Plant-Derived Antioxidants for Management of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Mechanisms.

We aimed to review the literature to introduce some effective plant-derived antioxidants to prevent and treat COVID-19. Natural products from plants are excellent sources to be used for such discoveries. Among different plantderived bioactive substances, components including luteolin, quercetin, glycyrrhizin, andrographolide, patchouli alcohol, baicalin, and baicalein were investigated for several viral infections as well as SARS-COV-2. The mechanisms of effects detected for these agents were related to their antiviral activity through inhibition of viral entry and/or suppuration of virus function. Also, the majority of components exert anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the cytokine storm induced by virus infection. The data from different studies confirmed that these agents may play a critical role against SARS-COVID-2 via direct (antiviral activity) and indirect (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) mechanisms, suggesting that natural products are a potential option for management of patients with COVID-19 due to the lower side effects and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]