Natural Bioactive Molecules as Potential Agents Against SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, have caused severe global health crises.
• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of deaths and significant economic disruption worldwide.
• Currently, no clinically validated antiviral drugs exist for SARS-CoV-2 treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide fundamental biological information on SARS-CoV-2, including its characteristics and invasion mechanisms.
• To review natural bioactive molecules with demonstrated anti-coronavirus activity.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of these natural compounds for COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on SARS-CoV-2 and natural bioactive molecules.
• Categorization of natural compounds based on their molecular targets within the viral life cycle.
• Analysis of viral and host proteins targeted by natural compounds, including PLpro, 3CLpro, RdRp, helicase, spike, ACE2, and TMPRSS2.

Main Results:

• Natural bioactive molecules from medicinal plants show potential as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
• These compounds act on various stages of the viral life cycle and target key viral or host proteins.
• The review summarizes identified natural molecules and their specific anti-coronavirus mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Natural bioactive molecules represent a viable strategy for developing novel antiviral therapies for SARS-CoV-2.
• Further research into these compounds could lead to effective treatments for COVID-19.
• Medicinal plants are a valuable resource for discovering new anti-coronavirus agents.