Pharmaceutical Resonance 2020 Vol.

3 - Issue 1

REVIEW ARTICLE

SCOPE OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT

OF COVID-19

Mrs. Remya Dev Renjith1*, Dr. Minnie Sankar2

1*
Assistant professor, Department Of Pharmacognosy, KVM College of Pharmacy, Cherthala
2
Former Senior medical officer, Dhathri Ayurveda Pvt Ltd

ABSTRACT : COVID19 is a declar ed pandemic caused by SARS CoV2 which has infected millions and
took many lives across the globe, as no proven treatment is established so far. Researchers from various parts of
the world are actively involved in developing suitable drugs, vaccines and any other possible methods to
eradicate this pandemic. Alternative treatments are also gaining importance. China, where the Covid -19 outbreak
was first reported, strongly believes in natural drugs used in Chinese system of medicine and they followed
combination therapies[1]. The Phytochemicals or phytonutrients have proved its role in treatment of diseases
including viral, bacterial, cardiovascular diseases, cancer etc. From the literature, few phytochemicals have
shown significant antiviral activity against COVID 19 through drug repurposing approaches like molecular
docking. Also a wide range phytochemicals like alkaloids ,tannins, polyphenols, flavanoids, proteins, lecithins,
lignans, coumarins, anthocyanidins possess antiviral properties against different types of corona virus
including SARSCoV[2]. Since the development of new treatment with natural drugs requires time these
phytochemicals also seen in common herbs can be incorporate in our daily diet which would increase the
immunity to fight Covid-19.Ayurveda,oldest system of medicine have various documented traditional medicines
which can be a source of antiviral phytochemicals and can be used for both management and treatment of Covid-
19.Ayurvedic system of medicine and Ministry of Ayush recommends the rational use of herbal drugs to combat
Covid-19.
Keyword : Antiviral, phytochemicals, scope, immunity enhancers, corona virus.

1. Introduction : bind the receptors of human cells. The structure

Covid-19 or Corona virus disease as referred by
WHO as pandemic in March 2020 has shook the
whole world with its mortality rate and the pace at
which it spreads from one individual to another.
Corona virus is a group of viruses that belong to
Coronaviridae family. They spread by ones exposure
to respiratory droplets through sneezing and coughing
by the infected individual.Covid-19 is a type of
SARS CoV (Severe acute respiratory syndrome
corona virus) which infected the world in 2002 and
hence it is referred as SARSCoV2[3].The special
feature of SARS CoV 2 is presence of a surface
protein known as Spike protein which enables it to
Mrs Remya Dev Renjith
Assistant professor,
Department of Pharmacognosy, KVM College of
Pharmacy, Kokkothamangalam, Cherthala,
Alappuzha Dist.,Kerala
being different from the old SARS CoV it is referred
as Novel corona virus or nCoV.
The emerging number of Covid-19 affected
individuals is increasing day by day. It will be
impossible for the medical professionals to
accommodate patients as there are limited resources
available. The present situation demands the people
to stay home in quarantine if they develop mild
symptoms and only visit hospital if the condition
worsens. This article also highlights the important
phytochemicals present in common herbs which we
use in day to day life are able to provide protection to
those who are infected or those who have chances for
getting the disease.There are a number of people with
comorbidities and by including the drugs in the diet
can enhance the immunity and can control the
diseases to a certain extent.Practicing Yoga and
meditation has also proved to enhance immunity.
2. Phytochemicals as antiviral agents :
Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are plant

© Published by DYPIPSR, Pimpri, Pune - 411 018 ( MH ) INDIA 26

 Pharmaceutical Resonance 2020 Vol. 3 - Issue 1

metabolites produced by the plants which possess Table :2:Major phytochemicals r epor ted to be ef-
therapeutic effects and beneficial to humans in fective against corona virus[6][7]
treatment of diseases. It is also available as a
nutraceutical in which they are found to provide Active
health benefits. The phytochemicals possessing against
antiviral properties include alkaloids, polyphenols, type of
Phytochemicals Plant source
polysaccharides, flavanoids, lecithins, proteins, corona
terpenes, lignans, coumarins, fructans, saponins, virus
quinones, proanthocyanidins, steroids, thiosulfonates reported
etc. The mechanisms of action of some include SAIKOSAPONIN
Bupleurum spp
Alkaloids which act by blocking the binding of virus, S A,B2,C,D
Heteromorpha HCoV-
inhibit virus growth and reduce virus titres in lungs. (Triterpene
Schrophularia 22E9
Polysaccharides inhibit viral replication and viral glycosides)
scorodonia
binding to the cell while flavanoids inhibits reverse
transcriptase by preventing RNA synthesis.Terpenes Rheum
RHEIN
inhibit virus replication and Lecithin inhibits virus palmatum
(Anthraquinone
penetration[4]. Most plants possessing antiviral Cassia tora, Aloe COVID-19
derivative)
property have phytochemicals which have the ability barbedensis by
to inhibit different steps of virus attack and Withania molecular
WITHAFERIN A
replication, eventhough the data regarding the Somnifera docking
mechanism of action of particular phytochemical is ALOE-EMODIN Aloe barbedensis analysis
unavailable. WITHANOLIDE Withania
D somnifera
2.1 Role of phytochemicals in Covid-19 :
b-ocimene
Table :1:Some phytochemicals and its mechanism (21.83%), 1,8-
of action [5] cineole (9.43%),
Laurus nobilis
a-pinene (3.67%),
Corona and
Mechanism of b-pinene (2.14%)
Phytochemicals virus
action a-pinene 35.72%),
Types
d-3-carene Theileria
Flavanoids: Luteolin, Interfere with the SARS (9.48%), and orientalis
apigenin, quercetin, activation of beta a-cedrol (9.55%).
Kaempferol, NRP3 corona a-Pinene (27.4%)
myricetrin inflammasome virus and b-myrcene
Act by inhibiting SARS-CoV
(18.9%) were the
the interaction of major onstituents.
SARS-CoV S Other –
Emodin, SARS
protein with its a-phellandrene Juniperus
anthraquinone CoV
receptor ACE2 (7.1%), oxycedrus
in dosedependent limonene (6.7%),
manner epibicyclosesquip
Resveratrol, hellandrene
stilbenoid,a natural Inhibits cellular (2.3%), and
MERS d-cadinene (2.2%)
polyphenol found in apoptosis after
CoV GLYCYRRHIZI Glycyrrhizha
red vine grapes, skin virus attack
of Rachis hypogeal N glabra
2.2 Role of phytochemicals as immunity boosters Samhita”dated back to 5000 years ago describes
as a prevention from Covid-19[8][9][10] treatment for similar living thing like corona
virus.Corona virus attacks get worse by immunity
Ministry of Ayush has recommended the use of overreaction. The major phytochemicals present in
certain drugs in the form of decoctions, herbal teas, the following herbs have active role in enhancing
steam inhalations, as spice as a part of enhancing the immunity also possess antiviral properties[11][12].
immunity for improving health for fighting
infections. Ayurveda, the ancient traditional system 2.2.1 Honey: Honey contains trace amounts of the B
of medicine in its ancient literature “Charak vitamins riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic
© Published by DYPIPSR, Pimpri, Pune - 411 018 ( MH ) INDIA 27

acid and vitamin B6. It also contains ascor bic acid
(vitamin C), and the minerals calcium, iron, zinc,
potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, selenium,
chromium and manganese.
2.2.2 Ginger : Terpene components of ginger
include zingiberene, β-bisabolene, α-farnesene, β-
sesquiphellandrene, and α-curcumene, while phenolic
compounds include gingerol, paradols, and shogaol.
These gingerols (23–25%) and shogaol (18–25%) are
found in higher quantity than others. Besides these,
amino acids, raw fiber, ash, protein, phytosterols,
vitamins (e.g., nicotinic acid and vitamin A), and
minerals are also present
2.2.3 Turmeric: Turmeric contains three
curcuminoids: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and
bisdemethoxycurcumin, as well as volatile oils
(tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberone), sugars,
proteins, and resins.
2.2.4 Garlic: Sulphur compounds-allicin, alliin,
ajoene, allyl propyl disulphide, diallyl trisulphide
2.2.5 Black Pepper: Alkaloids: Piper ine,
piperidine, piperanine, piperettine, piperlongumine,
lignans,alkyl amides
2.2.6 Fenugreek: Pyr idine type of alkaloids-
trigonelline, choline, entianine, carpaine, flavanoids-
apig enin, luteolin, orientin, quercetin, vitexin,
isovitexin, aminoacids
2.2.7 Clove:Essential oil-Eugenol (up to 90%),
acetyl eugenol, beta-caryophyllene and vanillin;
crategolic acid; tannins, gallotannic acid, methyl
salicylate, the flavonoids eugenin, kaempferol,
rhamnetin, and eugenitin; triterpenoids like oleanolic
acid, stigmasterol and campesterol; and several
sesquiterpenes
2.2.8 Onion: contains flavanoids like quercetin,
fructose, quercetin-3-glucoside, isorhamnetin-4-
glucoside, xylose, galactose, glucose, mannose,
organosulfur compounds, allylsulfides, flavonoids,
flavenols, S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides, cycloalliin,
selenium, thiosulfinates, and sulfur and seleno
compounds.
2.2.9 Tulsi: oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic
acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene
(about 8%).
2.2.10 Aswagandha : alkaloids (isopelletierine,
anaferine, cuseohygrine, anahygrine, etc.), steroidal
lactones (withanolides, withaferins) and saponins
2.2.11 Ginseng: Ginseng saponins-Ginsenosides,
panaxosides, alkaloids, phenols, proteins,
polypeptides ,vitamins B1 and B2
© Published by DYPIPSR, Pimpri, Pune - 411 018 ( MH ) INDIA
Pharmaceutical Resonance 2020 Vol. 3 - Issue 1
3. Methods:
The source of data was collected from various
databases like Pubmed, Medeley, Google scholar,
Science direct etc. The information relating to
Ayurveda and details of herbs to include in diet to
enhance immunity was discussed with Dr. Minnie
Sanker, former Senior medical officer, Dhathri
Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd and listed.
4. Discussion:
Phytochemicals / Natural products can be an
alternative for both management and treatment of
Covid-19. Previous literature has shown number of
phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids,
lecithins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, proteins,
lignans, coumarins etc which have shown antiviral
property. The alternative system of medicine like
Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Chinese system of
medicine have documented treatments using
medicinal plants against various diseases. Ayurveda
in its official book “Ashtanga hrudaya” have
treatments for symptoms associated with Covid -19
which can be used for it management. Ayurveda also
recommends the drugs to include in the diet as food
or supplements or ayurvedic preparations for
enhancing immunity thereby fighting against Covid-
19.The immunomodulatory activity of these drugs is
solely due to the phytochemicals present
5. Conclusion
Covid 19 has affected almost 212 nations of the
world and its mortality rate remains uncontrollable
for many countries. Hence it is essential to find a
suitable treatment as early as possible to control the
emerging disease. This study highlights the
importance of phytochemicals that can be a lead to
drug discovery against Covid 19 provided safety and
efficacy are met. It can also support the present
situation by its immunity enhancing and rejuvenation
properties which can reduce the chance of infection
and help in early recovery of infected patients.
References
[1] H. Luo et al., “Can Chinese Medicine Be Used
for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019
(COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics,
Research Evidence and Current Prevention
Programs,” Chin. J. Integr. Med., 2020, doi:
10.1007/s11655-020-3192-6.
[2] R. Kapoor, B. Sharma, and S. S. Kanwar,
“Antiviral Phytochemicals: An Overview,”
Biochem. Physiol. Open Access, vol. 06, no.
02, 2017, doi: 10.4172/2168-9652.1000220.
[3] Y. J. Duan et al., “The Trial of Chloroquine in
28
 Pharmaceutical Resonance 2020 Vol. 3 - Issue 1

the Treatment of Corona Virus Disease 2019

COVID-19） and Its Research Progress in
Forensic Toxicology,” Fa yi xue za zhi. 2020,
doi: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.02.001.
[4] V. Chandel, S. Raj, B. Rathi, and D. Kumar,
“In Silico Identification of Potent COVID-19
Main Protease Inhibitors from FDA Approved
Antiviral Compounds and Active
Phytochemicals through Molecular Docking: A
Drug Repurposing Approach,” Preprint, no.
March, 2020, doi: 10.20944/ pre prints 202003.
0349. v1.
[5] c and C. N. Dwight L. McKee, a Ariane
Sternberg, b Ulrike Stange, b Stefan Laufer,
“Candidate drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and
COVID-19,” Pharmacol Res. 2020 Apr 29
104859, vol. 10.1016/j., 2020.
[6] M. R. Loizzo et al., “Phytochemical analysis
and in vitro antiviral activities of the essential
oils of seven Lebanon species,” Chem.
Biodivers., vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 461–470, 2008,
doi: 10.1002/cbdv.200890045.
[7] C. C. Wen et al., “Specific plant terpenoids and
lignoids possess potent antiviral activities
against severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus,” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry,
vol. 50, no. 17. pp. 4087–4095, 2007, doi:
10.1021/jm070295s.
[8] B. B. Mishra and V. K. Tiwari, “Natural
products: An evolving role in future drug
discovery,” European Journal of Medicinal
Chemistry. 2011, doi: 10.1016/
j.ejmech.2011.07.057.
[9] R. Kapoor, B. Sharma, and S. S. Kanwar,
“Antiviral Phytochemicals: An Overview,”
Biochem. Physiol. Open Access, 2017, doi:
10.4172/2168-9652.1000220.
[10] M. Yang, G. Lee, J. Si, S. J. Lee, H. J. You, and
G. P. Ko, “Curcumin shows antiviral properties
against norovirus,” Molecules, 2016, doi:
10.3390/molecules21101401.
[11] A. K. Patra, Dietary phytochemicals and
microbes. 2012.
[12] Neelesh Malviya,Sapna Malviya,Herbal drug
technology.2019: 85-90

© Published by DYPIPSR, Pimpri, Pune - 411 018 ( MH ) INDIA 29