Phytotherapy for treatment of cytokine storm in COVID-19

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2021 Apr 30;26(5):51-75. doi: 10.52586/4924.

Abstract

In 2020, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As of the date of this writing, a total of 116 M cases has been diagnosed worldwide leading to 2.5 M deaths. The number of mortalities is directly correlated with the rise of innate immune cells (especially macrophages) in the lungs that secrete inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) leading to the development of "Cytokine Storm Syndrome" (CSS), multi-organ-failure and death. Given that currently the treatment of this condition is rare and release of effective vaccine might be months away, here, we review the plants and their pharmacologically active-compounds as potential phytopharmaceuticals for the virus induced inflammatory response. Experimental validation of the effectiveness of these natural compounds to prevent or reduce the cytokine storm might be beneficial as an adjunct treatment of SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: COVID-19; CSS; Cytokine Storm Syndrome; Immune system; Phytotherapeutics; Review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / immunology
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Phytotherapy / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Plants, Medicinal / classification
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity
  • Virulence / drug effects
  • Virulence / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Plant Extracts