Current Updates on Naturally Occurring Compounds Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 Druggable Targets

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Virology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to a global health crisis.
• Existing drug development is lengthy, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies.
• Repurposing natural products offers a viable approach to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of natural compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2.
• To identify natural products with potential therapeutic applications against COVID-19.
• To summarize ongoing clinical trials involving natural compounds for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• In-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo investigations of natural compounds.
• Analysis of various natural scaffolds including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and benzoquinones.
• Review of current clinical trial data for natural product-based COVID-19 treatments.

Main Results:

• Numerous natural scaffolds have been computationally and experimentally investigated for SARS-CoV-2 activity.
• Several natural compounds are currently in clinical trials for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
• Significant data exists from computational studies, but experimental validation is often lacking.

Conclusions:

• Natural products represent a promising avenue for COVID-19 therapeutic development.
• Further experimental validation is crucial to confirm the efficacy of identified natural compounds.
• Continued research into natural compounds may yield effective treatments for COVID-19 patients.