Natural Products and Nutrients against Different Viral Diseases: Prospects in Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2

Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Feb 14;57(2):169. doi: 10.3390/medicina57020169.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic and is posing a serious challenge to mankind. As per the current scenario, there is an urgent need for antiviral that could act as a protective and therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 is much similar to the SARS-CoV bat that occurred in 2002-03. Since it is a zoonotic virus, the exact source is still unknown, but it is believed bats may be the primary reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 through which it has been transferred to humans. In this review, we have tried to summarize some of the approaches that could be effective against SARS-CoV-2. Firstly, plants or plant-based products have been effective against different viral diseases, and secondly, plants or plant-based natural products have the minimum adverse effect. We have also highlighted a few vitamins and minerals that could be beneficial against SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; antiviral; medicinal plants; pandemic; zoonotic virus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Chiroptera / virology
  • Humans
  • Nutrients / therapeutic use*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biological Products