Toxicity as prime selection criterion among SARS-active herbal medications

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Traditional Medicine
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates rapid identification of effective treatments.
• Herbal medications previously showed efficacy against SARS, suggesting potential for COVID-19.
• A systematic approach is needed to prioritize research on these traditional remedies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel criterion for prioritizing research on herbal medications for COVID-19 treatment.
• To rank specific herbal medicines based on their relative toxicity and safety profiles.
• To guide rapid investigation and potential implementation of promising treatments.

Main Methods:

• Evaluating toxicological data of herbal medications known to be effective against SARS.
• Ranking these herbs based on a toxicity versus safety assessment.
• Prioritizing herbs for immediate research and potential clinical application in COVID-19.

Main Results:

• Lonicera japonica, Morus alba, Forsythia suspensa, and Codonopsis spec. are identified for immediate investigation.
• Glycyrrhiza spec. and Panax ginseng are ranked as second priority.
• Ephedrine-free Herba Ephedrae extract is third priority, with other agents following.

Conclusions:

• Selected herbal medicines present a low toxicological risk, supporting immediate research for COVID-19.
• Rapid research and implementation of these agents can expand treatment options, especially for non-responders or those with access issues.
• The cost-effectiveness and oral administration of these herbs benefit global public health, particularly in developing nations.