Abstract

The world is witnessing the outbreak of COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel corona virus, SARSCoV- 2. It has largely affected people throughout the world and has weakened their immune systems to a great extent. To get rid of suffering and curing ailments and to enhance our immune system humans have been using plants from prehistoric times. Nanoparticles in plants are referred to as building blocks of nanotechnology. Plants produce stable nanoparticles and also the rate of synthesis is faster than that of the microorganisms. Ocimum sanctum commonly known as tulsi is considered as “The Queen of Herbs”. It has a significant role to play in traditional medicine. Several scientific studies have been conducted to reveal the efficient use of the whole plant or its parts for the treatment of different diseases. Nanoparticles in Tulsi can help to fight against various diseases and improves the immune system. Using leaf broth of medicinal herb Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), the synthesis of antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are microbicidal agents. It could be potentially used as an alternative to antivirals to treat human infectious diseases generally where the other antivirals have generally proven unsuccessful, especially in the case of influenza virus infections [1-5]. It has been reported as one type of potent therapeutic nanoparticles which boost the immune system to a greater extent especially in the COVID-19 situation.

Keywords:Nanotechnology; Nanoparticles; Ocimum sanctum; Immune system; Silver nanoparticles; Corona virus; COVID-19

Abbreviations: CoV: Coronaviruses; MERS: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome; SARS-CoV-2: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2