Abstract

The coronavirus family consists of numerous species that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in vertebrates, but some members such as SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 are particularly dangerous to humans. So far, SARS-CoV-2 is confirmed in 636.440.663 patients worldwide, and it is responsible for 6.606.624 deaths. Plants possess a number of chemical constituents, which act as inhibitors of viral proteins and can be used in the treatment of viral diseases, with a lower rate of virus resistance. The retrospective investigation covered a period of 27 years, from 1995 to 2022 and it is implemented through the analysis of results from previously reported studies focused on alternative anti-coronavirus agents. The total of 73 plant species from 46 families, with reported anti-coronavirus activity, was noted. Considering the number of species with anti-coronavirus effects, the most prevalent family was Fabaceae with 9.59%. Many bioactive compounds were secondary metabolites, and the vast majority was isolated from leaves. The anti-coronavirus activity of plant products was recorded against six coronaviruses: SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, BCV, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-NL63. Among the mechanisms of antiviral action, the inhibition of 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, 3Clpro was frequently described. This study illustrated the high potential of plants and their products in terms of anti-coronaviral compounds. Since viruses represent molecular pathogens, with high mutations range as well as resistance to synthetic antiviral drugs, a novel investigation should be oriented towards the isolation and characterization of efficient antiviral agents of natural origin.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call