AYUSH Kudineer: An Immune Boosting Herbal Health Drink for COVID-19

Abstract

In December 2019, there was an outbreak of mysterious pneumonia in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. On Jan 7, 2020, it was confirmed that a new type of corona virus named SARSCoV-2 (formerly named as 2019-nCoV) had emerged as pandemic disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) named the Wuhan pneumonia as Corona virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) on Feb 11, 2020. As of now (Nov 4, 2020) globally 47,059,867 people have been suffered by COVID-19 infection. Unfortunately, specific antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently unavailable. Since ancient times, herbs of Indian origin have been used as a treatment and preventive strategy for several diseases, including respiratory viral infections. The benefit of using herbs in viral respiratory infections is to build immune stimulating and reduce inflammation to overcome the viral injury. Holistic approach of AYUSH systems of medicine gives focus on prevention through lifestyle modification, dietary management, prophylactic interventions for improving the immunity and simple remedies based on presentation of the symptoms. In this current pandemic situation Ministry of AYUSH, GOI has taken lots of efforts to control and prevent the fast spread of corona virus infection through AYUSH system of medicines and preventive procedures. Ayush Kwath or Ayush Kudineer or Ayush Joshanda is one among the immunity boosting health drink recommended by AYUSH ministry which contains Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) and Krishna Marich (Piper nigrum). An attempt has been made to review the ingredients of Ayush Kudineer, pertaining to its Anti-viral, Immunomodulator, Anti- inflammatory and other pharmacological effects which are involved in the prevention of covid infection from literatures and scientific publications. The result of this review is to provide supportive scientific evidences towards the antiviral, immuno modulator, and Anti- inflammatory properties of Ayush Kudineer. This study recommends the usage of Ayush Kudineer as prophylactic or preventive health drink for COVID-19.