French health authorities are warning against fake plants presented as effective against the coronavirus but which may on the contrary prove dangerous for the body.Which ones?What risks?Are infusions or atmospheric diffusion also prohibited?What do the phyto specialists think?In a press release dated May 4, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) warns against the use of Artemisia annua or annual Mugwort.This plant is "presented as a therapeutic or preventive solution for infection (Covid-19), in the form of a dry plant, decoction, herbal tea or capsules. These claims are false and dangerous and they could delay necessary medical treatment in case of confirmed infection” specifies the ANSM.We also find on the Internet the promotion of cinchona and sorrel with alleged therapeutic virtues against SARS-CoV-2.Again, these plants are not intended to cure or prevent coronavirus infection and no study has demonstrated any benefit.In a Notice published in early April, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) warned against the use of around twenty plants in food supplements which could disrupt the body's natural defenses and interfere with inflammatory defense mechanisms useful to counter infections such as those of Covid-19.Phytotherapy practitioners warn them of the consequences of this alert in a right of reply on April 24, in particular because it hinders advice on plants in pharmacies.On May 4, it is up to the Ansm (National Health Security Agency) to warn of the inappropriate and dangerous use of certain plants with an anti-malaria reputation.Several plants have been identified by ANSES as having counterproductive effects in the body's defense against the coronavirus.These are plants containing derivatives of salicylic acid, analogs of aspirin, or containing other plant anti-inflammatories.According to ANSES, these plants are likely to disrupt the body's natural defenses and the beneficial inflammatory reaction developed by the body at the start of infections.These natural reactions could be useful in fighting infections and, in particular, COVID-19.The Agency's experts point out that inflammation should only be combated when it is excessive.For practitioners and specialists in medicinal plants and traditional pharmacopoeias, "the conclusions (of the ANSES alert) may unfortunately contribute to keeping the public away from scientific, officinal and medical advice that is nevertheless welcome" express Jacques Fleurentin and Jean-Michel Morel in their right of reply to the ANSES press release on April 24.The dangerousness of the plants thus presented by the Health Security Agency "risks leaving the field even more open to non-professionals, to the internet."Because "Undoubtedly, the pharmacy circuit will take these recommendations from ANSES into account and will cease all advice in this area. (...) From now on, the term "anti-inflammatory" has a good chance of becoming a scarecrow, indicate the signatories of the right of reply. The pharmacist and the doctor are the privileged interlocutors of the general public in this field and they need more positive leads than negative lists.All food supplements composed of plants with anti-inflammatory properties targeted by ANSES are likely to act like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).As a reminder, the health authorities have prohibited, since March 14, 2020, the use of drugs containing cortisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients suffering from or suspected of being suffering from COVID-19, in reason for the occurrence of "serious adverse events" following the taking of these drugs.The contraindication on plants follows the same precautions."The mechanisms of action of these plants are likely to increase the severity and/or duration of the infection"ANSES recommends that all people consuming these food supplements for preventive purposes immediately suspend their consumption as soon as the first symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 appear.On the other hand, it recommends to people consuming these supplements in the context of chronic inflammatory pathologies to discuss imperatively with their doctor the relevance of continuing or not their consumption.“This epidemiological period does not allow us to determine who is “positive” or not for the virus, which is why it is preferable not to use plants with anti-inflammatory properties” explains Fevzi Sat, biologist-microbiologist and phytotherapist in Lyon. .In an epidemic context of coronavirus, people - contaminated by the virus or suspected of being so - consuming these plants expose themselves to a risk of infectious complications."The mechanisms of action of these plants are likely to increase the severity and/or duration of the viral infection, but also to increase the risk of associated bacterial infections. They are also likely to interact with the mechanisms production or resolution of the tissue damage generated by the infection, in the muscles or in the central nervous system" specify the experts from ANSES.The plants targeted by ANSES must be subject to the same precautions "regardless of the form: capsule, herbal tea, powder, mother tincture, syrup, essential oil. The dosage is different but the effects remain the same, warns our phytotherapist.Before using medicinal plants, in any case, it is necessary to inquire with a specialist, and listen to his advice, because a plant is not "good" for everyone. "Sources: ANSES warning, 17 April 2020.Warning from the Ansm, May 4, 2020.Right of reply, Jacques Fleurentin and Jean-Michel Morel, April 24, 2020.Thanks to Fevzi Sat, DE biologist-microbiologist, phytotherapist and DE Safety and Health Watch, Herboristerie Gailleton, in Lyon.In a press release dated May 4, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) warns against the use of Artemisia annua or annual Mugwort.This plant is "presented as a therapeutic or preventive solution for...I manage my push subscriptionsThe information collected is intended for CCM Benchmark Group to ensure the sending of your newsletter.They will also be used, subject to the options subscribed, for advertising targeting purposes.You have the right to access and rectify your personal data, as well as the right to request its erasure within the limits provided by law.You can also review your targeting options at any time.Learn more about our privacy policy.