1. INTRODUCTION:

1.1 Introduction of SARS-CoV-2:

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 it is genetically similar to the previously known viral disease coronavirus SARS-CoV so it is placed under the family coronaviridae in the order nidovirales. Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses that are brodely distributed among humans and animals and it causes the respiratory disease. It is positive sence, single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) genome and having genome size ranging from 26 to 32 kilobites (kb) in length.¹ There are mainly four sub-groups of coronaviruses which are alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Coronaviruses are named due to the crown-like spikes on their surface. People get infected with human coronaviruses are 229E (alpha coronavirus), NL63 (alpha coronavirus), OC43 (beta coronavirus) and HKU1 (beta coronavirus).

The other human coronaviruses are MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV (COVID-19).² As per the international committee on taxonomy of viruses (ICTV) named the virus SARS-CoV-2 beta coronavirus. Coronavirus-2 has detained the whole world and it is declared as a epidemic by the WHO (World Health Organization). Many herbal plants founds that is having the immunomodulatory as well as anti-viral property, so it can be used in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Several vitamins and trace elements having role for the immune function. Early death was observed in the older people; it is probably because of the poor immunity, which faster the progression of COVID-19. So, and it is significant to boosting our immune system. The SARS-CoV-2 has relatively higher transmissibility because of the higher Reproduction Number. Older people and patients may take supplements like zinc, selenium and iron and vitamins like A, D, E and C and to take plenty of citrus fruits having vitamins for the boosting the immunity. This review is more focus on to the herbs having immunomodulatory activity and vitamins, minerals that are boosting immunity against the viral disease and also have antiviral activity to fight against the respiratory viral disease.

Fig. 1: structure of SARS-CoV-2

2. Mechanism through which immunity prevents infection:

When the virus infects a person (Host), it invades the cells of the host in order to survive and replicate. Once inside, the cells of the immune system cannot see the virus and therefore do not know that the host cell is infected. To overcome this, cells employ a sytem that allows them to show other cells what is inside them they use molecules called Class 1 major histocompatibility complex protein (or MHC class 1) to display pieces of protein from inside the cell upon the cell surface. If the cell is infected with a virus, these pieces of peptide will include fragements of proteins made by the virus.¹⁸ A special cell of the immune system called a T cell circulates looking for infection.one of the type of T cell is called a Cytotoxic T cell because it kills cells that are infected with viruses with toxic mediators. Cytotoxic T cells have specialized proteins on their surface that help them to recognise virally-infected cells. These proteins are called T cell receptors (TCRs). Each cytotoxic T cell has a TCR that can specifically recognise a particular antigenic peptide bound to an MHC molecule, if the T Cell receptor detects a peptide bound to an MHC molecule. If the T cell receptor detects a peptide from the virus, it warns its T cell of an infection. The T cell release cytotoxic factor to kill the infected cell and therefore, prevent survival of the invading virus.³

3. Immunity against COVID-19.

3.1 Potential role of Ayush Kwath:

The importance of immunity boosting measures in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India with the interest of health promotion of the masses, recommends ‘Ayush Kwath’ which comprises of four medicinal herbs. The herbs like holy basil, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper are highly available, accessible and widely used in the kitchen and are convenient to educate and train about its use to community health workers, community and even to all public that they can have cost effective treatment with herbal home remedies. This will help to promote immunity and to lower the gatherings at hospitals and pharmacies in this pandemic. People leave their homes to earn a living; this herbal decoction will ensure broad access to health care. This Kwath is not just a mechanical mixture invented for the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is a revival of health tradition.⁴

3.2 Method of preparation and use:

Take all the ingredients in dry form as per standards laid down in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and make coarse powder. Make sachets or tea bags each of 3 g of powder or 500 mg tablet of aqueous extract, to be consumed like tea or hot drink by dissolving in 150 ml of boiled water, once or twice daily. Gud (Jaggery)/Draksha (Resins) and/or Lemon Juice can be added while consuming the formulation. Each herbal constituent of Ayush Kwath is found to have some role in increasing the immune response. On correlating immunepathogenesis of COVID-19 with immune-modulatory effects of herbs, Ayush Kwath can be an option before infection and during the non-severe stage to enhance immune response, prevent the propagation of COVID-19 virus to lower airways and thus help in early recovery with mild symptoms.⁴

4. Nutrition status of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):

Nutrients play a vital role in the defence against the infectious disease. Now the nutrition status of the COVID-19 patients is unknown. All severely ill patients are deficients in selenium and zinc. One report measured the concentration of B1, B6, B12, Folate and vit.D, selenium, Zinc in the 50 COVID-19 patients. It is proposed that patients were vit.D deficient and selenium deficient. This study is performed on to the healthy group and COVID-19 group. The COVID-19 group shows that lower value of Zn as compare to the healthy group of people. Vit.D deficiency was also reported. It suggests that deficiency of Vit.D and selenium suggest that it is decrease the immunity defence against COVID-19. This study is also suggested that who are old and underlying illness having more voulnerable to COVID-19. So, this study suggest that vitamins and minerals are required to take during this time for prevention of SARS-CoV-2.⁵

5. Role of Minerals against the SARS-CoV-2:

5.1 Zinc and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Zinc is an essential micronutrients that is required to mount an effective antiviral response, it posses direct antiviral response, it is also having role in generating both innate and acquired antiviral response. Zinc is shown to play an important role in the regulation of the immune system, particular T-cell mediated functions. The low level of zinc is commonly reported into the elderly people, which may hinder to the resistance to pathogens and the inadequate stores of zinc therefore risk factor for pneumonia and mortality among the elder people. In general, cellular function, such as the intracellular killing of harmful pathogens, cytokine production as well as ROS production, are dependent on zinc and are impaired due to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency also adversely affects the maturation and function of T and B cells, which occurs through dysregulation of basic biological functions at the cellular level. For T cells, a disturbed ratio of Th1 and Th2 cells in favor of Th2-driven allergic reactions is a well-known consequence of zinc deficiency. Zinc highly important for adequate T cell differentiation, and this observed is triggered by long-lasting changes in intracellular zinc levels due to induction of regulatory T cells (Treg) cells and dampening of pro-inflammatory Th17 and Th9 cells.⁵

· Zn Can Directly Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication:

Using recombinant SARS-CoV nsp12, that Zn²⁺ directly inhibited the in vitro RdRp activity. It is also reported that specifically, Zn²⁺ was found to inhibit the SARS-CoV RdRp elongation and template binding. Earlier, it was also shown that Zn²⁺ inhibited the proteolytic processing of replicase polyprotein.⁶ Increasing concentration of intracellular zinc inhibits the replication of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and other viruses.⁷ Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) are suitable targets for novel antiviral drugs, since their activity is strictly virus-specific and may be blocked without severely affecting key cellular functions. Of note, an inhibitory effect of Zn on function of viral RdRp was demonstrated in cases of rhinoviruses, HCV, and influenza virus.⁸ Zinc has direct antiviral properties that include the stimulation of a variety of antiviral signaling events, including viral polymerase function, viral protein production and processing, and viral inactivation. For example, in vitro, a dose of zinc greater than 2 μM inhibited SARS-CoV replication by inhibiting RNA polymerase.⁹ Due to the immunomodulatory and anti-viral properties of zinc; it has the potential to be a supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients. It has been suggested that zinc supplementation may increase the efficacy of other treatments currently under investigation such as hydroxychloroquine. A case series of four COVID-19 patients treated with high-dose zinc also showed both clinical symptomatic improvements. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation is able to decrease COVID-19 related symptoms such as lower respiratory tract infection. These effects have been suggested to be due to inhibition of viral uncoating, binding and replication, and may be relevant to COVID-19. A clinical trial registered in Australia will determine the use of intravenous zinc administration COVID-19 positive individual.¹⁰

5.2 Selenium and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary trace element required for many aspects of human health, including an optimally functioning immune system. Se exerts its biological effects through its incorporation into selenoproteins as the amino acid selenocysteine. Selenium supplementation in experimental animals has been associated with increases in natural-killer (NK) cell activity, cytotoxic T-cell, activity; interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor expression, T-cell proliferation, lymphokine-activated killer cell activity, delayed type hypersensitivity (DHS) skin response, and vaccine-induced immunity to malaria. In vitro studies of selenium supplementation have observed decreased nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation, decreased expression of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA following ultraviolet (UV) treatment, increased apoptosis in tumor cells, increased phytohemagglutinin response in lymphocytes, increased killing by macrophages, and increased target killing by cytotoxic T-cells. Selenium deficiency in animals has been associated with decreased antibody production by lymphocytes, increased virulence of Coxsackie virus, decreased neutrophil chemotaxis and candidacidal activity, increased CD4+ T-cells, and decreased CD8+ and CD4−/CD8− thymocyte.¹⁰ Th1 phenotype can be beneficial in developing cellular immunity, it is also associated with many of the cytokines that correlate with COVID-19 severity. Whether selenium supplementation can promote a Th1 response that results in a beneficial cellular response without contributing to further inflammation, remains to be seen. Within the innate immune system, selenium supplementation has been shown to affect macrophage responses, shifting them away from a “pro-inflammatory” reaction with regard to cytokine release.¹¹

· Dietary selenium intake:

Currently, the recommended amounts for adequate selenium intake of adults range between 25 and 100 mg/d, with an average of 60 mg/d for men and 53 mg/d for women. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is set at 300–450 mg Se/d. Thus, selenium has a relatively narrow safety range.¹²

5.3 Copper and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Copper it is known to play an important role in development and maintenance of the immune system. Dietary Cu deficiency affects both innate and adaptive immunity. Cu plays an important role in the function and maintenance of the human immune system. Cu is involved in the functions of T helper cells, B cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells and macrophages. These cells are involved in the killing of infectious microbes, cell-mediated immunity and production of specific antibodies. Cu deficiency symptoms in human include deficiencies in white blood cells, bone and connective tissue abnormalities, and immune reaction. Cu-deficient humans show an exceptional susceptibility to infections. Besides, Cu can kill several infectious viruses such as bronchitis virus, poliovirus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1), other enveloped or nonenveloped, single- or double-stranded DNA and RNA viruses. In-vitro studies have shown that copper demonstrates antiviral properties. For example, thujaplicin-copper chelates inhibit replication of human influenza viruses.Cu2+ ions can inactivate five enveloped or nonenveloped, singleor double-stranded DNA or RNA viruses.²⁸ The virucidal effect of this Cu is enhanced by the addition of peroxide as the mixtures of Cu2+ ions and peroxide are more efficient than glutaraldehyde in activating Junin and herpes simplex viruses. The virucidal effect of this Cu is enhanced by the addition of peroxide as the mixtures of Cu2+ ions and peroxide are more efficient than glutaraldehyde in activating Junin and herpes simplex viruses.Copper exposure to human coronavirus 229E destroyed the viral genomes and irreversibly affected virus morphology, including disintegration of envelope and dispersal of surface spikes.Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for current COVID-19 pandemic is very sensitive to the copper surface. Cu supplementation was shown to restore the secretion and activity of IL-2 in Cu-deficient animals via increased synthesis of IL2, which is crucial for T helper cell proliferation and NK cell cytotoxicity. Cu also normalized impaired immunological functions by modulating neutrophils activity, blastomeric response to T helper cell mutagens, the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells. Copper supplementation can help fight COVID19, especially in older people where marginal or severe deficiency of Cu is a strong possibility. Because Cu and zinc are competitively absorbed from the jejunum via metallothionein, high doses of zinc (> 150 mg/day) can result in Cu deficiency in healthy individuals. It is possible that people are may be at risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, who are also taking Zn supplement regularly. While high copper levels can be poisonous, sites which are Cu limited can result in stress responses by pathogens that warrants that the Cu levels must be maintained optimally.¹³

5.4 Magnesium and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and the second most abundant intracellular cation. The inflammatory mediators stimulated by angiotensin II. Release of the virus from the alveolus occurs with an increase in cell permeability and destruction of epithelial cells.¹⁴ It then activates both the innate and adaptive immune system. Macrophages and other immune cells capture the virus and as explained above release a large number of cytokines and chemokines, most notably interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Large numbers of erythrocytes and inflammatory exudates then enter the alveoli, eventually causing dyspnea and respiratory failure. Proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 is expressed in the lungs. High expression of IL-6 other inflammatory cytokines have also been well documented in patients with both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The role of magnesium in immune function is mediated by several mechanisms including immune cell adherence, antibody-dependent cytolysis, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) lymphocyte binding, exerting a significant effect on the immunoglobulin synthesis, macrophage response to lymphokines, and T helper-B cell adherence.¹⁵

6. Role of Vitamins against the SARS-CoV-2:

6.1 Vitamin A and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Vitamin A is important for normal differentiation of epithelial tissue and for immune cell maturation and function. Thus, vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired barrier function, altered immune responses and increased susceptibility to a range of infections.vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired barrier function, altered immune responses and increased susceptibility to a range of infections.Vitamin A has been found to not only promote proliferation of T-lymphocytes (through the increase of IL-2) but to also promote their differentiation, especially into regulatory T cells. This has been interestingly used as an adjunct to vaccine use, including tetanus, diphtheria, measles, influenza, rabies, and malaria. Vitamin A and some other retinoids also show important immunomodulatory properties, including the ability to increase the efficiency of actions of type 1 interferons (IFN-I), an important antiviral cytokine released by the innate immune system against viral infections. However, coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 can suppress the host IFN-I-based antiviral response as part of their infection mechanism. Therefore, retinoids have recently been considered as adjuvants to increase IFN-I-mediated antiviral responses, their effect could even be tested in combination with antiviral drugs currently tested in preclinical studies of SARS-CoV-2, especially those based on IFN-I mediated response.¹⁶

6.2 Vitamin C and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Vitamin C, an essential micronutrient for humans and free radical scavenger, was suggested as a nonspecific treatment for severe viral respiratory tract infections. Vitamin C is known to support various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, including modifying susceptibility to various viral infections, and by influencing inflammation. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C might influence the regulatory function of the immune system. These effects have been observed in in vivo murine models, showing an increase in the production of IFN-α and -β that up-regulate immune regulatory responses. Also, an in vitro study provided information that the addition of vitamin C to iron and/or cupper was related to an increase in the production of hydrogen peroxide and other free radicals, thus conferring antiviral properties to vitamin C. Because of the previously mentioned effects it has been proposed that vitamin C could have a protective effect against viruses in humans. Vitamin C can logically be assumed to benefit patients with COVID-19. Moreover, since vitamin C inhibits the increase of a range of inflammatory cytokines, the vitamin may be therapeutically superior to blockers of individual cytokine mediators. High doses of vitamin C are generally assumed to be administered intravenously because they are poorly tolerated orally.¹⁷

6.3 Vitamin D and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Several studies have demonstrated that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better prognosis and outcome in infectious diseases. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in promoting innate immune response, by enhancing the production of antimicrobial agents by monocyte and neutrophils, and it is able to modulate the specific immune response. Briefly, the hormone acts by skewing T cell to Th2 polarisation, attenuating and stimulating Th1 and Th2 cell proliferation, respectively. Vitamin D can inhibit the synthesis, secretion, and release of Th1 cells anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) whilst inducing those of Th2 cell pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ). Furthermore, vitamin D can suppress IL-17 production by Th17 cells and has been proven to promote self-tolerance. Macrophages, monocytes, and B and T lymphocytes show, even during quiescence, a low expression of VDR, which increases considerably as a result of inflammatory and immunological stimuli.¹⁸ vitamin D decrease the risk of viral respiratory tract infection. The risk of pneumonia had been increased with the deficience of vitamin D.so, vitamin D can be important micronutrient to treat COVID-19 patients.

6.4 Vitamin B and its role in SARS-CoV-2:

Vitamin B is not maintained the healthy immune system but it also prevent and reduce COVID-19 symptomes or treats SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vitamin B deficiency can significant impair cell and immune system function. Vitamin B deficiency can significantly impair cell and immune system function. Therefore, vitamin B status should be assessed in COVID-19 patients and vitamin B could be used as a non-pharmaceutical adjunct to current treatments.There is a need to highlight the importance of vitamin B because it plays a pivotal role in cell functioning, energy metabolism, and proper immune function. Vitamin B assists in proper activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, improves respiratory function, maintains endothelial integrity.¹⁹

Vitamin B not only helps to build and maintain a healthy immune system but it could potentially prevent or reduce COVID-19 symptoms or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

7. Herbals for SARS-CoV-2:

· Using Herbs and Foods against the SARS-CoV-2:

Current literature carries strong evidence in support of dietary therapy and herbal medicine as potential effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and preventive agents against COVID-19. For future studies, the authors believe there are 4 potential approaches for the application of dietary therapy and herbal medicine against COVID-19: (1) using foods and herbs as diet or supplement to prevent infection and strengthen immunity; (2) use as an antiviral agent by coating on masks; (3) use as an air-disinfectant (essential oil) to stop aerosol transmission; and (4) use as a surface sanitizing agent to provide a disinfected environment.²⁰

· Medicinal plants with immune-boosting properties:

Medicinal plants and natural products with immunomodulatory activities have been employed in traditional medicine and phytomedicine. They improve the humoral and cell-mediated immunity and mediate the initiation of "non-specific" immune responses which include the induction of macrophages, natural killer cells, granulocytes, and the complement system. These processes trigger the synthesize and release of diverse molecules such as cytokines which participate in the improvement and modulation of the immune responses. Plants that are copious carotenoids, vitamin C or flavonoids can act as an immune-stimulant. Medicinal plants that are rich in flavonoids may also possess anti-inflammatory action. They induce interferon production, enhance the activity of lymphocytes and increase phagocytosis. Examples of these immunomodulatory plants include garlic which remarkably enhances immune system activities. Garlic as an immune system booster has been found to exert an immune-potentiating effect by stimulating natural killer cell activity. Some studies strongly present garlic as a promising candidate as an immune modifier, which preserves the homeostasis of immune functions because it has a higher concentration of sulfur combinations which are responsible for its therapeutic effects.²¹ Other medicinal plants used by traditional healers as immune boosters are garlic (Allium sativum), guava leave (Psidium guajava), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).

7.1 Curcumin and SARS-CoV-2:

Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, namely prostanoids and cytokines, thereby showing anticancer, antiarthritic and antiatherosclerotic effects.Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, namely prostanoids and cytokines, thereby showing anticancer, antiarthritic and antiatherosclerotic effects may have the potential to inhibit the COVID-19 infection by molecular docking. Curcumin showed relatively low binding energies and inhibition constants. They suggested that curcumin could have a potential inhibitory effect on COVID-19 Mpro and could potentially act as a therapeutic agent.²²

7.1.1 SARS-CoV-2 replication and curcumin:

A large number of investigations are aimed to target key events and enzymes involved in viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. Foremost candidates in these targets are RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and main protease (MPro; also known as 3c-like proteinase). Effective phytochemicals interfering coronavirus replication majorly target SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Few peer-reviewed studies predict the direct binding of curcumin with SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Curcumin can be predicted to have the ability to interact with RdRp and SARS-CoV-2 MPro and can prevent the viral budding from cells.23

7.2 Ashwagandha and SARS-CoV-2:

Ashwagandha known as Indian winter cherry and Indian ginseng is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda and used for the immunomodulation. Ashwagandha helps to restore immune homeostasis by providing immune-suppression or immune stimulation effects. Ashwagandha provides anti-viral immunity by increasing Interferon gamma (IFNgamma responses) and anti-inflammatory activities by decreasing the quantity of Interleukin -1, Interleukin -6 and Tumor necrosis factor which are the main factors related to COVID-19. Ashwangandha may be an effective agent in the management of COVID-19 infection by modulation of host Th-1/Th-2 immunity.²⁴

7.3 Garlic and SARS-CoV-2:

Garlic seems to increase the immune system functions. It stimulates macrophages, lymphocytes, NK cells, DC and eosinophils, by mechanisms including modulation of cytokine secretion, immunoglobulin synthesis, and phagocytosis and macrophage activation. Garlic seems to increase the immune system functions. It stimulates macrophages, lymphocytes, NK cells, DC and eosinophils, by mechanisms including modulation of cytokine secretion, immunoglobulin synthesis, and phagocytosis and macrophage activation. It is important to take a garlic in our regular diet for COVID-19 and also having various biological activities.²⁵ Phytochemicals present in garlic and onion have been observed to block the formation of protein and genetic material in the virus. Garlic possesses high anti-viral properties. For example, experiments have proved that garlic extract can minimize influenza A and B viral infections. Similarly, garlic is effective against different viruses such as cytomegalovirus, rhinovirus, HIV, herpes simplex virus 1, herpes simplex virus 2, viral pneumonia, and rotavirus.

7.4 Ginger and SARS-CoV-2:

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) is a plant which used as a spice, food, flavouring agent, and medicine. Ginger possesses multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, respiratory protective, antinausea, and antiemetic activities. Besides, Ginger can help in the treatment of inflammatory chronic diseases through anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory and antioxidative mechanisms. A study was carried out using 6 weeks‘ ginger period by athletes could modulate inflammation and reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) in these athletes, and possibly limiting the chance of infections and reducing the effects of these cytokines concentrations in inducing fatigue-like symptoms. There are considerations for anti-virulence-based strategies for COVID-19 treatments including blocking components of the innate immune system such as IL-6 and inflammasome activation. In spite of spreading of COVID-19 affecting more than seventy countries all over the world the incidence among Sudanese people is still very low; so, that using ginger as the traditional herbal drink in their life style is the main reason.²⁶

7.5 Glycyrrhizin and SARS-CoV-2:

Glycyrrhizin is able to inhibit adsorption and penetration of the virus during the early steps of the replicative cycle. The activity of glycyrrhizin is lower when added during the adsorption period than after virus adsorption (EC50 is 600 mg/L vs 2400 mg/L, respectively). The studies show that glycyrrhizin induces nitrous oxide synthase in Vero cells and that virus replication is inhibited when a nitrous oxide donor (DETA Nonoate) is added to the culture medium. Since glycyrrhizin was shown to be able to inhibit SARS-CoV replication in vitro, the activity of several glycyrrhizic acid derivatives was evaluated. The introduction of 2-acetamido-beta-Dglucopyranosylamine into the glycoside chain of glycyrrhizin produced a 10-fold increase of the anti-SARS-CoV activity. Other compounds, such as amides and conjugates of glycyrrhizin with two amino acid residues presented up to 70-fold increased activity against the virus however, the cytotoxicity increased as well in those derivatives, resulting in a decreased selectivity index.²⁷ GZ is known for its antiviral activity against numerous RNA and DNA viruses. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that GZ influences replication, adsorption, and penetration of SARS-CoV. The similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV suggest that systemic administration of GZ may be used as COVID-19 adjunctive or prophylatic therapy.²⁸

8. CONCLUSION:

A pandemic situation of COVID-19 has break social economical condition of the world. and has emerged as the most hazardous pandemic risk throughout the world since its outbreak during December 2019. It has become a big Challenge for the researchers to find out solution for this dedly epidemic SARS-COV-2 Mainly alters immune regulatory Mechanism and damage the immune system. So it is better option to prevent the infection with the help of the immunity Boosting herbs, Vitamins and Minerals they are able to boosting the immunity and prevent the infection as well as protect the body.

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Received on 30.04.2021 Modified on 19.06.2021

Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2021; 11(4):309-315.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5659.2021.00048

Vitamin B	Can be used to COVID-19.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	High dose of Thiamine given to the early stage of COVID-19 patients potentially limit hypoxia and reduce the hospitalization.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Riboflavin and UV light has been shown to be effective against the MERS-CoV virus, suggesting that it could also be helpful against SARS-CoV-2. Infact, riboflavin-UV decreased the infectious titer of SARS-CoV-2 below the limit of idetection in human blood.
VitaminB3 (Nicotinamide, Niacin)	In hamsters, niacin and nicotinamide prevents lung tissue damage. In addition, nicotinamide reduces viral replication and strength the body mechanism. Lung protective and immune strengthening roles of niacin, it could be used as an adjunct treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	There are limited studies demonstrating the effects of pantothenic acid on the immune system.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5′ -phosphate, Pyridoxine)	Deficiency of vit.B6 leads to immune dysregulation. It also able to contribute to demping to cytokine strome and inflammation suffered by some COVID-19 patients.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid, folate)	It is also essential for adaptive immune response and also for the viral infection.folic acid was able to inhibit furin, preventing binding by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing cell entry and virus turnover. Therefore it was suggested that folic acid could be beneficial for the management of COVID-19-associated respiratory disease in the early stages. so, it can be therapeutic approach for COVID-19 patients.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)	Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to COVID-19. Vit. B12 deficiency can result in disorders of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. A clinical study conducted in Singapore showed that COVID-19 patients who were given vitamin B12 supplements (500 μg), vitamin D (1000 IU) and magnesium had reduced COVID-19 symptom severity and supplements significantly reduced the need for oxygen and intensive care support.