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In vitro efficacy of Artemisia extracts against SARS-CoV-2
Chuanxiong Nie1,2, Jakob Trimpert1, Sooyeon Moon3
1Institute for Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert von Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
Virology Journal
|September 9, 2021
Summary
Herbal extracts like Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra show potential in vitro against SARS-CoV-2. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness for COVID-19 prevention and treatment in humans.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Traditional Medicine
Background:
- Herbal remedies, including Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra extracts, are explored as affordable treatments for COVID-19.
- These plant-based preparations are widely used in Africa for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and managing COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of specific plant extracts and a herbal remedy (Covid-Organics) against SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the cytotoxicity of these herbal preparations.
Main Methods:
- Plaque reduction assays were performed using feline coronavirus (FCoV) and SARS-CoV-2.
- Cytotoxicity assessments were conducted to determine the safety of the extracts and Covid-Organics.
Main Results:
- Several Artemisia extracts and Covid-Organics demonstrated inhibition of both SARS-CoV-2 and FCoV in vitro.
- The observed antiviral effects occurred at concentrations that did not compromise cell viability.
Conclusions:
- Plant extracts, including those in Covid-Organics, exhibit in vitro inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 and FCoV.
- Further clinical research is essential to determine if human consumption of these herbal products leads to sufficient concentrations for viral inhibition and therapeutic benefit in COVID-19 patients.
