A Comprehensive Review of Natural Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Virology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had significant global public health and economic consequences.
• While vaccines and antivirals exist, natural products like flavonoids have demonstrated therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2.
• Key flavonoids studied include quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and luteolin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the existing literature on the pharmacological anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of flavonoids.
• To explore the structures, classifications, synthetic pathways, and summarized pharmacological effects of these compounds.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of previously reported studies on flavonoids and their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
• Analysis of reported mechanisms, including direct/indirect antiviral actions and immune modulation.

Main Results:

• Flavonoids exhibit antiviral activities by inhibiting virus invasion, replication, and viral proteases.
• These compounds can modulate interferon levels and proinflammatory factors.
• Specific flavonoids like quercetin, baicalein, and EGCG have been highlighted for their potential.

Conclusions:

• Flavonoids possess significant potential for the treatment of COVID-19.
• Current research is largely theoretical, necessitating further in vivo and clinical studies.
• More research is recommended to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2.