Herbal teas could help to prevent or treat COVID-19

Researchers in Germany have conducted a study demonstrating the potential antiviral effects of commonly consumed herbal teas on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the pathogen that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The team – from the University of Duisburg-Essen – found that aqueous infusions of sage and perilla elicited potent antiviral activity against the virus in different human cell lines.

After just 30 minutes of treating the cells in both therapeutic and prophylactic regimens, significant antiviral activity was observed.

The researchers call for future clinical studies to investigate whether herbal teas based on perilla and sage might help to prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection when combined with standard treatments.