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Therapeutic implications of quercetin and its derived-products in COVID-19 protection and prophylactic
Wan-Yi Ho1, Zi-Han Shen2, Yijing Chen3
1Department of Anatomy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel human coronavirus, which has triggered a global pandemic of the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge human health worldwide. The virus conquers human cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor-driven pathway by mostly targeting the human respiratory tract. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid widely represented in the plant kingdom. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that quercetin and its derivatives have various pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-microbial, antiviral, neuroprotective, and cardio-protective effects, because it is a potential treatment for severe inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, it is the main life-threatening condition in patients with COVID-19. This article provides a comprehensive review of the primary literature on the predictable effectiveness of quercetin and its derivatives docked to multi-target of SARS-CoV-2 and host cells via in silico and some of validation through in vitro, in vivo, and clinically to fight SARS-CoV-2 infections, contribute to the reduction of inflammation, which suggests the preventive and therapeutic latency of quercetin and its derived-products against COVID-19 pandemic, multisystem inflammatory syndromes (MIS), and long-COVID.
Insights
Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, shows potential in combating SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) and related inflammatory conditions. Research suggests its effectiveness against COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndromes, and long-COVID.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global health challenge.
- The virus primarily targets the human respiratory tract via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor.
- Severe inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome are life-threatening complications of COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of quercetin and its derivatives against SARS-CoV-2.
- To explore quercetin's multi-target effects on the virus and host cells.
- To assess quercetin's role in managing COVID-19, MIS, and long-COVID.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of primary research.
- Analysis of *in silico* (computational) studies on quercetin docking.
- Inclusion of validation data from *in vitro*, *in vivo*, and clinical studies.
Main Results:
- Quercetin and its derivatives demonstrate predictable effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.
- Computational studies show multi-target binding to viral and host cell components.
- Evidence suggests quercetin reduces inflammation, a key factor in COVID-19 severity.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin and its derivatives show promise as preventive and therapeutic agents against COVID-19.
- Potential benefits extend to managing multisystem inflammatory syndromes (MIS) and long-COVID.
- Further research validates quercetin's antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties for pandemic response.
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