Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease caused by SARS-COV-2
that primarily attacks the respiratory system of the host. This disease was first reported in early
December 2019, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the ongoing COVID-19
outbreak as a pandemic disease-causing global public health emergency by mid-January 2020.
The human-to-human transmission occurs by droplets, infected hands, or surfaces with an incubation
time of 2-14 days. It displays signs and symptoms, and if the disease progresses, it
leads to death. To avoid symptomatic symptoms or increase infection severity, early diagnosis,
quarantine, and supportive care can help to cure the patient infected with COVID-19. Several
attempts have been projected for the development of vaccines against COVID-19. As of July 2,
2021, 600 vaccine candidates worldwide were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2, of which 300
have reached the preclinical stage of their development. Presently, Moderna (mRNA-1273),
Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute (LV-SMENP-DC), Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical
Institute (Pathogen specific APC), CanSino Biologicals (Ad5-nCoV), Inovio Pharmaceuticals
(INO-4800) have plunged into the phase I/II clinical trials (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov website;
WHO). Scientists are increasingly seeking a key hide behind pathogenic pathways, epidemiological
features, and future drug goals, which will lead to the development of successful
strategies for prevention and treatment. Based on the current published data, we summarize the
structure, life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and the various product categories available as anti-
COVID-19 agents (antiviral), with special emphasis on Chinese herbal medicines, which were
licensed as anti-COVID agents by the Chinese Government. Such knowledge can be used as
guidelines for COVID-19 clinical therapy.