Plant Derived Antiviral Products for Potential Treatment of COVID-19: A Review

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is declared global pandemic. The virus owing high resemblance with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has been placed in family of beta-coronavirus. However, transmission and infectivity rate of COVID-19 is quite higher as compared to other members of family. Effective management strategy with potential drug availability will break the virus transmission chain subsequently reduce the pressure on the healthcare system. Extensive research trials are underway to develop novel efficient therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we have discussed the origin and family of coronavirus, structure, genome and pathogenesis of virus SARS-CoV-2 inside human host cell;comparison among SARS, MERS, SARS-CoV-2 and common flu;effective management practices;treatment with immunity boosters;available medication with ongoing clinical trials. We suggest medicinal plants could serve as potential candidates for drug development against COVID-19 infection.