APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF COVID-19: VIRUS-SPECIFIC NUTRACEUTICALS AND PLANT EXTRACTS

Abstract

Objective. To conduct an analysis of current sources of literature on clinical symptoms in patients with the COVID-19 coronavirus, and to confirm that some nutraceuticals and plant compounds derived from plant extracts can be used in the treatment of COVID-19. Results and discussion. Evidence of the antiviral potential of plant compounds is emerging. Curcumin has antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including influenza virus, adenovirus, hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), and Zika viruses. Baicalin and baicalein have been shown to inhibit SARS-CoV in vitro, and scutellarin can bind to the ACE2 receptor to prevent viral invasion. Resveratrol inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication, reducing cytotoxicity. Melatonin interacts with CD147, the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2, which diffuses into cell walls, especially into erythrocytes and endothelium. Glycyrrhizin has demonstrated potential therapeutic benefit in COVID-19 infections through multiple mechanisms. Quercetin exhibits potent immunomodulatory properties by suppressing the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and signalling pathways. Interferons are able to suppress the replication of SARS-type coronaviruses, so they may be useful in the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusions. Despite the lack of clinical data, evidence from the literature suggests that some nutraceuticals and plant compounds derived from plant extracts may be used to treat COVID-19. However, the clinical evidence provided is still inconclusive and controversies exist. Given these factors, randomized controlled trials are needed to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.