Traditional Thai herbal medicine for treating COVID-19

Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) leaves were used to treat fever and sore throat, as documented in Thailand’s National List of Essential Drugs. In addition, numerous investigations indicated that it possessed antibacterial action, and andrographolide is the primary constituent. Earlier research suggested that andrographolide inhibited virus proliferation and infection in various viruses, including the chikungunya virus, influenza virus, HIV, dengue virus, and herpes simplex virus type 1 (Chen et al., 2009; Panraksa et al., 2017; Seubsasana et al., 2011; Uttekar et al., 2012; Wintachai et al., 2015).

An in silico docking analysis revealed that 15 phytochemicals from A. paniculata had an affinity for and interacted with S-protein, virus C-terminal cleavage, and virus polyprotein N-terminal cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 (Hiremath et al., 2021). Additionally, A. paniculata (Andrographis) is a widely used herbal product for various indications (Sa-Ngiamsuntorn et al., 2021). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of A. paniculata extract (the active ingredient is andrographolide) was determined in vitro in a study of herbal medicine (Sa-Ngiamsuntorn et al., 2021). In vitro studies indicated that the A. paniculata ethanolic extract (andrographolide) suppressed viral multiplication following infection of Calu-3 cells with SARS-CoV-2 (IC50 = 9.54 and 1.68 M, respectively) (Sa-Ngiamsuntorn et al., 2021). This study demonstrates the efficacy of A. paniculata in inhibiting viral replication, but its utility in a clinical investigation remains unknown. One trial has already demonstrated a reduction in pneumonia symptoms in patients receiving 94.3% pure A. paniculata ethanolic extract and a decrease in the need for mechanical ventilation (Benjaponpithak et al., 2021).

Another study (Benjapolphithak et al., 2021) reported the usage of A. paniculata to treat COVID-19 and discovered that it could help avoid COVID-19 symptoms. The trial enrolled 526 patients who did not receive A. paniculata and 309 patients who did get A. paniculata in combination with 180 mg/day of andrographolide. It was shown that individuals who did not get andrographide progressed more rapidly, developing pneumonia or requiring intubation. Only three patients (0.97%) had severe symptoms, which implied that the number needed for a treatment equals 7.32, indicating that administering A. paniculata to every eight patients with COVID-19 can prevent one case of pneumonia. Andrographis paniculata can significantly reduce the incidence of pneumonia by 94.3% (Benjapolphithak et al., 2021). However, long-term use of A. paniculata can result in various adverse effects. There are also some restrictions, including the prohibition of use in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, patients with liver disease, and patients with renal disease (Shang et al., 2022).

Furthermore, patients receiving A. paniculata have reported experiencing hypersensitivity, and healthcare practitioners should be aware of this potential risk. Hypersensitivity reactions should be handled when utilizing products from A. paniculata (Suwankesawong et al., 2014).

Boesenbergia rotunda

Boesenbergia rotunda (B. rotunda) is a perennial herb known locally in Thailand as “Krachai.” It is botanically classified as a tiny herbaceous plant with short, fleshy, or slender rhizomes. Fresh rhizomes have a distinctive scent and a mildly spicy flavor (Sudwan et al., 2007; Tuchinda et al., 2002) and are widely used in Southeast Asia as food spices or condiments (Isa et al., 2012) and in folk medicine. For centuries, traditional healers have used this plant to treat inflammation, aphthous ulcers, dry mouth, stomach pain, dysentery, leukorrhea, oral ailments, cancer, and kidney issues (Morikawa et al., 2008). Moreover, this plant and panduratin A were discovered to inhibit HIV-1 protease and to have antinociceptive properties in thermal and mechanical pain models (Cheenpracha et al., 2006). In particular, this pharmacodynamic impact reduces the body warmth and nociception associated with a viral infection. The ethanolic extract possessed anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-foot and mouth disease virus, and anti-dengue viral properties. Furthermore, it inhibits the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Suknasang et al., 2017). Thus, the ethanolic extract of this plant may be utilized to treat COVID-19 since it is capable of eradicating SARS-CoV-2 and alleviating the associated symptoms, particularly pneumonia.

Boesenbergia rotunda extract and its phytochemical component, panduratin A, were also found to have anti-SARS-CoV-2 action (Kanjanasirirat et al., 2020) when antiviral medication candidates were screened utilizing a high-content screening technology. The fluorescence-based approach was applied to infect a coronavirus-resistant cell line. A total of 122 extracts were examined and purified for the chemicals produced from Thai medicinal plants. The extracts and compounds with the most excellent antiviral activity were subsequently investigated using dose-response and plaque-reduction assays. In addition, the selected compound was tested for efficacy in the human airway, and the anti-SARS-CoV-2 capability of the compound was evaluated in human lung epithelial cells using a high-content imaging technique compared to remdesivir, the first COVID-19 medication licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Finally, the investigation established that extracts of B. rotunda (fingerroot) and panduratin A, its phytochemical component, were viable candidates for a novel COVID-19 treatment (Kanjanasirirat et al., 2020).

Citrus medica and Z. officinal

Citrus medica (Manoa-Kwai in Thai) and other Citrus species have a high amount of vitamin C. They have mucolytic effects and can help reduce coughing and fever. Citrus spp. peel includes coumarin chemicals that have anticoagulant characteristics and can aid in blood circulation improvement. In Thai traditional medicine, Z. officinale is used to treat air cavity disorders such as allergic rhinitis, nausea, sore throat, lung cancer, and viral infections of the respiratory system (Itharat et al., 2021). Moreover, Z. officinale (Ginger, Khing in Thai) was also examined for antiviral activity against respiratory tract viruses, demonstrating that hot water infused with fresh ginger also had antiviral activity against the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in human respiratory tract cell lines by inducing HRSV plaque formation on airway epithelium and by inhibiting viral attachment and internalization (Chang et al., 2013). This investigation discovered that fresh ginger has superior antiviral efficacy to dried ginger. Zingiber officinale extract prevented Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced acute pneumonia, a symptom of COVID-19 (Chakotiya et al., 2018). Additionally, Z. officinale has been associated with numerous studies of its anti-inflammatory effect, which aids in reducing lung tissue damage. Its major constituents, gingerol and shogaol, also demonstrated significant acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effects (Kuropakornpong et al., 2020). Citrus medica and Z. officinale were recently determined for the spike protein and other proteins on SARS-CoV-2 using in silico analysis. The efficacy of the rhoifolin, naringin, neohesperidin, apigenin 6,8-di-C-glucoside, adenine, hesperidin, 6-gingerol Z, and xanthine components to the spike protein and other proteins on SARS-CoV-2 were determined (Haridas et al., 2021). In silico studies indicate that the phytochemicals in C. medica and Z. officinale may have a significant potential for reducing viral load and shedding SARS-CoV-2. Further research is suggested to determine its effectiveness in decreasing COVID-19 transmission (Haridas et al., 2021). Thus, ginger and Citrus spp. (lime, lemon) should be studied further for their potential to treat COVID-19 symptoms and antiviral activity.

Table 1. A summary of Thai herbal medicine’s active ingredients, SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity, and side effects. [Click here to view]

Phyllanthus amarus and P. emblica

Phyllanthus amarus (Makham-Pom in Thai) is a widely distributed tropical, medicinal plant that is utilized as an antipyretic in Thai traditional medicine. It possesses a broad range of medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties (Sarin et al., 2014; Yeo et al., 2015). Phyllanthus amarus has been tested for its antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. A previous study of P. amarus’s interaction with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and papain-like protease on SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated its flavonoid compounds (astragalin, kaempferol, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and quercetin) and tannins (corilagin, furosin, and geraniin) have a higher affinity for binding. It has been reported that P. amarus inhibits SARS-CoV replication by inhibiting two proteins (RdRp) (Hiremath et al., 2021). Moreover, as indicated previously, P. amarus was discovered to possess antiviral efficacy against HIV-1 (Notka et al., 2004). Meanwhile, an in silico model revealed that (2S)-eriodictyol 7-O-(6?-Ogalloyl)-D-glucopyranoside (EBDGp), a compound of P. emblica has a high affinity for binding to RdRp (−23.32 kcal/mol) and hence inhibits viral replication (Pandey et al., 2021). However, P. emblica was discovered to have antiviral action against HIV-1 when used as a traditional Thai treatment Triphala component (Mishra et al., 2018; Pandey et al., 2021). The isolated glochicoccinoside D exhibited significant action against influenza A virus strain H3N2 and hand, foot, and mouth virus strain EV71, with IC₅₀ values of 4.5, 0.6, and 2.6 0.7 g/ml, respectively (Lv et al., 2015). Phyllanthus emblica fruits have been shown in numerous previous trials to have adjuvant qualities for COVID-19 treatment, including immunological, antiallergy, antitussive, and laxative actions (Zhang et al., 2021). These activities may alleviate such symptoms in persons infected with COVID-19. However, additional research is necessary.

Rheum officinale Baill.

Rheum officinale Baill. (Rhubarb or Kod Num Taow in Thai) was extracted for the emodin, an anthraquinone group compound isolated from the root tubers. The extract was reported to inhibit the infection of VeroE6 cells by S-protein-pseudotyped retrovirus (Ho et al., 2007). These data suggested that emodin could be a viable lead therapy drug for SARS. Previously, emodin was shown to exhibit specific anti-inflammatory action in a noninfectious mice model of asthma. Emodin suppressed ovalbumin (OVA)-induced increases in eosinophil count; interleukin- (IL-) 4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were regained in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, IgG, and IgG1 were decreased. Emodin significantly decreased OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissue and mucus hypersecretion by goblet cells in the airway, as evidenced by histological examinations. Furthermore, pretreatment with emodin resulted in a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of acidic mammalian chitinase, chitinase 3-like protein 4 (Ym2), and Muc5ac in lung tissues, as well as an increase in methacholine-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. These data imply that emodin may effectively postpone the progression of airway inflammation and may be used to treat allergic airway inflammation in patients. Emodin has been reported in Cassia species, including Cassia siamea Lam. (Khe-lhek in Thai), Cassia alata (L.) Roxb. (Chum-Hed-Thet in Thai), and Cassia Angustifolia M. Vahl (Makham-Kak). All of these plants exhibit laxative effects. In Thai traditional medicine, it has laxative properties.

Recently, emodin has been shown to inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 via an inhibitory effect on the infectivity of S-protein-pseudotyped retrovirus in VeroE6 cells. (Ho et al., 2007). Emodin, an anthraquinone molecule originating from the species Rheum and Polygonum, dose-dependently inhibited the S-protein-ACE2 interaction.

Kerra capsules

Taksila formula is an herbal medicine recipe that Thai people have used to treat epidemic ailments since ancient times. It consists of herbal formulations (Kerra capsules). Kerra capsules comprise nine major herbal constituents and have been registered with the FDA and the Ministry of Public Health under the registration number G 40/57 for use in traditional medicine formulae to treat fevers. The herbal recipe aids in the reduction of heat, fever, cough, headache, and phlegm, while also nourishing the lymphatic system, boosting the immune system, alleviating restlessness, reducing inflammation, discomfort, and swelling, and improving heart and blood circulation (Singthong et al., 2014; Sun et al., 2019). Therefore, utilizing traditional herbal medicines as a treatment can help minimize the cost of COVID-19 treatment.

Interestingly, the Kerra capsule is a potential herbal remedy. Kerra capsule is a traditional Thai herbal formula from the Taksila texts in King Rama V’s royal medical handbook (Chitsanucha, 2021). The recipes call for the use of a variety of herbs, including Kaen Chan Daeng (Dracaena loureiroi), Kaen Chan Khao (Tarenna hoaensis), Calathea (Schumannianthus dichotomus), Gac Root (Momordica cochinchinensis), lemon root (Citrus aurantifolia), Sakae root (Combretum quadrangulare), Kra Tung Root (Dregea volubilis), Bai-ya-nang (Tiliacora triandra), and Tinospora cordifolia (Tinospora crispa).

There are several medicinal properties in each herb. First, D. loureiroi helps relieve a fever, cough, restlessness, inflammation, pain, and swelling, as well as helps nourish the heart and blood circulation. According to various studies, several species of plants in the Dracaena family consist of phenol, flavonoid, and oligomer. These substances are anti-free radicals that help inhibit inflammation and prevent infection and microorganisms. It also helps prevent cardiovascular and related cerebrovascular disorders and inflammation in various conditions (Sun et al., 2019). Second, T. hoaensis is an herb that helps with appetite, thirst, nourishing, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, and strength and helps heal the nervous system. The extract of their components is rich in glucosides, glycosides, and saponins, which contain antioxidant activity and can help inhibit inflammation (Yang et al., 2007). Third, S. dichotomus have some properties that help reduce fever and relieve thirst and inhibit inflammation within the body. In ancient times, the head was often used as a drug to treat fever poisonings such as hay fever, jaundice, typhus, smallpox, and chickenpox (Maneenoon et al., 2015). Fourth, M. cochinchinensis has its root with outstanding properties in reducing fever, relieving aches and pains, expelling phlegm, and helping boost the body’s immune system. The roots are rich in active pharmaceutical ingredients, more than 60 substances such as calendulosides, saponins, and triterpene glycosides such as mocochinosides A and B, which contain properties to reduce inflammation through inhibition of the formation of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages (Huang et al., 2021), thereby reducing fever symptoms and the likelihood of a cytokine storm, which is often a consequence when the body becomes infected. Another study found that chymotrypsin-specific inhibitors (MCoCl), a type of squash root, have a stimulating effect on cell division and white blood cell embryos in the spinal cord and larynx and help reduce the generation of radicals independent of different types of white blood cells, which causes the cells to be injured (Tsoi et al., 2006). The extract from the squash root helps regulate the function of the immune system so that it can respond to pathogens. Moreover, studies have found that glycosides and saponins in the guava root may inhibit thrombosis by preventing the aggregation of fibrinogen and platelets. However, this mechanism is still being studied (Lichota et al., 2020). Fifth, C. aurantifolia, the extracts derived from citrus plants, including lemon roots, are often rich in nutrients with antioxidants such as terpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, which help prevent inflammation and cell damage in various conditions. Furthermore, lemon roots also contain naringin and hesperidin, which inhibit COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6, a cytokine-stimulating inflammation secreted by macrophages (Liu et al., 2022), indicating that the use of lemon juice for the treatment of infectious diseases will help reduce the risk of cytokine storms, which can cause severe inflammation all over the body. Sixth, C. quadrangulare, the extracts of Sakae root, are rich in flavonoids and many triterpenes, such as combretic acids, combretanones, and quadrantids, which qualify outstanding in protecting liver cells by inhibiting inflammation and cell death (Banskota et al., 2000). Furthermore, Sakae extracts also reduced the production of IgE cytokines and various chemokines of white blood cells such as IL-6, IL-13, and TARC at the mRNA level by regulating Mitogen?activated protein kinase signaling pathways properties to help suppress inflammation predominantly expressed on the skin (Biswas et al., 2010; Park et al., 2020). Seventh, the root extract of D. volubilis has many properties. This herb contains many essential substances, such as pregnane glycosides and polyoxypregnane glycosides, which affect the free radicals in cells by inhibiting the lipid oxidation process and reducing the sensitivity of various types of free radicals such as NO and superoxide anion, thereby reducing the injury of organ tissues (Biswas et al., 2010). Eight, in terms of T. triandra, current research also revealed that the extract from yanang has properties related to reducing sugar and fat in the blood, including helping stimulate the functioning of the nervous system and brain. In the leaves and vines, yanang is rich in antioxidants of the phenol group, which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, prevents clot formation of blood clots, and has high stability even in capsule form (Singthong et al., 2014). Several studies of various herbs in Thailand have found that the vine has properties preventing various pathogens, such as bacteria, Candida fungi, and the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, which cause disease in the respiratory system (Arjin et al., 2020). However, the activities related to inhibiting the virus that causes human disease still need further study. Ninth, for T. crispa, different parts of the plant contain antioxidants such as alkaloids and flavonoids and a very high glycoside content (Jaric et al., 2015). In terms of infectious disease prevention and mitigation properties, previous work research has found that T. crispa extract will help stimulate the cell function of macrophages in response (chemotaxis) and ingestion (phagocytosis) (Ahmad et al., 2018).

Furthermore, a recent study has reported that T. cordifolia’s extract contains alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoid lignans, which have medicinal properties against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. These substances inhibit the binding between the S-protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the ACE2 receptor in human cells, thus preventing virus from getting into cells (Jena et al., 2021). Another study found that tinocordiside in T. crispa can bind to the main protease enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 with a force greater than 8 kcal/mol, resulting in changes in the enzyme molecules to the point where the virus can no longer use it to continue to increase the number of diagonals (Shree et al., 2022). Other studies have also found that the active ingredients in T. cordifolia, such as glycosides, triterpenoids, and lactones, modulate cell balance in the immune system together in response to pathogens accurately without inducing severe inflammation or cytokine storms. Therefore, wormwood may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 in some patients (Khan and Rathi, 2020) and may help prevent infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which can cause COVID-19.

All of the above-mentioned herbs aid in the reduction of heat, fever, and cough; the elimination of phlegm; the nourishment of lymph; the stimulation of the immune system; the reduction of restlessness; the reduction of inflammation, pain, and swelling; the improvement of heart and blood circulation (Singthong et al., 2014; Sun et al., 2019).

Previous in vitro research examined the efficiency of the Kerra extract in inhibiting the COVID-19 main protease of SARS-CoV-2. It revealed that Kerra extract could inhibit both the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp (Seetaha et al., 2022). Furthermore, Kerra extract may affect macrophages’ anti-inflammatory activities (Seetaha et al., 2022). Moreover, Kerra extract has decreased intracellular viral activity in Crandell–Rees feline kidney cells (Seetaha et al., 2022). There were no significant adverse reactions such as diarrhea or dizziness during the cytotoxicity test, owing to the very few or no poisonous chemicals identified by the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2018 criteria, and the acute toxicity of Kerra capsules examined in rats is extremely low. This indicates that the Kerra capsules are safe and may potentially reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection and mortality rates.

A previous article examined the effect of traditional herbal therapy (Kerra capsules) on the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 isolated at home during July and August 2021. Moreover, another retrospective study was conducted on 2,476 COVID-19-positive patients in Pathum Thani Province who were treated with medicinal herbs (Kerra capsules) and then self-isolated under the supervision of Prachathipat Hospital (Srathong et al., 2022). The findings indicated that most patients (60.33%) had a cough before obtaining the herbal medicine and drank the Kerra capsules alone (96.04%) during home isolation. Most patients (62.8%) recovered between 1 and 7 days after getting the herbal remedy. No adverse events were reported in 99.68% of patients, and this trial did not result in any referrals or deaths. As a result, Kerra is a candidate for COVID-19 medication treatment that is safe and cost-effective (Srathong et al., 2022).