Research progress of ginseng prescription, ginseng and ginsenoside in prevention and treatment of viral diseases

Clinical practice since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has proven that the prevention and control measures of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrated treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in China have effectively controlled the epidemic situation Up to March 6 in 2020, Chinese medicine participated in the treatment of nearly 60 000 confirmed cases, and more than 20 000 were cured and discharged In the critical period, the frequency of use of ginseng in the distribution of prescriptions, Chinese patent medicines and drug compatibility accounted for 56 41% of the drug distribution According to the classification of ginseng compound, ginseng compound or ginseng single herb integrated with other antiviral drugs, ginseng extract, and ginsenosides, this article reviews the literature reports on ginseng prescriptions, ginseng and its saponins in the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, and related antiviral mechanisms, etc, with view to providing scientific basis for the use of ginseng and its saponins to prevent and treat viral diseases such as novel coronavirus pneumonia