DILIP THAKUR,
Abstract
The current investigation focuses on exploring the therapeutic capacities of SwertiaChirata,
colloquially known as Chirata, in managing the symptomatic displays of coronavirus
infections. Chirata, a member of the Gentianaceae family, is a distinguished herb extensively
used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal traditions, acknowledged for its myriad of healing
qualities. In addition to its regular use in combating fever and loss of appetite, its prominent
antioxidant traits position it as an integral part of various health-boosting tonics.
Considering the symptomological parallelism between the effects of Chirata and the erratic
feverish symptoms often detected in coronavirus patients, our study emphasizes the
potentiality of the herb in handling these signs. This could offer a viable substitute,
subsequently lowering the reliance on medications like paracetamol, typically linked to
unfavorable outcomes.
SwertiaChirata is home to a wide variety of biologically active substances like Xanthones,
flavonoids, iridoids, glycosides, and triterpenoids. These components have exhibited
significant biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic,
antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties. The therapeutic power of these secondary
metabolites offers hopeful routes for managing coronavirus symptoms.
The broad medicinal applications of Chirata, ranging from treating liver disorders, chronic
fevers, and anemia in Ayurveda to serving as a tonic and anti-inflammatory agent in Unani
medicine, validate the herb’s therapeutic flexibility. The presence of unique biologically
active substances and a variety of minerals contribute to this wide array of healing
properties. Moreover, Chirata has proven successful against both Gram-positive and Gram-
negative bacteria, amplifying its significance in the modern healthcare scenario.
The Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) study related to immunity boosting
is yet to be comprehensively studied, especially in regards to preventing coronavirus-like
diseases. However, the identified traits of Chirata’s biologically active substances offer
promising initial steps towards effective symptom management strategies. This investigation
underscores the critical need to incorporate such powerful herbal remedies into conventional
allopathic medicine, proposing a sustainable, efficacious strategy to strengthen our fight
against the daunting threats presented by pandemics such as coronavirus.
Keywords: SwertiaChirata, Chirata, Herbal Extract, Phytochemicals, Coronavirus, Symptom Management, Xanthones, Immunity Enhancement.
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Volume | |
Received | November 4, 2023 |
Accepted | November 8, 2023 |
Published | March 28, 2024 |