Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Zinc in COVID-19

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a devastating global pandemic. Although control of inflammation and supportive care is a common practice, effective and safe disease-modifying or preventive treatments are not yet available. Recent studies demonstrate that small natural molecules belonging to polyphenol family can interfere with various stages of coronavirus entry and replication. These bioactive phytoconstituents, available as natural components in foods and medicinal plants may provide preventive and other benefits against COVID-19, particularly in older adults with micronutrient deficiencies. Another age-related nutritional deficiency may be inadequate levels of the trace metal zinc (Zn), rendering this population more susceptible to COVID-19. Here, following a brief review of 2 select flavonoids; quercetin as a potent antioxidant, and dihydromyricetin (DHM) as an effective antiviral agent together with Zn, essential for immune function, we suggest potential use of a combination of these compounds as an added prevention and/or treatment modality in COVID-19.