Abstract
COVID-19, a pandemic has led the whole globe through unprecedented times and unpredictability that has adversely affected the humanity as a whole. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome was reported in the year 2002-2004 of zoonotic origin caused by SARS-CoV-1 strain. Now recently, in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged and swiftly spread to the whole world, taking a heavy toll on life. Studies are being conducted worldwide to find antiviral drugs acting specifically on the virus and to develop the vaccine for the disease. The present review article summarizes the currently undergoing clinical trials of Indian Ayurvedic herbs and their role in promoting immunity. It also includes studies focused on repurposing the existing drugs and finding alternative treatment methods that can be opted for potential treatment/management of COVID-19. Last but not the least, this paper provides a background on the development of preventive vaccines and the various bioinformatic tools utilized in order to help accelerate the research on coronavirus. The manuscript gives a brief outline of all the possible strategies and therapeutics underway in India and at the global level to fight against the microscopic adversary and lead to an affordable and speedy remedy for COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs, antimalarial drugs, vaccines, ayurvedic herbs, bioinformatic tools.