Natural Products as Potential Therapeutic Agents for SARS-CoV-2: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective

Abstract

Abstract: Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus discovered by virologist David Tyrrell in 1960. Till now seven human corona viruses have been identified including HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. In the present scenario, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak causing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, became the most serious pu-blic health emergency of the century worldwide. Natural products have long history and advantages for the drug discovery process. Almost 80% of drugs present in market are evolved from the natural resources. With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, natural product chemists have made signi-ficant efforts for the identification of natural molecules which can be effective against the SARS-CoV-2. In current compilation we have discussed in vitro and in vivo anti-viral potential of natural product-based leads for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. We have classified these leads in different classes of natural products such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, quinones, canna-binoids, steroids, glucosinolates, diarylheptanoids, etc. and discussed the efficacy and mode of ac-tion of these natural molecules. The present review will surely opens new direction in future for the development of promising drug candidates, particularly from the natural origin against coronaviru-ses and other viral diseases.