A Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Plants Effective in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases

Background: The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant respiratory pathogens has increased despite significant advancements in conventional medicine. Given the growing interest in natural remedies, this review examined medicinal herbs as potential alternatives or complements to conventional treatments for respiratory infections, focusing on their antiviral properties. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as other relevant online platforms to identify published research articles. Different key terms, including medicinal plants, antiviral, immune system modulator, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, shortness of breath, expectorant, and antitussive, were employed to retrieve studies published up to 2024. Results: Traditional medicine employs a plethora of medicinal plants to address respiratory diseases and their associated symptoms. These plants are particularly prevalent for their expectorant, respiratory relief, antitussive, antiviral, and immune-modulating properties, including Drimia maritima, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Malva sylvestris, Cordia myxa, Origanum vulgare, Artemisia absinthium, and Hyssopus officinalis. The other plants are Stachys schtschegleevii, Withania somnifera, Syzygium aromaticum, Artemisia annua, Alpinia officinarum, Echinacea angustifolia, and Thymus vulgaris. Notably, E. angustifolia and G. glabra have been extensively studied for their immune-modulating and antiviral effects, respectively. In Iran’s pharmaceutical market, products derived from E. angustifolia and T. vulgaris are most commonly licensed for treating respiratory infections." Conclusion: This review highlights the substantial potential of medicinal plants in addressing severe respiratory ailments. The compilation of this review serves as a valuable resource for future pharmacological and phytochemical research, facilitating the development of novel respiratory therapeutics and promoting the conservation of these significant botanical resources.