Natural substances and semisynthetic derivatives as potential alternative products against SARS-CoV-2.

Fuochi, Virginia; Furneri, Pio Maria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Today, a new β-coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 has emerged and it is causing a global pandemic. Inter-human transmission studies have indicated a significant role of aerosols in the transmission of many respiratory viruses. Hence, it is very important to decrease the spread of the virus through disinfectant agents. This review aimed to provide an overview related to possible alternative inhibitory molecules against this virus. METHOD For this review the literature search was performed in the MEDLINE electronic database using the public access known as NCBI-PUBMED. Keywords 'coronavirus' and "SARS-CoV-2" and "COVID19" were used. No specific time range was used. RESULTS We provide a review related to structure, anti-coronavirus activity and molecular mechanism of natural substances and semisynthetic derivatives such as glycopeptides, lipopeptides, probiotics, surfactants, terpenes and resveratrol. We also include the latest in vitro experiments with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. We also provide the theoretical basis for discussing the prospects of such natural molecules as possible alternative anti-Coronavirus products, so as to develop a complete screening for future applications. CONCLUSION In summary, this review suggest to investigate deeper several molecules most of which belong to natural substances to fight COVID19 disease.