Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF HERBAL PLANTS IN RESPIRATORY DISEASE TREATMENT

Ananda Krishnan P. R., Magudapathi M. and *Dr. Mahenthiran R.

Abstract

Upper and lower respiratory tract anatomically are divided into two parts which are separated from each other by the throat. Respiratory diseases can involve the respiratory tract, lungs or blood vessels and usually a combination of these abnormalities can be seen in many respiratory diseases. Respiratory diseases can generally classify into the following groups obstructive pulmonary disease, restrictive lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease and other diseases. Herbal medicine is simply the science of using plants to treat or prevent medical conditions. It is one of the main modalities in traditional as well as contemporary medicine and is increasingly acknowledged due to the extensive use of herbal remedies in public and societies. As respiratory tract infections (RTI) are highly prevalent and variable, especially lower respiratory infections are a leading cause of sickness and mortality both in children and adults. There is a growing need for new treatments for such infections, particularly in the setting of worsening antibacterial resistance. Since ancient times, people who have tried herbs to treat diseases have also used them to treat infectious respiratory diseases. Many plants and herbal medicine- derived natural products could be used as an alternative therapeutic potential for RTI since they have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiinflammatory effects. Although there are some doubts about safety and efficacy, Chinese Herbal medicines may help treat symptoms of viral respiratory disease, including COVID-19. Natural products such as plant extracts and their active compounds, directly target the processes involved in RTI and could be suitable therapeutic options with fewer adverse effects. In the meantime, it should be kept in mind that there are many factors that affect the therapeutic potential of medicinal herbs and related products, including the collection and development processing. This section aims to highlight the examples of herbal medicines that are effective against RTI and their properties and therapeutic mechanisms.

Keywords: Respiratory tract infection, Herbal medicines, COVID-19, Therapeutic mechanisms.