Background and Objectives: Infection with COVID-19 has been linked to fungal diseases. The sudden increase in mucormycosis cases has sparked the scientific community interest. In this review, we attempted to investigate the role of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy in the treatment of mucormycosis.
Methodology: The research was carried out in three stages; first step, studies on COVID-19 and mucormycosis were searched on various databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar until May 21, 2021, second step was to search authentic Ayurvedic and Homeopathic text books for the context of mucormycosis and symptoms were repertorised to find homeopathic medicines and finally, in the last step, findings were analysed and concluded in order to arrive at a factual solution.
Result: We found total 16 search results from bio-medical databases of which 14 articles were included. Except source books, no studies with respect to Ayurveda and Homoeopathy were found in above databases. In Ayurveda, Rajyakshama and krimijshirorog has close similarity to COVID associated mucormycosis. Vrinhana, vata-pitta nashakmadhuraushadhi, gritpaan,dugdha, nasya, dhum, kawal, gandush, mriduvirechan may be beneficial along with immune boosting drugs like ashawagandha, giloya, tulsi, vidanga etc. Rhino-orbito-cerbral mucormycosis (ROCM) can be treated with Arsenic album, Kali bichromicum, and Merc solubilis, while pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) with Arsenic album, Phosphorus and Acalypha indica. Similarly, gastrointestinal mucormycosis (GM) and cutaneous mucormycosis (CM) can be combated with Arsenic album, Lachesis, Merc Corrosivus etc. and Anthracinum, Arsenic album, Lachesis, Sulphur, Secale cornutum, and so on in Homoeopathy.
Conclusion: In the absence of rigorous trials, the review results found no conclusive comment on the efficacy of CAM in mucormycosis, but anecdotal evidence suggests in favour. To demonstrate its role, rigorous, exploratory, pilot, randomised control trials should be conducted in the future, either alone or as an add-on.
Key words: COVID-19; Mucormycosis; Black Fungus; Post-COVID-19 care; Rehabilitation; Ayurveda; Homoeopathy.
The risk of cutaneous mucormycosis associated with COVID‐19: A perspective from Pakistan