Traditional Medicinal Plants and Plant Products Sold in Open Market in India for COVID 19

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, had a profound impact on global healthcare systems, including that of India. With rising infection rates, overwhelmed hospitals, and limited access to modern healthcare facilities especially in rural and semi-urban areas the Indian population increasingly turned to traditional remedies as preventive and supportive measures. India has a rich heritage of traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, which have been deeply integrated into daily life for centuries. During the pandemic, this cultural trust in age-old remedies resurfaced strongly, with many individuals seeking natural alternatives believed to boost immunity, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and maintain general wellness. Open markets, serving as primary access points for herbal products in many parts of the country, played a crucial role in the distribution of medicinal plants and plant-based preparations. These markets not only reflect the traditional knowledge embedded in Indian society but also highlight the reliance of the public on accessible and affordable healthcare solutions. This review aims to explore and document the various traditional medicinal plants and plant products sold in open markets across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to understand consumer behavior, evaluate the types of remedies in demand, and analyze the implications of this shift toward ethnomedicine in times of public health emergencies.

3. Background on Indian Traditional Medicine Systems

India is home to one of the world’s oldest and most diverse traditions of medicine, encompassing systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and various tribal and folk practices. These systems emphasize holistic well-being, balancing the body, mind, and spirit using herbs, minerals, dietary practices, and lifestyle modifications.

Ayurveda, the most widely practiced among them, focuses on maintaining health through balance among the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and is extensively used for preventive healthcare. Siddha, primarily practiced in Tamil Nadu, and Unani, with origins in Greco-Arabic medicine, also offer herbal and mineral-based formulations for treating various ailments. Additionally, numerous tribal communities across India possess rich ethnobotanical knowledge, relying on local flora for medicinal purposes passed down through generations. Recognizing the significance of these systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) played a crucial role in promoting traditional approaches for health maintenance and disease prevention. The Ministry launched several initiatives and guidelines aimed at encouraging the use of time-tested herbal formulations to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection.  Notably, the Ministry issued advisories recommending the daily use of herbal decoctions (Kadha), golden milk (Haldi Doodh), and ingredients such as Tulsi (Holy Basil), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Amla (Indian Gooseberry). These were widely accepted by the public, and their demand surged in open markets across the country. This integration of traditional knowledge into public health guidelines not only reaffirmed trust in Indian systems of medicine but also emphasized the potential of herbal remedies in managing public health crises like COVID-19.

METHODOLOGY FOR REVIEW

This review was conducted using a qualitative approach to gather, analyze, and interpret information on traditional medicinal plants and products sold in open markets across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology was designed to capture both scientific and ethnobotanical perspectives.

Literature Search Strategy:

An extensive literature search was performed using academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on publications from March 2020 to December 2021. Keywords such as COVID-19, immunity boosters, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, and Ayurveda were used. In addition, official documents, advisories, and publications issued by the Ministry of AYUSH were reviewed to identify government-recommended herbal interventions.

Selection Criteria for Plants and Products:

Plants and plant-based products were included in the review based on the following criteria:

• Frequent mention in literature and government guidelines.

• Popular usage in open markets across various regions of India.

• Highlighted in AYUSH advisories for immunity enhancement or symptomatic relief during COVID-19.

• Recognition in Ayurveda or other traditional medicine systems.

Supplementary Data Sources (Optional):

Where available, ethnobotanical field studies, informal interviews with local vendors, and market surveys conducted in states like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh were included to validate the popularity and commercial availability of specific herbal products. Reports from non-governmental organizations and local health initiatives were also referred to for

 5. Common Traditional Medicinal Plants Sold During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a noticeable rise in the demand for certain traditional medicinal plants was observed across open markets in India. These herbs, widely promoted for their immune- boosting and respiratory health benefits, were frequently used either as single remedies or in combination preparations. Below are some of the most commonly sold and consumed plants during the pandemic:

1. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is revered in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. It was widely consumed as tea or decoction to boost respiratory health and immunity.

2. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

• Promoted heavily in AYUSH advisories, Giloy was valued for its immune-modulatory, antipyretic, and detoxifying properties. It was sold as fresh stems, juice, powder, or tablets.

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

• A staple in Indian households, turmeric gained renewed popularity for its anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. “Golden milk” (turmeric with warm milk) was widely recommended and consumed.

4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• Recognized for its stress-reducing and immune-boosting effects, Ashwagandha was consumed as a general wellness tonic during the pandemic, especially for managing anxiety and fatigue.

5. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Amla was consumed in various forms such as juice, candies, and powders to support immune function.

6. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• With its antiviral and antibacterial potential, Neem was used for internal detoxification and external disinfection.

7. Pepper (Piper nigrum), Dry Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

• These were frequently used in household decoctions (Kadha) to relieve cough, cold, and congestion, and to warm the body.

8. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

• Used for cardiovascular support and immunity, Arjuna bark was consumed as powder or tea.

9. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

• Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon was a common ingredient in herbal drinks.

These plants, rooted deeply in India's traditional knowledge systems, became household essentials during the pandemic. Their widespread availability in open markets reflects both the cultural trust in herbal remedies and the grassroots response to health insecurity during a global crisis.

5.1 Tabulated Overview of Key Plants

5.2 Kadha and Herbal Decoctions

Kadha, a traditional herbal decoction, became widely consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in India, as a natural remedy believed to boost immunity and support respiratory health. Commonly prepared using a combination of medicinal plants, Kadha gained popularity due to its perceived effectiveness in treating cough, cold, and flu-like symptoms.

Ingredients commonly used in Kadha include:

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Used for its antimicrobial and warming properties.

• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): Known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Acts as a respiratory stimulant and has antioxidant properties.

Market Forms

While Kadha has traditionally been a homemade remedy, during the pandemic, it was commercialized extensively. Ready-made Kadha packs, tea blends, and herbal powders were marketed in both rural and urban areas, often through online platforms as well as local open markets. These products typically contained combinations of the above ingredients, sometimes with the addition of honey, lemon, or other local herbs to enhance flavor and medicinal efficacy.

Promotion by AYUSH The Ministry of AYUSH strongly promoted the use of Kadha and other herbal preparations as immunity boosters during the pandemic. AYUSH advisories recommended consuming these herbal decoctions daily as part of preventive health measures to combat COVID-19. The Ministry’s endorsements significantly influenced consumer behavior and heightened trust in traditional remedies.

Commercial Branding vs. Homemade Variants The commercial versions of Kadha, which often come in easy-to-use sachets or tea bags, are marketed with specific health claims and brand names, making them more accessible to a broader audience. In contrast, the traditional homemade variants are prepared according to personal or family recipes and may vary in composition. While branded products offer consistency and convenience, homemade Kadha is seen as more authentic and closely tied to traditional health practices. This growing commercial availability of ready-made Kadha products highlights the intersection between traditional medicine and modern consumer culture, reflecting both the value placed on these herbal remedies and the evolving market dynamics.

6. Ethnobotanical Observations from Open Markets

The sale and consumption of traditional medicinal plants in India have long been shaped by local cultural practices, regional knowledge, and ethnobotanical traditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this phenomenon was further influenced by the surge in demand for herbal remedies, leading to a wide array of ethnobotanical observations across various open markets in the country.

Regional Variation in Plant Usage

• North India: In states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) were commonly sold as immunity boosters, often in the form of fresh stems, leaves, or ready-to-drink juices. Kadha, made from a combination of Ginger, Cinnamon, and Black Pepper, was a regular offering in many roadside stalls.

• South India: In states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) were more prominently used, reflecting the region’s Ayurvedic traditions. Local healers often prepared special blends of Turmeric and Pepper as remedies for respiratory issues and inflammation.

• Northeast India: Tribes in Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya relied on a combination of indigenous plants, such as Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bamboo shoot, alongside more widely known herbs like Tulsi. The unique plant species used in these regions are often tied to folk medicine and passed down through generations of local healers.

Common Vendors

Traditional herbal remedies were most commonly sold by local vendors at:

• Roadside Stalls: These vendors, often located in high-traffic areas like marketplaces or near temples, sold fresh medicinal plants like Tulsi, Ginger, and Amla in raw or packaged forms.

• Weekly Markets (Haath): Held in rural areas, these markets were a hub for the sale of medicinal herbs, often in bulk quantities. Products were frequently sold in dried form or as powders in small packets.

• Temple Fairs: Fairs and religious gatherings saw an increased presence of herbal vendors selling immunity-boosting herbs like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tulsi as part of the community's spiritual and medicinal traditions.

• Tribal Haats: In tribal regions, especially in states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, medicinal plants were often sold by indigenous healers who were deeply connected to traditional plant knowledge. These markets were integral in the rural economy, offering unique local remedies.

Influence of Local Healers and Folk Traditions

Local healers, known as Vaidyas or Ojhas, played an important role in the promotion and distribution of herbal remedies during the pandemic. Their deep understanding of local plants and folk traditions enabled them to make personalized recommendations for COVID-19-related symptoms. These healers often advocated for plant-based treatments passed down through generations, further solidifying the bond between traditional knowledge and community health.

COVID-Specific Packaging and Marketing Trends

The pandemic influenced a shift in how herbal products were marketed and packaged. Several significant trends emerged:

• COVID-19 Themed Branding: Products were packaged with labels highlighting their immune-boosting benefits specifically against COVID-19. Brands often incorporated terms like "immunity booster" or "respiratory support" to appeal to consumers' health concerns during the pandemic.

• Sachet and Tea Bag Formats: To make herbal remedies more accessible and convenient, vendors increasingly sold Kadha and herbal teas in sachets or tea bags. These formats were designed for easy brewing and appealed to the busy, urban consumer.

• Online Sales: The rise of e-commerce platforms led to an increase in online sales of traditional herbal products. Companies branded their products with claims of natural immunity support, often emphasizing the "traditional" or "authentic" nature of their offerings, which resonated with consumers looking for holistic alternatives during a time of uncertainty. The ethnobotanical landscape in India, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the resilience of traditional plant knowledge and the adaptability of local markets to respond to both health crises and shifting consumer behaviors.

7. Pharmacological Evidence

The use of traditional medicinal plants during the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered considerable interest from both the public and the scientific community. Many of the key plants commonly sold in open markets for immune support and respiratory health are believed to possess various pharmacological properties. A growing body of scientific research is investigating the antiviral, anti- inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of these plants, though gaps in clinical evidence and limitations remain.

Scientific Studies on Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory Properties

Several studies have focused on the pharmacological effects of plants such as Tulsi, Giloy, Turmeric, and Ginger, which have demonstrated significant biological activity.