Keywords: Covid-19; coronavirus; herbal medicine; aromatherapy; SARS-CoV-2; ravintsara; echinacea
Adjuvant phyto-aromatherapy treatments proposed in officinal practice as preventive or curative for symptomatic patients or patients diagnosed as positive to the Covid-19 positive patients.
For the purpose of this dissertation, a study was implemented during the coronavirus health crisis. Questionnaires were distributed to pharmacy staff who were asked to advise patients requesting preventive treatment or to advise symptomatic or Covid-19 positive patients. The data collected were analyzed and reported orally or in writing to the scientific and professional press. These are not clinical demonstrations of activity. Some plants proposed by medical staff were initially explored in depth as monographs in this dissertation.
In December 2019, in Hubei province, China, an outbreak of viral-like pneumonia of unknown etiology emerged in the city of Wuhan.
On January 9, 2020, the discovery of a new coronavirus was officially announced by Chinese health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO). This new virus is the agent responsible for this new respiratory infectious disease called Covid-19 (for COronaVIrus Disease), for the moment identified as SARS-CoV-2. The origin of the virus is probably animal. Although SARS-CoV-2 is very similar to a virus detected in a bat, the animal responsible for transmission to humans has not yet been identified with certainty. This virus is highly contagious, even a person carrying the disease but not showing symptoms can infect others.
After an outbreak in China in January-February, the epidemic situation has evolved globally since the weekend of 22-23 February 2020.
March 10, 2020: all European Union countries are now affected by Covid-19.
March 11: WHO announces that Covid-19 can be qualified as a pandemic, the first one triggered by a coronavirus. 3 days later, France enters in stage 3 of active epidemic on the territory.
March 16: WHO counts almost as many cases in China as outside China: 165,515 confirmed cases worldwide, including 81,007 in China and 86,438 outside China (in 143 different countries). And 3,218 deaths in China and 3,388 outside China.
March 17: a containment system has been put in place throughout France to slow down the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of strain on the hospital system for the treatment of the most serious forms of the disease. The closure of all non-essential gathering places (cafés, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, etc.) has been reinforced. Food stores, pharmacies, banks, tobacco shops, gas stations remain open.
From May 11: start of the progressive decontamination in France. As of July 1, 2020, in France, there were 19,364 people hospitalized, including 582 in intensive care, and 29,861 deaths (Santé publique France).
Covid-19 symptoms described:
Effective barrier measures:
Current recommendations by healthcare professionals for patients are:
The objective of this study is to analyze the officinal practice of adjuvant phyto-aromatherapy treatments proposed in symptomatic or diagnosed Covid-19 positive patients in the pharmacy. This study allows us to know the phyto-aromatherapy advice used in the pharmacy for patients during the health crisis.
Both questionnaires were written in several parts:
The profile of the persons to be questioned is the health professional who is in direct contact with the patient, more particularly practicing in a pharmacy.
The questionnaires were written via Google Forms in order to facilitate their completion by health professionals.
The mode of administration is the posting of questionnaires on social networks and mailings to students of Faculties of Pharmacy.
The questionnaires were tested mainly by pharmacists to check the order of the questions and their comprehension, and to correct the questionnaires if any problems were encountered.
The distribution was done on social networks via Facebook ("PharmaCool", "Pharmaction" and "Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy for health professionals"). These networks include doctors of pharmacy, pharmacy technicians, students, apprentices and other health professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives,...).
The 2020 promotion of the people doing the training of the university diploma of phyto-aromatherapy managed by Dr Sabrina BOUTEFNOUCHET and Dr Pierre CHAMPY, lecturers at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Paris and the University of Paris-Sud was also of a precious help to us.
Data was collected via a Google Forms form.
Results have been organized into charts, graphs, and percentages for easy visibility.
Response collection dates: April 7, 2020 to May 20, 2020
Out of 38 responses, the majority of healthcare professionals who answered the questionnaires were pharmacists (27 out of 38). Preparers, who represent 18.40% of health professionals, were able to answer the questionnaires (7 out of 38). Health professionals outside the pharmacy were able to respond, such as doctors (2 out of 38), nurses (1 out of 38) and health managers (1 out of 38).
Of the 38 patients surveyed, females accounted for 29 of 38 responses, and males for 9 of 38 responses.
47.37% of patients have a current treatment (18 out of 38 responses).
If yes, specify the treatment. The treatments of the patients interviewed are mainly:
In this study of adjuvant phytotherapy treatments proposed for the prevention of Covid19, 53.85% of health professionals in the pharmacy advised Echinacea. Out of this study of 51 phytotherapy proposals, here are the majotiry plants recommended :
And the remaining 25% have for answer: elderberry, astragalus, nigella oil, Indian costus, spirulina, rose hip, lapacho, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, hawthorn, passion flower, eucalyptus.
Caution: Lapacho (Tabebuia avellanedae) is a plant to be avoided, it has a cytotoxicity. It is therefore strongly discouraged to use it in phytotherapy.
On this study of 63 aromatherapy proposals,
And the remaining 6.5% have for answer: ginger, savory, manuka, thyme ct thujanol.
Out of 38 responses, the majority of healthcare professionals who answered the questionnaires were pharmacists (27 out of 38). Preparers, who represent 18.40% of health professionals, were able to answer the questionnaires (7 out of 38). Health professionals outside the pharmacy were able to respond, such as doctors (2 out of 38), nurses (1 out of 38) and health managers (1 out of 38).
Among the 15 people interviewed, women represent 60% of the patients interviewed against 40% for men.
A few of the patients interviewed have a particular terrain:
Some of the patients interviewed have a chronic pathology:
The majority of the patients interviewed do not have any current treatment: 86.67% (13 responses out of 15) compared to 13.33% who do (2 responses out of 15). Two of the patients interviewed had either an anti-diabetic treatment (Metformine) or an anti-asthma treatment (Innovair).
8 cases began to show signs between March 14 and 30, 2020.
6 cases from April 1-30, 2020 and 1 case between May 1-20, 2020.
8 cases began to show signs between March 14 and 30, 2020.
6 cases from April 1-30, 2020 and 1 case between May 1-20, 2020.
Most patients did not have an established test (10 of 15) and the rest did (5 of 15).
Most consulted a medical professional (10 of 15 responses) but the rest did not (5 of 15).
6 patients had a prescription from a health professional while 9 had no prescription. If yes, what medications were prescribed? The drugs prescribed are :
What treatment did you suggest at the pharmacy?
On this study of 20 phytotherapeutic proposals, the answers were :
And the remaining 35% have as answers: lapacho, thyme, eleutherococcus, astragalus, licorice, plantain and green clay.
Of this study of 17 aromatherapy suggestions, the responses were:
And the remaining 29% have for answer: tea tree, thyme ct thujanol, eucalyptus radiata, noble laurel, lemon.
13% of health professionals surveyed follow up with their patients. If so, how often? The 13% follow up at least once or twice a week and for some, once a day.
Among those who were able to participate in this study (53 returns of questionnaires), 27 health professionals have been trained in phyto-aromatherapy (51%)
In view of all the data gathered in this study, we can draw the following conclusions:
In the end, we can see that during the Covid-19 epidemic, phytotherapy and aromatherapy have found their place as complementary treatment alongside allopathy.
An adjuvant symptomatic treatment can be considered. Some phyto-aromatherapy active ingredients can be proposed as adjuvants, provided that the precautions for use and contraindications are respected. In this memorandum, we have decided to mention some medicinal plants that we would recommend to the pharmacy as an adjuvant treatment for the prevention of Covid-19.
Name of the species : Echinacea angustifolia DC., Echinacea pallida Nutt., Echinacea purpurea Moench.
Family : Asteraceae
Origin : Echinaceas are native to North America in the wild. The species Echinacea angustifolia is found from North Dakota to Texas. The species Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida are more concentrated in the states of Iowa and Michigan. They are grown in all temperate climates outside of America.
Echinaceas are herbaceous perennials with a height ranging from 60 to 120 cm. The parts used in phytotherapy are the root and the flowering aerial parts.
Echinaceas are included in list A of the European Pharmacopoeia. They are subject to the pharmaceutical monopoly. Echinacea purpurea has its own HMPC monograph (Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products).
Main chemical constituents :
Among the Amerindians of North America, echinacea was used in fumigation against headaches. Echinacea is the emblematic plant of immunostimulant drugs. It was Germans who were at the origin of the discovery of its effects.
Precautions of use
Echinacea potentiates the increase of some cytochromes, it inhibits the effect of ciclosporin.
Do not use in case of progressive diseases (tuberculosis, leukosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, HIV, autoimmune diseases)
Do not use if the patient is undergoing immunosuppressive treatment or if he/she has an autoimmune disease (immunodeficiency, immunosuppression, multiple sclerosis, atopic terrain).
Do not recommend it for children under 12 years of age.
Pharmacological activity:
Echinaceas stimulate immune cells and antitumor cells, activate phagocytosis of granulocytes. They have an effect on interferon, lymphoblastic transformation (T cell activation), activate interleukins IL-1β and TNFα. The action of Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide is carried out by release of cytokines, TNFα and interleukins IL-1 and IL-6. The arabinogalactan (polysaccharides) has the effect of activating macrophages and NK (=Natural Killer), and the proliferation of T lymphocytes. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides stimulate phagocytosis in vitro and the production of free radicals by macrophages. In vivo, they limit the infection of mice by Candida. Echinacoside is weakly antibacterial and antiviral and is a radical scavenger. Echinacea ssp. inhibits viruses. Chicoric acid stimulates phagocytosis in vitro. The lipophilic fraction (alkylamides) inhibits, in vitro, lipooxygenase and cyclooxygenase; it also increases phagocytosis. The ethanolic extract increases the phagocytosis of the 16 macrophages. It reinforces the natural defences of the organism and increases the resistance against the infections.
According to Pr. Alexandre Maciuk (Doctor of Pharmacy, Paris-Sud 11), echinaceae do not have pharmacokinetic interactions. We will then study the black elder plant. This is not an answer that came up frequently in the questionnaires, but we find that this plant has an important role in the prevention of Covid-19.
Description Shrub very common in Europe, with whitish perfumed flowers arranged in corymbs and black purplish fruits (berries).
Parts used : inflorescences (flower) and berries
Origin : The elder flower is listed in the European Pharmacopoeia, monograph 01/2013, 1217. It is cited in the List of 148 released plants as well as List A.
Main constituents of the flower:
Flavonoids 0.7 to 3.5% (rutoside), anthocyanidins, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, traces of lectins, essential oil 0.03 to 0.14%, triterpenes, sterols, mucilages, tannins, calcium salts (4 to 9%).
Main constituents of the fruit
Flavonoids including rutoside,Anthocyanic heterosides, chrysanthemine, Hydroxycinnamic acids, Citric and malic acids, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin B9, essential oil 0.01%.
Precautions of use
Use only the ripe berries and according to the recommended dosage.
Flowers and berries are contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women and for children under 12 years old.
Consumption of raw fruit may cause nausea and vomiting.
Medical indication:
Elderberry flower is indicated for catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract (in case of flu, cold or sinusitis) and for pathologies requiring a diaphoretic and diuretic effect like fever. For immunity, elderberry can potentially regulate the defense mechanisms of healthy organisms by stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10. Elderberry extract increases IFNβ interferon production (Toll-like receptor 3 regulation) and induces changes in IL-12, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα production by Lactobacillus acidophilus in dendritic cells.
In other research, elderberry polyphenols increased immune defense capacity in diabetic rats by increasing lymphocyte numbers. There is no interaction between elderberry, food components and other medicinal plants. The berries of Sambucus nigra are not invoked by the ESCOP nor by the European Commission, but appear on the Cahiers de l'Agence 1998.
The practice of Aromatherapy is an alternative not to be neglected, many health professionals have advised it during the period of the health crisis. To begin, we will examine our favorite essential oil, ravintsara.
Origin Ravintsara is a variety of camphor tree originating from Asia, planted in Madagascar for more than 250 years. It has very specific properties. In Malagasy, ravintsara means "good leaves". The Malagasy people consider ravintsara as a remedy for all the ailments of the body and mind. They also use it to flavour rum. In the middle of the 19th century, the Chinese, who arrived at the time of the country's independence, had the wonderful idea of introducing ravintsara to Madagascar; its origin was already known several centuries earlier in China, under the name of "Hô wood", and in Vietnam under the name of "camphor".
For about twenty years, its essential oil has become the essential oil of the winter, because of its unique composition, devoid of camphor but rich in cineole, an active principle playing an important role during viral and ENT infections.
Physico-chemical composition
50 to 65% of 1,8-cineole; 8 to 16% of sabinene; 5 to 11% of alpha-terpineol.
Scientific studies
Antiviral and immunostimulant: ravintsara essential oil stimulates immunity. Since several teams proved in 2003 and 2004 that this essential oil was immunostimulant, many hospital teams, as well as many patients, use it to avoid getting sick in winter.
Precautions of use
It is not recommended for a child of less than 3 years and contra-indicated for a child of more than 3 years having the history of epilepsy or convulsions. Cases of 1,8-cineole poisoning have been reported following the inappropriate use of nasal spray in children under 4 years of age. Application of 1,8-cineole rich EO to the face, neck and upper chest is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age. The nasal instillation is contraindicated in children.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women: contraindicated during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
For asthmatic patients or those with dry corneas, diffusion and inhalation are not recommended.
Caution in patients under immunosuppressants.
Pharmacological activity:
Echinaceas stimulate immune cells and antitumor cells, activate phagocytosis of granulocytes. They have an effect on interferon, lymphoblastic transformation (T cell activation), activate interleukins IL-1β and TNFα. The action of Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide is carried out by release of cytokines, TNFα and interleukins IL-1 and IL-6. The arabinogalactan (polysaccharides) has the effect of activating macrophages and NK (=Natural Killer), and the proliferation of T lymphocytes. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides stimulate phagocytosis in vitro and the production of free radicals by macrophages. In vivo, they limit the infection of mice by Candida. Echinacoside is weakly antibacterial and antiviral and is a radical scavenger. Echinacea ssp. inhibits viruses. Chicoric acid stimulates phagocytosis in vitro. The lipophilic fraction (alkylamides) inhibits, in vitro, lipooxygenase and cyclooxygenase; it also increases phagocytosis. The ethanolic extract increases the phagocytosis of the 16 macrophages. It reinforces the natural defences of the organism and increases the resistance against the infections.
According to Pr. Alexandre Maciuk (Doctor of Pharmacy, Paris-Sud 11), echinaceae do not have pharmacokinetic interactions. We will then study the black elder plant. This is not an answer that came up frequently in the questionnaires, but we find that this plant has an important role in the prevention of Covid-19.
Avoid confusions with :
Because of the similarity of their Malagasy names (identical etymology), the essential oil of ravintsara is often confused with that of ravensara also from Madagascar, but whose botanical origin and composition are different.
We would like to mention an essential oil that is still little known in the world of aromatherapy due to the lack of studies done on this oil, the saro.
During this sanitary crisis, the professionals of pharmacy advised a lot the essential oil of essential oil of ravintsara. Aromatherapy laboratories were rapidly running out of it. For a while, we could not find ravintsara essential oil in some Parisian pharmacies. The composition of saro essential oil is very similar to that of ravintsara.
Also known as mandravasarotra, the oil was first discovered on the island of Madagascar at the end of the last century. In Malagasy, the name of this plant means "remedy against spells".
Antiviral and powerful expectorant, this respiratory essential oil is recommended in case of cold. It is very appreciated in winter period. It is known to stimulate the immune system.
We will now analyze one of the essential oils that has been the most recommended by health professionals: Tea Tree.
History
The tea tree owes its name to the navigator James Cook and his crew who, when they arrived in Australia, made a refreshing tea from the leaves of the tea tree. It has been used in Australia for thousands of years by the aborigines against colds, fever, congestion and wounds. It is registered in the European Pharmacopoeia under the name "essential oil of Melaleuca", monograph 01/2008, 1837.
Main components
42% terpinene-4-ol; 22% γ-terpinene and 10% α-terpinene; 4% 1,8 cineole.
Main properties:
EO polyvalent anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, healing, with specificity for ENT, digestive and genital infections +++.
Precautions of use
Prolonged oral use is not recommended (3 weeks maximum).
It is however preferable to dilute it for people with sensitive skin.
Contraindicated in case of allergy to tea tree.
Pregnancy: oral route contraindicated and breastfeeding: oral route not recommended.
Eucalyptus radiata is not an essential oil that was frequently cited in the questionnaires questionnaires, yet this essential oil can have a great role in the prevention of the health crisis.
Scientific studies:
Tea tree EO has many therapeutic properties that are known and proven by studies.
Eucalyptus radiata is not an essential oil that was frequently cited in the questionnaires, yet this essential oil can have a great role in the prevention of the health crisis.
Origin
The eucalyptus radiata comes from Australia and has spread to the Mediterranean basin. The eucalyptus is one of the oldest essential oils produced - since the 1860s in Australia. The aborigines had already understood at that time that this plant has a great antiviral and immune stimulating power. In the 19th century, it was used in English hospitals to disinfect urinary catheters. Today, the essential oil is produced everywhere in the world (Spain, South Africa, China).
Main components
60 to 75% 1,8-cineole, 6 to 15.2% α-terpineol, citrals.
Precautions of use
Not recommended for children under 3 years of age, for asthmatic patients and for patients with a history of patient with a history of epilepsy or convulsions. Caution in patients on immunosuppressants.
Not to be confused with globular eucalyptus or mentholated eucalyptus.
Scientific studies:
Their main compounds 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol and citrals were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. This essential oil was able to reduce the viral infection by 96%.
Viral epidemics: in a 2010 study, the results presented demonstrated that 1,8-cineole possessed anti-viral infectious bronchitis properties and was therefore a potential source of anti-viral infectious bronchitis ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry.
30% of the responses by health professionals for the study of adjuvant phytotherapy treatment in curative were cypress, which we will describe.
Description : tree with dark green evergreen leaves and male and female cones.
Parts used: cones, branches and essential oil. Cupressus sempervirens is registered on the List A of the French Pharmacopoeia.
Main constituents : Essential oil (pinenes, camphene and cedrol), Tannins, polysaccharides, Flavonoids, diterpenic acids.
Origin: Cypress grows in Turkey and in the Mediterranean basin. The cones and branches are harvested in spring. In ancient times, the Greeks treated dysentery, bloody sputum, asthma and cough by administering crushed cypress cones marinated in wine
Therapeutic effects: In internal use, cypress acts as an antispasmodic and a general tonic. It is prescribed in case of whooping cough, against coughing fits. It also treats colds, flu, sore throat and rheumatic pains. It is indicated on the respiratory system as antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor. Associated with the fluid extract of echinacea, the fluid extract of cypress makes it possible to look after the viruses.
Precaution of use
No known adverse effect for the cones. Do not ingest essential oil without medical supervision as it is contraindicated in cases of hormone-dependent cancer or previous history.
We would like to study a plant that has been neglected during the health crisis, however interesting for patients suffering from autoimmune pathologies: the Iberian ginseng, better known as Eleutherococcus.
Description : shrub of 2 to 3 meters, flowers gathered in globular umbels, purple for the males and yellowish for the purple for the males and yellowish for the females. The fruits are black berries.
Parts used: root or underground part
Origin:its origin is in Eastern Russia (Khabarovsk, Amur region), in Manchuria, in Korea. This plant is registered in the list of 148 released plants, in the list A and in the European Pharmacopoeia (monograph 01/2008, 1419 corrected 9.2).
Main constituents: Triterpenes pentacyclic, heteroglycans, Lignans, coumarins, phenylpropanoids.
Therapeutic effects: Immunostimulating effect, antiviral activity: Eleutherococcus senticosus in alcoholic extract has an effect against RNA type viruses (human rhinovirus, influenza A virus).
Immunomodulating and stimulating effect: oral administration of Eleutherococcus enticosus in root decoction inhibits mast cells in anaphylaxis in mice. The alcoholic extract of the root inhibits the release of interleukins IL-4, IL-5 and IL-12 from human blood lymphocytes. The immunological effect is a modulatory one because the release of IL-6 is stimulated by high concentrations of eleutherococcus, and inhibited by low concentrations. Depending on the concentration, eleutherococcus extract improves or not the proliferation of lymphocytes. The immunomodulatory effects have been attributed to polysaccharides isolated from the plant from eleutherococcus cell culture. Administration of eleutherococcus polysaccharides stimulates phagocytic activity in mice. Repeated administration of 40mg/kg suppresses the spread of tubercle bacilli. Polysaccharide isolated from cell culture increases proliferation and differentiation of B lymphocyte cells and increases cytokine production of macrophages. The lymphocyte transformation test was scored by high molecular weight polysaccharides.
Precautions for use: obesity, nervousness and insomnia, high blood pressure, pregnancy and lactation. Eleutherococcus has an antimetastatic and anti-hepatotoxic activity.
Niaouli has been analyzed by numerous studies that have demonstrated its immune stimulating effects.
Origin: The laurel has been recognized since antiquity as a tree of immortality, but also as a symbol of triumph, glory and victory.
Main components: 35 to 45% 1,8-cineole, 6 to 14% linalool, 2.5 to 8.8% terpenyl acetate, α-pinene and β-pinene.
Therapeutic effects: Noble laurel essential oil has been evaluated for its inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV and HSV-1 replication in vitro by visually assessing the virus-induced cytopathic effect after infection. Laurus nobilis oil exerted interesting activity against SARS-CoV with an IC (50) value of 120 μg/ml and a selectivity index (SI) of 4.16. This oil was characterized by the presence of beta-ocimene, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and β-pinene as major constituents.
Precautions for use There is no particular contra-indication from 6 years but not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Allergy: the presence of sesquiterpene lactones confers to the EO of noble laurel a not negligible allergic potential. Caution for the people presenting an allergic ground or having a sensitive skin.
Do not confuse the noble laurel with the cherry laurel, the oleander, the laurel-tin or the laurel of woods (these last ones are toxic).
History: The inhabitants of the South Pacific, New Caledonia and the aborigines of Australia, already used it in their traditional medicine to treat bronchial tubes, urinary tract and to activate the healing of the skin. In France, a French industrialist analyzed the essential oil of niaouli and discovered its healing, antiseptic and anesthetic properties, which led to the development of pharmaceutical specialties based on "gomenol", a trademark registered in 1893, in reference to the village of Gomen in New Caledonia. Niaouli was imported to Madagascar at the end of the 19th century and the Malagasy use it against fever (decoction of leaves) or in friction (essential oil) against flu aches.
Main components 45 to 65% of 1,8-cineole, 5 to 15% of α and β-pinene, 5 to 10% of limonene, viridiflorol and α-terpineol.
Therapeutic effects Some studies have shown its ability to stimulate immunity, or to fight against certain viruses or bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli or papillomavirus. The results of a study show that niaouli essential oil regulated cellular immunity mediated by T cells. In vivo essential oil treatment potentiated T-cell mediated cellular immunity and macrophage activity, but not humoral immunity. The study provided a rationale for clinical application of niaouli essential oil to control infectious diseases, particularly those caused by intracellular pathogens.
Precautions for use: Personal or family history of hormone-dependent pathologies: contraindicated by oral route. Caution by the cutaneous route. Asthmatic patients or those with dry corneas: diffusion and inhalation : not recommended. Not recommended before 30 months and contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
To finish this thesis, we will treat the essential oil of noble laurel which was the subject of a study on a virus belonging to the same family of the Covid-19.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 has been spreading around the world since late 2019. It is a member of the large family of coronaviruses. These cause different diseases ranging from a simple cold to more severe pathologies.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused at least 556,140 deaths worldwide since the outbreak of the disease, according to the latest assessment by AFP (news platform - data July 2020). 188 countries have been affected by this pandemic.
Conventional treatments have been put in place to protect against this virus. A symptomatic treatment in phyto-aromatherapy can be considered. Some plants and essential oils presented here, have shown through scientific studies that they could be proposed as adjuvants provided that the precautions of use and contraindications are respected.
A next wave of the Covid-19 virus is likely to occur. We will then probably be better able to organize our protective measures, rescue vulnerable people and support health professionals.
Phyto-aromatherapy as an adjuvant treatment to allopathy finds its full place in this fight. Other studies are to come, which will consolidate the place of phyto-aromatherapy in preventive and curative treatment of the Covid-19 virus and coronaviruses that threaten us with future pandemics.
In this regard, a plant that we have not studied here, is being discussed and studied in scientific research institutes in Madagascar and Germany: the annual mugwort. Also known as Chinese mugwort, will Artemisia annua be a promising new plant in the fight against viruses for decades to come?
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Ravintsara, Cinnamomum camphora
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Eucalyptus radié, Eucalyptus radiata
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Eleuthérocoque, Eleutherococcus senticosus
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Niaouli, Melaleuca viridiflora
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Laurier noble, Laurus nobilis
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