Correlation of Trace Elemental Content in Selected Anti-Viral Medicinal Plants as Source of Active Molecules Used Against COVID-19 by ED-XRF Technique

Abstract

Coronavirus is a positive sense RNA and has an envelope and has spread and effected globally leading to an increase in death tools. Currently, there is no effective drug for treatment and prevention of this disease. In this scenario, the only way to prevent the disease is the following certain safety guidelines and to boost up the immune system of body. Trace elements are essential for cellular process, growth, development, and boost up immune system. According to the previous studies, COVID-19 patients serum diagnostics tests illustrated that decreasing or increasing some elements in COVID-19 patients serum and plasma causing pathogenesis of corona disease. Alteration in the levels of these trace elements causes inhibits the activity of RNA dependent, impairment of immune system, oxidative stress that increase the risk of mutation in the viral genome and which are finally acquire COVID-19 properties. In the present work, elemental analysis was carried out in the 2 anti-viral plants O. sanctum and C. papaya by ED-XRF technique. 13 elements, i.e. P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, and Sr concentrations, were estimated. Present research work revealed that six elements, such as Zn, Se, Fe, K, and Cu, were found at high and notable content in both plant samples, whereas low amount of Ca was found in C. papaya when compared with NIST 1515. The obtained results justify that the presence of some of these trace elements is correlated with the COVID-19 curative properties of these plants.