An Alternative Preventive and Therapeutic Approach to 2019-nCoV Infection

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 or novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection has been declared a world pandemic causing 499 913 deaths in 216 countries around the world as of June 29, 2020. In China, traditional herbal and or/alternative medicines have been used alone or in combination with conventional drugs to treat infected patients. This approach has shown promising results since it resulted in the prevention of SARS-Cov-2 infection in healthy persons and the improvement of the health status of patients with mild or severe symptoms. ¹

In this correspondence, we suggest an alternative preventive and therapeutic approach based on using traditional therapies to prevent infection or alleviate conventional drugs-associated side effects.

At least 2 US clinical trials are ongoing using gas inhaling to improve survival in 2019-nCoV patients. Indeed, in the 2 clinical trials (NCT04306393 and NCT04290871), 102 patients with 2019-nCoV will be enrolled and receive nitric oxide by inhalation. Nitric oxide has been chosen for its vasodilator and antiviral activities. In North African phytotherapy, fumigation with the steam of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. leaves has been usually used to prevent and/or treat respiratory tract diseases. This method has shown its usefulness against influenza for centuries. Moreover, respiratory tract infections are usually and effectively treated by drinking decoctions or infusions of Thymus vulgaris L. aerial parts. Extracts from Eucalyptus sp. were shown to exert anti-SARS-CoV activities. ² Eucalyptol (terpenoid free of side effects), the major compound found in the leaves of E. globulus, exerted important protective effects of the respiratory tract owing to its proven bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. ³ Oil aerosols of Eucalyptus in a room significantly inactivated influenza A virus. Similar strong antiviral effects were obtained with Eucalyptus vapor. ⁴ Likewise, T. vulgaris extracts were found to exert promising antiviral and antibacterial effects without toxic side effects, in addition to its expectorant, spasmolytic, and relaxing effect on the trachea through β2-receptors. ⁵

Hence, we suggest using E. globulus vapors as fumigation to disinfect hospital rooms. This vapor could be inhaled by patients for its antiviral and bronchodilator effects. Moreover, the infusion of T. vulgaris could be used as a preventive traditional medicine or associated with conventional drugs to alleviate their side effects. Besides, the effect of these herbal formulations on 2019-nCoV could be improved by the supplementation of vitamin C, D, and zinc.

Overall we suggest:

1. Fumigation (in the rooms) with the vapor of E. globulus Labill., 5 g/m² for at least 15 minutes per day.

2. Inhalation of E. globulus Labill., before sleeping.

3. Infusion of T. vulgaris L. (10 g/100 mL water) by mouth.