Bhat et al Journal of Drug Delivery & Therapeutics. 2020; 10(3-s):286-294 ISSN: 2250-1177 [286] CODEN (USA): JDDTAO Available online on 15.06.2020 at http://jddtonline.info Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics Open Access to Pharmaceutical and Medical Research © 2011-18, publisher and licensee JDDT, This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, provided the original work is properly cited Open Access Review Article Immunomodulators for Curtailing COVID-19: a Positive Approach Shabir Ahmad Bhat* 1 , Shameem Ahmad Rather 2 , Arsheed Iqbal 3 , Haider Ali Qureshi 1 , Naquibul Islam 4 1 MD Scholar, Department of Moalajat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India 2 Reader, Department of Moalajat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India 3 Scientist III, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India 4 Head of the department, Moalajat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly infectious, spreading swiftly from man to man which has not been previously recognized in humans. World Health Organization (WHO) on February 11, 2020 named the infection as COVID-19 as an acronym for ‘coronavirus disease-2019’ and on March 11, 2020 declared the outbreak as pandemic. It affects all the people without discrimination, however, older, immune compromised are more susceptible. The virus chiefly spread through droplet infection from infected person to healthy one by coughing, sneezing or with infected hands when touched to eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms of the infection range from mild to severe ones. In severe cases (approx. 14% of cases) fever typically of high grade (104 o F), breathlessness, pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome may appear. So far no specific treatment or vaccine for novel coronavirus-2019 is there. From the past and recent past experiences we have learnt that herbal medicines have proven beneficial against various dreadful viral infections. Assessment of immune enhancing herbs in this paper may definitely be helpful for the body to fight COVID-19 infection. Keywords: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, COVID-19, Pneumonia, Immune, Herbs Article Info: Received 25 March 2020; Review Completed 22 May 2020; Accepted 30 May 2020; Available online 15 June 2020 Cite this article as: Bhat SA, Rather SA, Iqbal A, Qureshi HA, Islam N, Immunomodulators for Curtailing COVID-19: a Positive Approach, Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2020; 10(3-s):286-294 http://dx.doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v10i3-s.4085 *Address for Correspondence: Shabir Ahmad Bhat, MD Scholar, Department of Moalajat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Naseem -Bagh, University of Kashmir, 190006, Srinagar, Jammu &Kashmir, India INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae [1]. It is highly infectious, spreading swiftly from man to man which has not been previously recognized in humans [2]. The virus has spread in almost all the countries of the world and has created a global threat to the mankind. World Health Organization (WHO) on February 11, 2020 named the infection as COVID-19 as an acronym for ‘coronavirus disease-2019’ and on March 11, 2020 declared the outbreak as pandemic [2,3]. COVID-19 can affect all the people without discrimination, however, older, immune compromised and people with health problems like diabetes, obesity, chronic respiratory illness and cardiovascular ailments are more susceptible [1,4]. The virus chiefly spread through droplet infection from infected person to healthy one by coughing, sneezing or with infected hands when touched to eyes, nose or mouth. [1,2,4]. Coronaviruses are said to have glycoproteins composed of two subunits, S1 and S2 which form the viral surface and in fact guide the host receptors [5]. Strong immune response in the host against the virus, labeled as cytokine storm, results in serious tissue damage. Interleukin-6 produced by leukocytes is considered to be the protagonist of this whole storm [6]. The infection may begin with dry cough, tiredness, head ache, mild fever, and rarely diarrhea, sore throat, nasal congestion or running nose. In severe cases (approx. 14% of cases) fever typically of high grade (104 o F), breathlessness, pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome may occur. A good percentage of people remain asymptomatic [1,7]. Diagnostic tests currently in use involve polymerase chain reaction, serological assay, and rapid antigen test. A chest X-ray or CT scan can be helpful for detecting pathological changes in the lungs [5,7]. So far no specific treatment or vaccine for novel coronavirus-2019 is there and the patients have to be managed only with symptomatic treatment. In case of breathlessness oxygen therapy is recommended and in case of respiratory failure mechanical ventilation is needed while as septic shock requires hemodynamic support [1,7,8]. Various antivirals and antimicrobials used in different countries to curtail the disease include Lopinavir/Ritonavir (400/100 mg 12