Phytochemicals against COVID -19, Pharmacological Perspectives: A Systematic Review
Ahmed S. Ali
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, KSA and Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Egypt.
Ekram A. Saied *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, KSA.
Sharifa M. Theeban
Jeddah International College, Jeddah, KSA.
Mazen M. Humayran
Faculty of Medicine, Medical Intern at King Abdulaziz University Hospital/King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA.
Assmaa Ahmed Shaker
Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, KSA.
Mohammed S. Almuhayawi
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA and Y. A. Jameel Scientific Chair of Prophetic Medical Applications, King Abdulaziz University, KSA.
Abdelbagi Alfadil
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Many publications discussed the potential role of medicinal plants in the management of COVID-19. However, clinical studies of the efficacy and safety of specified phytochemical(s) are limited.
Objectives: To explore the pharmacological profile of specified compounds against COVID-19
Method: Systematic literature search of academic databases to explore specified phytochemicals for the management of COVID-19 using appropriate search terms. Rayyan software was used to organize 786 citations of which. 236 articles were included in this review.
Results: Initially 70 compounds were identified to have a potential role in the management of COVID-19. In this review, 18 compounds were selected for further search
Conclusion: In vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2activity has been demonstrated for a variety of natural compounds. However, preclinical research for most phytochemicals is scarce, and only a few compounds have been evaluated in clinical trials against COVID-19. A comprehensive pharmacological profile of these phytochemicals is urgently needed.
Keywords: Phytochemicals, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, flavonoids, alkaloids, essential oils