Plants and Natural Products with Activity against Various Types of Coronaviruses: A Review with Focus on SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is potentially fatal for vulnerable individuals. Disease management represents a challenge for many countries, given the shortage of medicines and hospital resources. The objective of this work was to review the medicinal plants, foods and natural products showing scientific evidence for host protection against various types of coronaviruses, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products that mitigate the symptoms caused by various coronaviruses are also presented. Particular attention was placed on natural products that stabilize the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS), which has been associated with the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into human cells.

Keywords

• middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS)
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)
• renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)
• coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19)
• medicinal plants