Use of Natural Products During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of Natural Products (NP) became an emerging treatment as well as prevention option among several communities. In Saudi Arabia, there is an increasing interest of the public in using NP for COVID-19. This study aimed to explore and document the types of NP and attitudes of NP’ users among Saudi citizens. This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through an online survey distributed through social media on adult Saudi citizens between 18 September 2021 and 23 January 2022. Among the participants, Honey (80.1%), Lemon/Lime (Citrus sp.) (65.4%), Orange (Citrus sinensis) (54.1%), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) (50.8%) were the most frequently used NP. Individuals infected with COVID-19 utilized NP to treat symptoms such as loss of tasting and smelling (12.6%), cough (12.2%), fatigue (12.2%), headache (11.9%), fever (11%), nasal congestion (9.1%), malaise (8.2%), shortness of breath (7.3%), and sneezing (4.5%). The most common source of information were friends (44.5%), internet (42.6%), social media (38.7%), doctors (18.7%), and pharmacists (12%). About half of the participants used NP in its basic form (54.8%). The most common reason for using NP was to induce the immune system (86.5%). In conclusion, the types and attitudes of NP used for COVID-19 among citizens in Saudi Arabia were documented. This trend of using NP for disease treatment and prevention should be highly considered in future medical research, as well as in the pharmaceutical sector in terms of treatments and products development.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Dezember 2022