Pharmacognostical Studies and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants as Immunity Booster

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. While there isn't a specific drug that targets the virus, boosting the immune system can greatly improve resistance to infections. Groups at higher risk—like children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health issues—are especially vulnerable to severe consequences. Herbal medicinal plants have gained significant interest for their potential antiviral properties and ability to boost the immune system. Many traditional remedies are currently being investigated as complementary treatments for viral infections, including COVID-19. Some notable examples are Tinospora cordifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Nigella sativa, Caesalpinia sappan, and Isatis indigotica. These plants are rich in various bioactive compounds—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides—that may influence different stages of the viral life cycle, including entry, replication, and release.