Role of Essential Oils in the Management of COVID-19

Book excerpt: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. Unfortunately, there are very limited approved therapeutics available with established efficacy and safety profiles against SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 vaccines aim to actively induce systemic immunization; however, the possibility or fear of side effects decreases or discourages their use. Alternative therapy via natural products, especially essential oils, could be considered safe and effective to improve health, cure ailments, and soothe your body and mind. Essential oils, which have been known for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, bronchodilatory, and antiviral properties, could possibly be useful for the symptomatic management of COVID-19. This book is vital in respect of designing approaches to protect humanity from further losses and harm due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Role of Essential Oils in the Management of COVID-19 offers a complete outline of the recent novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, its biology, and associated challenges for the prevention and treatment of novel COVID-19, with a prime focus on the possible role of essential oils in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This book is written for everyone who needs to be thoroughly familiar with the appropriate and safe use of essential oils in COVID-19 therapy. As per the objectives of the book: The first seven chapters cover various aspects of COVID-19 infection, including epidemiology, origin, morphology, genome organization, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, preventive measures, and treatment strategies. The remaining chapters elaborate on the various aspects related to essential oils, such as chemistry, extraction methods, dispensing methods, stability, quality control, mechanism of action, therapeutic effects, pharmacokinetics, aromatherapy, and safety profiles. Prof. Ahmed Al-Harrasi is Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies, Research and External Relations, Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, and Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Nizwa, Oman. Prof. Ahmed received his M.Sc. degree in Chemistry followed by his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Berlin. He then pursued his postdoctoral research at Cornell University. Afterward, he continued his research rigor at the University of Nizwa, where he founded the Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, which has now become a center of excellence in natural and medical sciences. While enduring his research aptitude, he has authored and co-authored more than 400 scientific papers, 2 books, and 12 book chapters of high repute. Dr. Saurabh Bhatia graduated from Kurukshetra University, followed by postgraduation from Bharati Vidyapeeth University. He received his Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Technology at Jadavpur University. He now works as an Associate Professor at Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Oman. He has 12 years of academic experience; has authored 75 articles and 9 books of repute; and filed 11 patents.