Nanoparticles of natural product-derived medicines: Beyond the pandemic

This review explores the synergistic potential of natural products and nanotechnology for viral infections, highlighting key antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties to combat pandemics caused by highly infectious viruses. These pandemics often result in severe public health crises, particularly affecting vulnerable populations due to respiratory complications and increased mortality rates. A cytokine storm is initiated when an overload of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is released, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. Viral mutations and the limited availability of effective drugs, vaccines, and therapies contribute to the continuous transmission of the virus. The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked renewed interest in natural product-derived antivirals. The efficacy of traditional medicines against pandemic viral infections is examined. Their antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are highlighted. This review discusses how nanotechnology enhances the efficacy of herbal medicines in combating viral infections.