Title : Flavonoids from therapeutic herbs to treat COVID-19
Abstract:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of COVID-19 disease. Through its viral spike (S) protein, the virus enters and infects epithelial cells by utilizing ACE-2 as a host cell's receptor protein. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global public health and economies. Despite the availability of various effective vaccinations and medications for COVID-19 prevention and treatment, the significant therapeutic potential of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants, particularly flavonoids, has garnered significant attention for potential use as medication. Flavonoids can fight viruses in two ways: directly or indirectly. They can prevent viruses from invading and inhibit replicating. Flavonoids can inhibit certain viral molecules that are involved in infection, especially viral proteases. Flavonoids possess notable immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which encompass the capacity to inhibit many inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that flavonoids possess a significant ability to attenuate the progression of COVID-19 in obese patients by promoting lipid metabolism. This review paper aims to elucidate the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the underlying mechanism of action of flavonoids on the virus. This study evaluates the potential anti-SARSCoV-2 properties exhibited by flavonoid compounds, with a specific interest in their structure and mechanisms of action, as therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Nevertheless, a significant portion of existing knowledge is based on theoretical frameworks and findings derived from in vitro investigations. Further research is required to better assess the effectiveness and safety of flavonoids in combating SARS-CoV-2, with a particular emphasis on in vivo and clinical investigations.
