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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
High-throughput Antiviral Assays to Screen for Inhibitors of Zika Virus Replication
Published on: October 30, 2021
Flavonoids as Molecules With Anti-Zika virus Activity
Allan Henrique Depieri Cataneo1, Eloah Pereira Ávila2, Larissa Albuquerque de Oliveira Mendes2
1Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas/Fiocruz-PR, Curitiba, Brazil.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-born virus that is mainly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes spp. Since its first isolation in 1947, only a few human cases had been described until large outbreaks occurred on Yap Island (2007), French Polynesia (2013), and Brazil (2015). Most ZIKV-infected individuals are asymptomatic or present with a self-limiting disease and nonspecific symptoms such as fever, myalgia, and headache. However, in French Polynesia and Brazil, ZIKV outbreaks led to the diagnosis of congenital malformations and microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in adults. These new clinical presentations raised concern from public health authorities and highlighted the need for anti-Zika treatments and vaccines to control the neurological damage caused by the virus. Despite many efforts in the search for an effective treatment, neither vaccines nor antiviral drugs have become available to control ZIKV infection and/or replication. Flavonoids, a class of natural compounds that are well-known for possessing several biological properties, have shown activity against different viruses. Additionally, the use of flavonoids in some countries as food supplements indicates that these molecules are nontoxic to humans. Thus, here, we summarize knowledge on the use of flavonoids as a source of anti-ZIKV molecules and discuss the gaps and challenges in this area before these compounds can be considered for further preclinical and clinical trials.
Insights
Flavonoids show promise as natural antiviral compounds against Zika virus (ZIKV). Further research is needed to explore their potential for treating ZIKV infections and associated neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have increased globally since 2007, causing neurological complications like microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
- Current treatments and vaccines for ZIKV infection are lacking, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
- Flavonoids, natural compounds with known biological activities, are being investigated for their antiviral properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of flavonoids as a source of anti-ZIKV therapeutic agents.
- To summarize current knowledge on flavonoid activity against ZIKV.
- To identify gaps and challenges in developing flavonoid-based anti-ZIKV treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ZIKV, its pathogenesis, and flavonoid antiviral activities.
- Analysis of existing research on flavonoids' efficacy against viral infections.
- Synthesis of information regarding the safety and potential of flavonoids for ZIKV treatment.
Main Results:
- Flavonoids have demonstrated activity against various viruses, suggesting potential against ZIKV.
- The non-toxic nature of flavonoids, supported by their use as food supplements, indicates a favorable safety profile.
- Existing research highlights the need for further investigation into specific flavonoids for ZIKV control.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids represent a promising avenue for developing novel anti-ZIKV therapies.
- Further preclinical and clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of flavonoids against ZIKV.
- Addressing research gaps is crucial for advancing flavonoid-based treatments for Zika virus infection.
