Natural polyphenols as inhibitors of coronavirus-cell interaction: review of literature and experimental data | Ukrainian Medical Journal

At the time of the pandemic outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2, no specific inhibitors of the human coronavirus reproduction have not been designed, although such studies were in full swing. Several flavonoids and their derivatives were shown to inhibit effectively reproduction of human and animal coronaviruses in vitro. The specific targets of flavonoids at different stages of coronavirus-cell interaction have been elucidated. These targets are disclosed in this review. Of particular importance are the inhibition of virus penetration into the cell as well as the inhibition of virus-specific protease — one of the important virus-specific enzymes. The prospects for using flavonoids and their derivatives as probable antiviral substances of clinical utility are considered. The multitarget patterns of flavonoid action is the key feature of these substances. The data of the original pilot project on the effects of flavonoid-containing composition Proteflazidum on the reproduction of the porcine transmissive gastroenteritis virus in vitro has been provided. Furthermore, the data on the molecular interaction of the active structures of Proteflazidum with 3C-like protease of SARS-CoV-2 obtained by computer simulation have been presented.

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