Alkaloids and COVID-19

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a type of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was first reported in Wuhan and then declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Alkaloids, secondary metabolites of plant origin, possess many biological activities, including antiviral, antioxidative, and anticancer properties. Among these alkaloids are colchicine, tetrandrine, and berberine, which are being used as medicine for centuries. All these alkaloids have shown potential as a cure against COVID-19, albeit further studies are needed to ascertain their efficacy and safety before their adoption by the general population. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.