COVID-19
Is not the first time that the plant Artemisia annua and its active compound, artemisinin, have been investigated as an antiviral for SARS. In fact, during the last decade, the properties of Artemisia annua were evaluated to combat other strains of that virus; and it was considered the second most potent medicinal plant against that type of virus. Therefore, due to these previous studies, several research projects and small clinical trials have been launched to study its possible specific effects against Covid-19. However, although the preliminary results are promising and confirm its antiviral power, it should be emphasized that further research and clinical trials are still needed to prove its efficacy. Finally, Artemisia annua is a great stimulator of the immune system, controlling the hypereaction of the immune system that causes a cytokine storm in patients infected by this virus; therefore, it could have a double action in the fight against this pandemic.
