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

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.

Automated summary

This study reviewed natural herbs, foods, and products that have scientific evidence showing potential host protection against various types of coronaviruses, focusing on SARS-CoV-2. It also presented natural products that can alleviate symptoms caused by different coronaviruses, with a special emphasis on products that stabilize the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) associated with the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human cells.