Neuroprotective Agents with Therapeutic Potential for COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Virology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• COVID-19 presents diverse neurological symptoms, from mild cognitive impairment to severe encephalitis.
• These symptoms arise from direct neuronal damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding.
• Long-term COVID (Long COVID) also involves persistent neurological sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neurological manifestations of COVID-19.
• To examine underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration in COVID-19.
• To investigate the neuroprotective potential of natural products against COVID-19-related neurological damage.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of scientific literature on COVID-19 and neurological effects.
• Analysis of mechanisms including direct viral impact, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
• Exploration of natural compounds (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids) for neuroprotection.

Main Results:

• Natural compounds demonstrate neuroprotective effects in models of neurodegenerative diseases.
• These compounds modulate signaling pathways affected by COVID-19.
• Some natural molecules exhibit direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

• Molecules of natural origin show promise in preventing or mitigating nervous system damage in COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy across different disease stages.
• Natural products offer a potential therapeutic avenue for neurological complications of COVID-19.