Antiviral activity of medicinal plant-derived products against SARS-CoV-2

• Published in: Experimental Biology and Medicine 2022-10, Vol.247 (20), p.1797-1809
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Jonatas Rafael, Antunes, Beatriz Sales, do Nascimento, Gabriela Oliveira, Kawall, Jaqueline Cadorini de Souza, Oliveira, João Victor Bianco, Silva, Kevin Gustavo dos Santos, Costa, Mariana Aparecida de Toledo, Oliveira, Carlos Rocha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - pharmacology; Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Artemisinins; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Plants, Medicinal; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 1535-3702; 1535-3699; 1535-3699
• DOI: 10.1177/15353702221108915

This review presents information from several studies that have demonstrated the antiviral activity of extracts (Andrographis paniculata, Artemisia annua, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Olea europaea, Piper nigrum, and Punica granatum) and phytocompounds derived from medicinal plants (artemisinins, glycyrrhizin, and phenolic compounds) against SARS-CoV-2. A brief background of the plant products studied, the methodology used to evaluate the antiviral activity, the main findings from the research, and the possible mechanisms of action are presented. These plant products have been shown to impede the adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell, and prevent multiplication of the virus post its entry into the host cell. In addition to antiviral activity, the plant products have also been demonstrated to exert an immunomodulatory effect by controlling the excessive release of cytokines, which is commonly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections.