Cytokine Storm Management in Severe COVID-19: Exploring Four Effective Medicinal Plants as Potential Interventions

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

2 Department of pharmaceutical nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

3 Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran

4 Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

5 Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

6 Scientific Association of Indigenous Knowledge, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has emerged as a global health threat. Due to coronovirus mutations and genetic variations, effective treatments remain elusive. Currently, the primary strategy for disease management revolves around coronovirus vaccines, representing the sole avenue for disease control. A prominent factor in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is the severe inflammation triggered by a phenomenon known as cytokine storm. This review delves into the pivotal role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in orchestrating the cytokine storm and explores the intricate network of signaling pathways and inhibitors, including phytochemicals. Numerous clinical trials have explored the potential of anti-cytokine agents and medicinal plants with cytokine-modulating attributes in COVID-19 patients. According to various studies investigating the effects of medicinal plants on COVID-19, four specific plants—Silybum marianum L., Tanacetum parthenium L., Curcuma longa L., and Zingiber officinale Rosc.—have exhibited significant anti-IL-6 signaling properties. However, further rigorous clinical data are needed to establish their prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy. Overall, both in-vivo and clinical studies suggest that the aforementioned medicinal plants, endowed with proven anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties, particularly through IL-6 reduction, could make valuable contributions to the management of COVID-19.

Highlights

Samira Sadat Abolmaali (Google Scholar)

Ali Mohammad Tamaddon (Google Scholar)

Keywords

References

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Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Volume 9, Issue 4
December 2023
Pages 279-286

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