Exploring the Potential and Limitations of Medicinal Plants in COVID-19 Management: Insights from Algeria | ||||
| The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine | ||||
| Article 130, Volume 93, Issue 1, October 2023, Page 7765-7778 PDF (837.66 K) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejhm.2023.329212 | ||||
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| Abstract | ||||
| Background: The emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019 marked a global health crisis, originating from China and swiftly spreading worldwide. This pandemic prompted investigations into traditional medicines' potential in combating infectious diseases, aiming to alleviate severity, shorten duration, and prevent recurrence. The efficacy of traditional medicines relies on compounds optimizing immune system functioning and responsiveness. Objective: The study's objective was to assess the perception and utilization of medicinal plants in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms among adult individuals in Algeria. Patients and methods: The study involved 385 participants, predominantly with confirmed COVID-19 cases (88.05%), centered on Algerians' treatment preferences, juxtaposing traditional and modern medicine. Additionally, it sought to identify medicinal plants used for preventing and treating COVID-19 in Algeria. Results: The survey included participants from various regions: 59.22% from Northern Provinces, 27.01% from Internal Provinces, and 13.76% from Southern Provinces. A median age of 42 years, with 32.46% below 35 years old. Predominantly educated, with 75.84% having attended university. The respondents were predominantly females (62.07%). Nearly half (48.31%) reported increased usage of medicinal plants during COVID-19, while 37.40% maintained usual consumption patterns. Most participants (44.93%) believed their knowledge of medicinal plants had expanded during the pandemic. Notably, 70.64% highly recommended medicinal plants for COVID-19 prevention, while 17.92% did not, with 11.42% expressing moderate recommendations. Top cited plants included Syzygium aromaticum (344), Citrus limon (315), Verbena officinalis (277), Thymus algeriensis (261), and Zingiber officinalis (239). Conclusions: While concrete evidence supporting medicinal plants' efficacy against COVID-19 among Algerian patients remains elusive, their integration alongside prescribed medications showed promise in improving therapy within this study's parameters. Combining conventional medicine and phytotherapy might offer an alternative strategy in combatting COVID-19 in the future. | ||||
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