Natural anti-tobacco mosaic virus constituents from plants: A review

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a typical plant virus affecting industrial crops, has inflicted severe damage on tobacco production and caused significant economic losses. Due to its high pathogenicity and stress resistance, researchers have long been engaged in developing antiviral agents, including chemically synthesized agents such as ribavirin and dufulin, as well as biologically derived antiviral agent such as ningnanmycin. However, the frequent and prolonged application of these synthesized pesticides has led to the emergence of TMV resistance, along with serious health and environmental concerns, which greatly constrain the sustainable development of agriculture. In contrast, plant-derived natural compounds have become the important resource of anti-TMV agents with the modern concept of "green plant protection". This review aimed to review the natural anti-TMV agents and inhibition mechanism. To date, some proteins, polysaccharides, and 241 natural small compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other compounds from 34 plant species were introduced. Additionally, this review addresses the current challenges in the discovery of drugs against TMV, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for future research on basic research and application.