Cardiac glycosides and COVID-19: would it be a promising therapeutic approach?

Abstract

Abstract Cardiac glycosides have been found to have an anti-viral effect. This was noted in the past during various epidemics including MERS and SARS. It is due to their inhibitory effect on the Na, K-ATPase membrane pump. Furthermore, they exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. These preclinical observations may prove useful in further clinical utility of these well-known compounds in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• antiviral effect
• cardiac glycosides
• COVID-19