Multifaceted anti-viral therapeutic potential of dietary flavonoids: emerging trends and future perspectives

Sharma, Varruchi; Sehrawat, Nirmala; Sharma, Ajay; Yadav, Mukesh; Verma, Pawan; Sharma, Anil K

Phytochemicals are the natural biomolecules produced by plants via primary or secondary metabolism which have been known to have many potential health benefits to human-beings. Flavonoids or phytoestrogens constitute a major group of such phytochemicals widely available in variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, tea etc. implicated in a variety of bio-pharmacological and biochemical activities against diseases including bacterial, viral, cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. More recently these natural biomolecules have been shown to have effective antiviral properties via therapeutically active ingredients within them, acting at different stages of infection.Current review emphasizes upon the role of these flavonoids in physiological functions, prevention and treatment of viral diseases. More so the review focuses specifically upon the antiviral effects exhibited by these natural biomolecules against RNA viruses including coronaviruses. Furthermore, the article would certainly provide a lead to the scientific community for the effective therapeutic antiviral use of flavonoids using potential cost-effective tools for improvement of the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and bio-distribution of such compounds for the concrete action along with the promotion of human health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.