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.

Heliyon
|May 20, 2024
PubMed

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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