Ethnobotanical survey and economic impact of plants used to relieve COVID-19 related infections

Background: In the wake of the global crisis initiated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, South Africans explored alternative therapeutic strategies. This exploration was driven by vaccine hesitancy, the emergence of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the enduring challenges posed by the virus. Aim: This study aims to document medicinal plants with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and further report on their economic and social impact during the pandemic. Setting: The study was conducted through an ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants with potential of relieving respiratory-related infections and assessing their subsequent economic impact. Methods: A comprehensive desktop study utilizing search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was employed for documentation of these plants. Data gathered included plant species, family, parts used, preparation methods, administration routes and conservation status. Results: The study identified 23 plants from 18 different families that exhibit dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The study revealed a predominant utilization of the Lamiaceae family (14.8%), with leaves being the most used plant part (31.0%). Medicinal plants were primarily administered orally (75.0%) following preparation by decoction (24.0%). In addition to their reported pharmacological potential, these plants have significant economic value, specifically in rural communities. Conclusion: Challenges such as the overharvesting of endangered species highlight the need for sustainable practices. The limited data on their immunomodulatory properties also calls for further research to fully validate their therapeutic significance. Contribution: This study contributes on the knowledge pool of useful medicinal plants against respiratory-related infections with economic potential.