Effect of Alkaloids on SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The use of herbs in treatment has started with the history of humanity and a significant number of effective drugs are being developed from herbal sources. Primary and secondary metabolites, which are natural products produced by plants, are the most basic products of the industry directly or indirectly. One of these groups is alkaloids. Alkaloids show antiviral effects in viral diseases. COVID-19, which started in China and spread to many countries, has become an epidemic that threatens all humanity worldwide as a "Coronavirus Pandemic". No reliable and certified drug has yet been developed for this virus. Recent important research shows that plant-based substances can be potential candidates for developing effective and safe drugs against this virus. Referring to such recent studies, this study primarily shows that the antiviral potentials of some alkaloids especially quinine and artemisinin and its derivatives. In addition, the importance of antiviral plant substances in the development of a broad-spectrum drug for SARS-CoV-2 is emphasized.