Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from <i>Geranium sanguineum</i> L. in Viral Infections, Including SARS-CoV-2
Silviya Abarova,
Ralitza Alexova,
Stela Dragomanova,
Ayten Solak,
Paolo Fagone,
Katia Mangano,
Maria Cristina Petralia,
Ferdinando Nicoletti,
Reni Kalfin,
Lyubka Tancheva
Affiliations
Silviya Abarova
Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Zdrave Str. 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
Ralitza Alexova
Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Zdrave Str. 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
Stela Dragomanova
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd 84A, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
Ayten Solak
Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technologies, Cherni Vrah Blvd. 53, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
Paolo Fagone
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
Katia Mangano
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
Maria Cristina Petralia
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
Ferdinando Nicoletti
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
Reni Kalfin
Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str. 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Lyubka Tancheva
Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str. 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
The existing literature supports the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral capacities of the polyphenol extracts derived from Geranium sanguineum L. These extracts exhibit potential in hindering viral replication by inhibiting enzymes like DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase. The antiviral properties of G. sanguineum L. seem to complement its immunomodulatory effects, contributing to infection resolution. While preclinical studies on G. sanguineum L. suggest its potential effectiveness against COVID-19, there is still a lack of clinical evidence. Therefore, the polyphenols extracted from this herb warrant further investigation as a potential alternative for preventing and treating COVID-19 infections.
