The Role of Medicinal Plants in Controlling COVID-19 in Southeast Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review

The “COVID-19 pandemic” has presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. Throughout the pandemic, many communities in Southeast Nigeria have relied on “traditional medicinal plants” as primary or complementary interventions against SARS-CoV-2. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence on the “ethnobotanical knowledge”, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic potential of plants used in this region for COVID-19 management. We analyzed data from published ethnobotanical surveys, research articles, and preprint repositories focusing on Southeast Nigeria and comparable regions. Findings indicate that “diverse plant species” including Zingiber officinale (ginger), Citrus spp. (lemon/lime), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), and Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) are commonly employed against respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. These plants contain “bioactive compounds” with demonstrated antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that may target various stages of the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle. However, significant “research gaps” persist in pharmacological validation, safety profiles, and standardization of preparations. This review identifies critical research priorities and provides a foundation for integrating evidence-based traditional medicine into pandemic preparedness strategies in Southeast Nigeria.