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Bupleurum turcicum: A Rich Source of Saikosaponin A and D with Potential Use as Adjunct for the Management of Acute Respiratory Diseases: A Meta Review

COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in unprecedented havoc worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. Till now, no effective antivirals are at disposal prompting researchers to explore potential lead molecules including from bioactive phytochemicals. An extensive literature search was carried out utilizing online resources; Google Scholar and PubMed to collect published reports on pharmacological potential of saikosaponin particularly in underexplored Bupleurum species. A number of molecular docking studies have reported promising antiviral effects of saikosaponins particularly of saikosaponin A, D, U and V with tremendous potential to be developed as anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy. The search for potential sources of saikosaponin A and D led to the identification of Bupleurum turcicum; an unexplored, underutilized and endemic Bupleurum species. The observation that B. turcicum root extract contains highest amount of SSa and SSd among endemic Bupleurum species found in Turkey (Bupleurum sulphureum, Bupleurum lycaonicum, Bupleurum turcicum, Bupleurum heldreichii, Bupleurum pauciradiatum) and presence of significant amounts of antioxidant compounds led to the proposition of using B. turcicum extracts as adjust therapy in the management of COVID-19. The proposal also relies on the evidence of SSa and SSd being effective against a number of viruses including SARS-CoV. This review discusses phytochemical composition of B. turcicum root, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential of saikosaponins in view of its plausible usefulness in the management of COVID-19. B. turcicum is an underutilized species rich in saikosaponin A and D with potential antiviral properties which could be effective alternative therapy in COVID-19 management..