a food digester, appetite suppressant, sexual stimulant, respiratory
facilitator, and an excellent booster for the respiratory system (22).
It
is noteworthy that according to the sources of Iranian medicine, the use of the
above-mentioned combination is not allowed in any situation and its use is
recommended, especially in cold weather conditions or in people with a
predominance of cold temperament. Therefore, in hot weather or hot weather, its
consumption should be done with caution. And in such cases, it is better to use
a minimum amount, ie half a derm or half a pound (about two grams) or its occasional
consumption, and of course with rose or a potion with honey or sugar to reduce
its possible side effects (20, 23).
The
compositions and main effects of the Taryaqe Vabaii in Iranian traditional medicine and modern medicine
studies are briefly mentioned in table 1 and 2.
Table 1. The nature and therapeutic effects
of the components of "Taryaqe Vabaii" in Iranian traditional medicine.
Elements |
Nature |
Properties |
Aloe barbadensis |
Warm and dry |
Astringent, desiccant of excess body fluids, useful in
poor-quality and slow-healing wounds, all kinds of abscesses and swellings,
and conditions of infectious epidemics transmitted through the air, laxative. |
Crocus sativus |
Warm
and dry |
Astringent,
digestive and preparing substances for elimination from the body,
invigorating, regulating, strengthening the heart, respiratory system,
stomach, liver and spleen, digesting food, reducing appetite, sexual
stimulant, facilitating breathing and an excellent tonic for the system
breathing |
Commiphora myrrha |
Warm and dry |
Opener and opener of ducts and vessels, dispels all kinds of
wind, astringent, lint remover, prevents infection of materials and removes
infection of wounds, prepares materials for elimination from the body,
improves air and is extremely drying, useful in respiratory ailments such as
Chronic wet cough and shortness of breath, as well as loose and weak stomach
and flatulence |
Table 2. Components and major medical
effects of " Taryaqe Vabaii " in modern medicine studies.
Elements |
Compounds |
Properties |
Aloe barbadensis |
Anthracene derivatives, glycosyls such as aloin,
hydroxyanthraquinones such as alo-amudin, alkyl
chromones including allorsin, flavonoids, saponins,
cinnamic acid, essential oil |
Anti-influenza, antibacterial, immune-enhancing and wound-healing
functions, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, antioxidant and increasing T
lymphocytes, anti-cancer effects, laxative or laxative effect |
Crocus sativus |
Apocarotenoid
glycosides, especially crocin, picrocrocin, volatile oil, containing safranal and picrocrocin decomposition products,
carotenoids and fixed oil and starch |
Anti-virus,
antioxidant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, modulating
and strengthening the function of the immune system, heart and blood vessel
tonic, anti-cough, pain-reliever, reducing fat and blood sugar,
anti-coagulant, inhibition of cell proliferation and sedative |
Commiphora myrrha |
Volatile oil, which mainly includes sesquiterpenes, triterpenes
and mucilages |
Antimicrobial, astringent, anti-flatulent, expectorant,
anti-secretion, antiseptic and wound healing, anti-hyperglycemia, antioxidant,
liver protector, pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and
anti-coagulant. |
Discussion
COVID-19 is the latest coronavirus infectious disease to be
discovered, leading to epidemics worldwide. The clinical course of COVID-19
varies from mild disease with nonspecific signs and symptoms of acute
respiratory illness to severe respiratory pneumonia and septic shock. It can be
transmitted by air (mainly) and so on. The pathogenesis and clinical features
of COVID-19 are similar to the clinical manifestations of epidemic fever (1).
In the sources of traditional Iranian medicine, it is referred to as the
"disease of cholera" (11).
In these sources, various herbal medicines have been described for
these conditions by the great scholars of Iranian medicine, especially
"Razi and Ibn Sina" under the title of epidemics. As these two
prominent scientists of traditional Iranian medicine in the period of Islamic
civilization (3-4th century AH) (14), while describing the conditions of
airborne epidemics under the title of "plague air" (11) - in the book
Al-Hawi Fi Al-Tib (13) and Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tib (12)
and the "plague diseases" created by it, have also pointed out how
and how to protect people in these conditions (24) and while providing health
advice, some of the effective herbal compounds in prevention And people
suffering from this type of infectious epidemics (25, 26), including, daily use
of a plant combination based on yellow aloe, consisting of yellow aloe (Aloe barbedensis) (2 units), Mecca Myrrha (1 unit) ) And saffron
(Crocus sativus) (1 unit) at a rate of about 3.5 grams - also emphasize as an
"opium or antidote" (1). New scientific evidence also suggests the
usefulness and possibility of using this combination in such circumstances. for
example;
A 2013 clinical trial by Nigar Z and Itrat M at the National Institute of Unani Medicine
Hospital, Bangalore, on a plant compound called Tiryaq
wabai to investigate its immune-stimulating effects
in the elderly. This plant composition consisted of three ingredients: saffron,
saffron, and myrrh. The results of this study showed that this herbal compound
at a dose of 500 mg three times a week for 45 days has immunosuppressive
effects. Significant increase in total lymphocyte count (TLC) (P-Value
<0.001), lymphocyte percentage (P-Value <0.001), absolute lymphocyte
count (ALC) (P-Value <0.001) and count (P-Value <0.001) It resulted in
CD4 without any side effects (10).
In the study of other sources of modern medicine, it has been shown
that each of these plants contains effective compounds and substances and has
scientific documents that confirm the properties mentioned in the sources of
traditional Iranian medicine. For example; Aloe barbedensis
shrub with the scientific name (Aloe barbedensis
Mill. Or Aloe Vera L.) of the Liliaceous family, whose medicinal part consists
of dried leaf sap (27). This plant (aloe vera), also known as the "miracle
plant" or "miracle plant", is a medicinal plant that has been
used in various cultures for more than 3,000 years (28). And is one of the most
studied and used medicinal plants in the world, whose medicinal and
phytochemical properties are well documented (29, 30). In general, this plant
has compounds such as anthracene derivatives, glycosyls such as alloys, hydroxy
anthraquinones such as allo-amodine, alkyl chromones
including allorzines, flavonoids, saponins, cinnamic
acid, ether oil, etc. It has antimicrobial and antiviral properties (plum-amodine inhibits the growth of H. pylori and is effective
against 4 methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. It also
inactivates coated viruses on types 1 and 2). Herpes simplex virus as well as
varicella zoster virus, pseudo rabies, and influenza virus have a direct
antiviral effect, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect (by its salicylates
and by inactivating bradykinin, inhibiting the production of histamine and
reducing synthesis) Prostaglandin), wound healing (by increasing the amount of
granular tissue collagen), anti-cancer effects (by amoudine
present in the plant) and laxative or laxative effect (mainly through
anthraquinones by stimulating the colon mucosa and increasing its movements)
have been mentioned (27).
Since the advent of COVID-19, there has been informed about the use
of this plant alone or in combination with other herbal remedies against COVID-19.
In one of these studies, to accurately determine the best drugs from a set of
10 aloe vera metabolites, molecular docking, and adsorption, distribution,
metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties were performed. The
reactivity of the major protease COVID-19 (Mpro)
(responsible for the replication of coronaviruses) with 10 isolated aloe vera
compounds showed that; The most stable complex is ferralolide
or ligand 6 (−7.9 kcal / mol) followed by aloe vera or ligand 1 (7.7.7 kcal /
mol) and alveresin or ligand 8 (7.7.7 kcal / mol).
Lipinski confirms ligand 6 as the best drug candidate based on ADME analysis.
In other words; Virtual screening results of 10 aloe vera-derived metabolites
based on binding scores, hydrogen bonding interactions, and Lipinski's
five-dimensional law show that the three molecular substances are ferrolide (ligand 6), aloe vera (ligand 1), and aloe vera
(ligand protease 3); An enzyme that plays a key role in regulating
post-translational proteins, particularly the cleavage of viral polyproteins
into functional protein units. In the meantime, ligand 6 or ferralide
is known as the best drug candidate. Because in addition to full obedience to
Lipinski's law five, it shows the highest connection energy. (5)
It should be noted that among the several proteins that play a key
role in COVID-19 viral infection and are currently considered for potential
therapeutic purposes; "Corona core protein" or (3CLpro / Mpro) is known as one of the most important drug targets
studied in the research and development of anticoagulants-19, especially in
terms of the number of patents and the number of potential drug candidates ( 31). The protein is a proteolytic enzyme that is essential
for the cleavage of viral polyproteins into several active protein units. Its
choice as a drug target is justified by the fact that its active site is fully
preserved and is not affected by mutations (32).
In addition, each of the top three aloe vera compounds has biological
activity. Korizaki et al. Reported the antioxidant,
anti-cancer, and antifungal activity of ferralide
(Ligand 6) (33), while Ligand 1 exhibits anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory
activity (34), and Ligand 8 has an anti-inflammatory effect (35).
Aloe vera also contains
antiviral secondary metabolites (anthraquinones) that, like lupinavir
(an antiretroviral), can act alone or in combination with SARS-CoV-2 protease
3CLpro (36). To this end, aloe vera can be considered an herbal medicine with a
high potential to fight Quid-19 to manage this disease in the world. Several
experimental studies have shown that aloe vera has extraordinary virulence
properties with a wide range of action (5).
In addition to its inherent antiviral properties, aloe vera also
has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, an herbal medicine
based on aloe vera extract can reduce the risk of acute respiratory distress -
the leading cause of death associated with COVID-19 - by reducing
pro-inflammatory factors and boosting the immune system. And since combination
therapies based on viral protease inhibitors are the best treatment option;
Aloe vera and its major secondary metabolites can play an important role in the
management of COVID-19 (5).
In addition to its secondary metabolites, which have antiviral
properties, aloe vera also contains "zinc" (40.8ppm). Therefore, its
use as an herbal medicine brings this trace element to the patient. Although
this chemical is essential as an enzymatic cofactor, a slight increase in its
intracellular concentration inhibits the proliferation of retroviruses,
including SARS-CoV-1, which is important in the management of COVID-19 (36,
37). Thus, all of this scientific evidence raises growing interest in the
immediate formulation of aloe vera as an essential drug for the management of COVID-19
(5).
In other studies, the properties of aloe vera such as; It is
anti-influenza, antibacterial, immune-boosting and wound-healing,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and thymophyte T
lymphocyte proliferation (38). Its dry extract, due to its anthraquinones and
pre-anthraquinones, is mainly used as a cleansing agent (39). The leaf pulp and
its leachate act against various microorganisms (40) and the ethanolic extract
in it causes a significant and dose-dependent increase in the total number of
white blood cells and macrophages (41). In acute gastric mucosal lesions, this
extract has been used to inhibit gastric acid secretion and to protect the
stomach (42). Aloe vera gel has the same therapeutic effects on the mucous
membranes of the gastrointestinal tract as it does on external wounds. The dry
extract of aloe also stimulates the vagus nerve by
creating a bitter taste and then increases the secretion of gastric juices,
thus improving digestion. This bitter substance also acts as a cardiovascular
tonic (43). In addition, its anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering effects have been
proven in human studies (44). Therefore, it can be useful in people with
underlying diseases such as diabetes and obesity who are at higher risk for
these types of complications and diseases.
However, from the point of view of toxicity, the harmlessness of
the extracts of this plant has been experimentally proven both in laboratory
conditions and in vivo (5). However, its use is prohibited in pregnant women,
lactating women, and children under two years of age, and if used for more than
2 weeks, there is a possibility of hypokalemia. Therefore, its long-term use
should be avoided. Its use with anti-diabetic drugs is also associated with an
increased risk of hypoglycemia, and concomitant use with digoxin can lead to
hypokalemia and digoxin toxicity. To prevent these side effects, concomitant
use of this plant with these drugs should be avoided (27). In one study, a
decrease in serum thyroid hormone levels was also reported by patience (45),
which seems to be better used with caution in hypothyroid patients.
But in the case of saffron, the scientific evidence of modern
medicine shows that; Saffron or Saffron with the scientific name of Crocus
sativus from the family Iridaceae, whose medicinal part consists of stigma and
cream, has compounds such as apocarotinoid
glycosides, especially crocin, picrocrocin (4%), volatile oil (1.3-0.4%)
containing safranal and products. It is obtained from
the decomposition of picrocrocin, carotenoids, and fixed oils and starches. Safranal, picrocrocin, crocetin, and crocin are among the
active ingredients of saffron and for them, properties such as stimulation of
gastric juice secretion (in small amounts) and stimulation of uterine smooth
muscle (in large amounts) have been stated, so its use is not recommended in
pregnancy. Is (27, 46). It should be noted that the most common effective doses
of saffron, which are used in clinical studies and are safe and significantly
lower than toxic doses (> 5 g per day), are 30 to 50 mg per day. Be (47).
Its lethal dose is between 12 and 20 grams (27).
Regarding the use of saffron during the COVID-19 epidemic, there is
a lot of scientific evidence that justifies its use during this epidemic. A
review of the potential role of saffron during and after COVID-19 infection,
focusing on immune, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular functions; The
findings indicated that saffron due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and
other medicinal properties attributed to the bioactive compounds of saffron,
can help in pre-and post-infection management strategies. Also, due to its
antidepressant properties, it can not only be useful in the management of these
post-hospital disorders (subacute and chronic). It can also help boost the
safety of ordinary people and manage depression, stress, and anxiety caused by
long-term quarantine, isolation, or quarantine (6). Regarding its
antidepressant properties (48), it has been reported that saffron is more
effective than a placebo or approximately equivalent to therapeutic doses of
fluoxetine and imipramine (49).
In addition, many in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed
saffron as an antiviral, antioxidant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and
potent immune enhancer that affects humoral as well as cellular immunity (6).
Even saffron petal extract (SPE) is beneficial due to the presence of
flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. In one study, intraperitoneal injection
into mice for 14 days was associated with an increase in white blood cell count
and antibody response, without any change in blood parameters (50).
There is also strong scientific evidence for the antiviral effects
of saffron, including anti-HSV-1 and anti-HIV-1 (6). Recently, in silicon
analysis for pharmacokinetic, toxicological, and ADMET parameters (absorption,
distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) of bioactive saffron
molecules, it has been observed that crostine has a
high drug rating against SARS-CoV-2. Crocin and crocetin have a high affinity
for the main protease SARS-CoV-2 and crocetin, as a drug molecule, shows
transmission through the lipid bilayer (51).
It is interesting to note; Twenty-one percent (21%) of COVID-19
management trials focused on non-vaccine approaches such as immunomodulators
(18%) and dietary supplements (3%) (52). Studies related to saffron can be
included. In this regard, a review study has claimed that no other spice is as
attractive and excellent as saffron (6). Because saffron is rich in B vitamins,
vitamin C, carotenoids, and phytochemicals, it can boost immunity. Saffron
compounds have been recorded in several herbal medicinal formulas that are used
to treat cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases, as well as to
strengthen the immune system and treat depression (53). Clinical trials show
that saffron extract is effective in patients with diseases of the central
nervous system (CNS) such as Alzheimer's and mental disorders such as
depression if administered 20-200 mg per day for ten days to several weeks (6).
In addition, crocetin and crocin are useful in the treatment of
neurodegenerative disorders associated with memory impairment (48, 54).
A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was
performed to determine the immunomodulatory effects of saffron and it was
observed that saffron increased IgG levels and decreased IgM levels compared to
baseline and placebo. In addition, it increased the percentage of monocytes
compared to the placebo. Therefore, short-term daily use of 100 mg of saffron
was suggested temporarily without any side effects due to its immune-modifying
activities (55).
The results of a study also showed that the use of saffron petal
extract at a dose of 75 mg/kg increases the antibody response without changing
the hematological and histological parameters of the rat spleen (50). Another
experimental study after consuming milk and milk with saffron for 6 weeks, and
evaluating innate immunity by measuring the percentage and number of monocytes,
neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, platelets, and total white blood cell
count, CRP concentration, and Complement concentration of C3 and C4 and humoral
immunity by measuring the percentage of lymphocytes and concentrations of IgG,
IgM, and IgA; Showed that 3 weeks after saffron consumption, the number of
monocytes and serum IgG concentration increased significantly (P-Value
<0.05) and P-Value = 0.01 (total white blood cell and platelet count also
showed a significant decrease). P-Value <0.05) After 6 weeks, the number of
monocytes and IgG concentration decreased significantly compared to the third
week (P-Value <0.05) and P-Value <0.001) and the number of platelets
increased significantly (P-Value <0.05). ) Found.
These results showed that saffron consumption strengthens the innate and
humoral system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Of course, these effects
depend on the duration of saffron consumption (56).
Modulating the safety of bioactive compounds of saffron can help as
a management strategy against SARS-CoV-2. Its immunomodulatory activity may
include direct targeting of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and may also be
attributed to nuclear factor (NF-κB), activating
protein 1 (AP-1), and downstream signaling pathways (57).
Saffron has been shown to increase the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 in
human lymphocytes and thus affect the balance of Th1 and Th2 in them (58).
These properties may help modulate the immune response during SARS-CoV-2
infection. A study on sensitized guinea pigs showed that the total and
differential white blood cell (WBC) counts were positively affected by saffron
and safranal extracts (59).
Regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of saffron, studies have
shown that saffron reduces inflammation by inhibiting the activity of
cyclooxygenase enzyme and the release of inflammatory cytokines and the
production of nitric oxide and nitrite, endothelin-1 and the secretion of total
protein, and the absorption of inflammatory cells. Prevents lungs in sensitized
guinea pigs. This property helps to control excessive pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2
patients due to the release of cytokines and proinflammatory chemokines and
thus can be useful in the management of SARS-CoV-2 (6).
Other scientific evidence regarding saffron also indicates that;
The stigmas of this plant are used as an antitussive, expectorant, and
antioxidant in Greek medicine (38). The antitussive effect of safranal and crocin in saffron stigmas and petals has been
documented in an experimental study in Guinea (60). Radical inhibitory, analgesic
and hypolipidemic effects (61), antihypertensive activity, anticoagulant
activity, inhibition of cell proliferation, and sedation of saffron extract
compounds have also been reported in animal and human studies (38, 62). Saffron
and its compounds are also an effective treatment for coronary artery diseases,
neurodegenerative disorders, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, fever, and colds and
a promising natural remedy in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (63, 64).
Finally, new findings show that; Myrrh or Myrrh with the scientific
name Commiphora molol. Engl. ex Tschirch from the
family Burseraceae, genus Commiphora, is a fragrant
resin gum from the shrub "Moran". This small tropical tree is widely
distributed in East Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India and contains compounds such
as volatile oil (10-2%), which mainly include terracotta sesqui, triterpenes
(30-30%), and mucilages (60 to 30%) and properties
such as antimicrobial, astringent, anti-flatulence, expectorant, anti-secretion,
antiseptic and wound healing have been mentioned (27, 65-67).
Also, scientific studies related to "Mor
Maki" have shown that; It is used to treat a variety of diseases such as
obesity and fat disorders. In addition, it has anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant,
liver protective, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities (68). In
addition, myrrh is used as an antimicrobial, antiseptic, static, antiviral, and
leukocytopenia agent (46). It also has anti-tumor (38) and anticoagulant (69)
activities. Traditionally, cold sores have been used to relieve nasal
congestion and coughs due to modulated immune response and antimicrobial
activity. Antioxidant effects are a possible mediator in protection against
myocardial necrosis, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and also increase
fibrinolysis by myrrh resin extract (38).
Studies on COVID-19 also show that Commiphora
myrrha is one of those medicinal plants that can be
used for such conditions. For example, Fatima S et al. In a review study of the
herbal approach to COVID-19 management; This herbal medicine has been
considered one of the medicines that are considered useful in Greek medicine
for epidemic fever, which is similar to the epidemic conditions of COVID-19,
along with other herbal medicines such as yellow aloe and saffron (1). Nikhat S
and Fazil M also evaluated the use of smoke of this
drug as useful due to the similarity of epidemic fever conditions and COVID-19
(15).
Conclusions
By reflecting on the scientific
findings of these plants and a closer look at the sources of traditional
Iranian medicine, it is recommended to conduct more clinical trials on the
plant composition of opium poppy, to confirm its effectiveness and safety, to
use it to strengthen Make the body's defense system more reassuring in
situations such as the Quwid-19 pandemic, especially in people at higher risk.
Author contribution
SS and MZ wrote the manuscript and edited and confirmed the
final version.
Conflict of interest
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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