Prospects of Ayurveda formulations as alternative approach for treatment of microbial diseases

Infectious diseases are responsible for largest burden of premature deaths globally and frequent pandemics which threaten the existence of entire population. The current rise of drug resistance and the side-effects associated with antibiotics and synthetic drugs have posed a new challenge to the modern healthcare system. Ayurveda is one of the most ancient and traditional medical systems where poly-herbal compounds and crude plant extracts are tested and applied in many types of microbial and infectious diseases, e.g., Triphala churna, Neem extracts, etc. This study focuses on the scope and applicability of Ayurveda for management of infectious diseases. The reviews have followed the PRISMA model and guidelines and Ayurevdic classical literature along with electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Google, Google scholar, Researchgate, and SciFinder were searched for this study. India is a rich source of biodiversity and lots of plants and plant products are still unexplored. Review suggests that Ayurveda can develop not only therapeutic compounds but also prophylactic compounds which can be helpful for preventing the microbial diseases, especially the viral ones. From ancient times, home remedies like honey, turmeric has been used as preferred and safer option for treatment of many diseases. Herbs like Tulsi, Neem and their extracts have medicinal value. Both single and poly-herbal compounds have various ranges of bioactive molecules. Fine powders or Churna like Triphala Churna, Ajmodadi Churna, and Dasamoola Churna have been found to act against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. The scope of Ayurveda can involve research on medicinal plants available in the country and can be proved a safer, cheaper, and sustained alternative to the antibiotics and synthetic drugs.