Natural Bioactive Molecules: An Alternative Approach to the Treatment and Control of COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Coronaviruses (CoVs) pose significant global health threats, causing severe respiratory illnesses like MERS, SARS, and COVID-19.
• The urgent need for effective antiviral therapies against human coronaviruses (HCoVs) is highlighted by recent pandemics.
• CoVs are positive-sense RNA viruses characterized by surface spikes and large RNA genomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review natural substances with potential antiviral properties.
• To identify natural compounds that can interrupt the life cycles of MERS and SARS coronaviruses.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of these natural substances against COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies on natural compounds and their antiviral activities.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which natural substances affect coronavirus replication.
• Evaluation of existing research for potential application against SARS-CoV-2.

Main Results:

• Numerous natural substances exhibit diverse biological activities, including significant antiviral properties.
• Several natural compounds have demonstrated efficacy in disrupting the life cycles of MERS and SARS viruses.
• The reviewed natural substances present a promising avenue for developing novel COVID-19 treatments.

Conclusions:

• Natural products represent a valuable resource for discovering new antiviral agents.
• Targeting the CoV life cycle with natural compounds offers a viable strategy for therapeutic development.
• Further research into these natural substances could lead to effective treatments for current and future coronavirus outbreaks.