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Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens

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A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Bio-inspired Molecules".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 36264

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Dr. Eleonora Pagnotta

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Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA-CI, Bologna, Italy
Interests: nutraceuticals; biochemical assays; cancer cell line; confocal microscopy; extraction of natural products; chemoprevention; cell proliferation; green chemistry; biochemistry; nutritional biochemistry

Dr. Luisa Ugolini

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Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA-CI, Bologna, Italy
Interests: brassicaceae; glucosinolates; green chemistry; extraction and purification of bioactive molecules

Dr. Giovanni Cilia

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CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, 40128 Bologna, Italy
Interests: honeybee; pathogens; microbiology; molecular biology; antimicrobials; bacterial infectious disease; zoonosis; antimicrobial resistance; nosemosis; bee viral disease; bee health
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Dear Colleagues,

Natural compounds include secondary metabolites that can originate from microorganisms, animals and plants. Plants, in particular, are a major source of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates, glycoalkaloids, phenolics, anthocyanins, and organic acids, which exhibit antimicrobial activities against a wide range of animal and human pathogens. For each class of these bioactive molecules, several mechanisms of action in inhibiting the growth of pathogens such as fungi and bacteria are involved: the destabilization and permeabilization of membranes, the inhibition of microbial enzymes, and direct actions on microbial metabolism. The antimicrobial activity of bioactive natural compounds can also be related to blocking the adherence of pathogens to epithelial cells, which is a prerequisite for the colonisation and infection of many bacteria.

Bioactive natural compounds may have important applications in the future as natural antimicrobial agents for the agri-food and food industry as well as therapeutic drugs. The use of natural products for the treatment and prevention of many human, animal and insect diseases has received increasing attention, especially when considering the emerging problems related to pathogen drug resistance, drug safety and residue persistence in treated animal products (e.g., meat, milk and honey). The influence of dietary nutraceuticals on human, animal and insect microbiota could also play a fundamental role in nutrition, health and chronic inflammatory diseases of microbial origin.

We are pleased to invite you to submit to this Special Issue of Biomolecules, titled “Bioactive Natural Compounds Active against Animal and Human Pathogens”.

This Special Issue aims to provide a representation of the new trends of bioactive compounds possibly involved in the defence of animal or human health against pathogens. The Special Issue will cover a selection of current research topics, including but not limited to the following: (a) bioactive compounds active against animal pathogens, (b) bioactive compounds active against human pathogens, and (c) bioactive compounds’ influences on animal and human microbiota and their effects on related diseases. Original articles as well as focused reviews and viewpoints devoted but not restricted to understanding the in-depth mechanisms and possible applications of bioactive natural compounds in animal and human health are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Eleonora Pagnotta
Dr. Luisa Ugolini
Dr. Giovanni Cilia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Natural compounds
Nutraceuticals
Phytochemicals
Antimicrobial agents
Microbiome
Human pathogens
Animal pathogens
Insect pathogens
Therapeutic tools

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Antioxidant and Antiviral Effects of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Extracts and Pure Compound Using Cancer Cell Model

by Rosamaria Pennisi, Ichrak Ben Amor, Bochra Gargouri, Hamadi Attia, Rihab Zaabi, Ahlem Ben Chira, Mongi Saoudi, Anna Piperno, Paola Trischitta, Maria Pia Tamburello and Maria Teresa Sciortino

Biomolecules 2023, 13(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13020238 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the antioxidant and antiviral effectiveness of leaf extracts obtained from Olea europaea L. var. sativa and Olea europaea L. var. sylvestris. The total antioxidant activity was determined via both an ammonium phosphomolybdate assay and a nitric oxide radical inhibition assay. Both extracts showed reducing abilities in an in vitro system and in human HeLa cells. Indeed, after oxidative stress induction, we found that exposition to olive leaf extracts protects human HeLa cells from lipid peroxidation and increases the concentration of enzyme antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally, OESA treatment affects viral DNA accumulation more than OESY, probably due to the exclusive oleuropein content. In fact, subtoxic concentrations of oleuropein inhibit HSV-1 replication, stimulating the phosphorylation of PKR, c-FOS, and c-JUN proteins. These results provide new knowledge about the potential health benefits and mechanisms of action of oleuropein and oleuropein-rich extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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19 pages, 3438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodefensive Based on Piper nigrum Essential Oil for Controlling of Anopheles aquasalis Larvae: Influence of Temperature (35 °C) and Preservatives

by Ayná Caroline Marcião Vieira, Sidney Gomes Azevedo, Ramon Andrade Linhares, Silvia Cássia Brandão Justiniano, Grafe Oliveira Pontes, Alessandra Ramos Lima, Pedro Henrique Campelo, Jaqueline de Araújo Bezerra, Camila da Costa Pinto, Henrique Duarte da Fonseca Filho, Robert Saraiva Matos, Ştefan Ţălu, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato, Natalia Mayumi Inada and Edgar Aparecido Sanches

Biomolecules 2022, 12(11), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12111711 - 18 Nov 2022

Viewed by 2033

Abstract

Considerable efforts have been spent on the development of biodefensives based on the encapsulation of essential oils for controlling of urban pests from their larval stage, especially as anopheline controlling agents. The larval source management of Anopheles aquasalis is important for malaria prevention. For this reason, this research proposes larvicidal biodefensives based on polymeric particles loaded with Piper nigrum essential oil, considering the influence of temperature (35 °C) and preservatives on the formulation stability. The biodefensive containing the preservative phenoxyethanol/methylisothiazolinone (PNE) resulted in 5 months of shelf-life storage with an Encapsulation Efficiency (EE%) of essential oil of 70%. The biodefensive PNE (containing 500 µg.mL⁻¹ of encapsulated essential oil) presented a polydisperse particle size distribution, ranging from D₁₀ = (127 ± 10) nm to D₉₀ = (472 ± 78) nm and a particle mean size of (236 ± 34) nm. The AFM images revealed a spherical morphology with an external surface almost regular and smooth. The controlled release of the essential oil was evaluated up to 72 h according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model, confirming the anomalous transport (n = 0.64 in pH = 3 and pH = 10, and n = 0.65 in pH = 7). The total larvae mortality on the in loco bioassays was almost reached (92%) after 24 h. However, according to the in vitro bioassays applying the in natura essential oil alone, the concentration of 454 μg.mL⁻¹ resulted on the mortality of 70% of the larvae after 24 h. For this reason, the highest efficiency of the biodefensive PNE may be related to the encapsulation of essential oil, delivering the loaded particles more efficiently inside the larvae. From this perspective, the present study shows that a formulation based on P. nigrum essential oil may be taken into account in the integrated management of disease vector mosquitoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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15 pages, 3064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beneficial Effect of Paeonol on Antibiotic-Associated Inflammatory Response in Mice with Diarrhea

by Bohyung Kang, Do Hwi Park, Myong Jin Lee, Chan-Yong Jeon, Ki Sung Kang and You-Kyung Choi

Biomolecules 2022, 12(11), 1634; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12111634 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of antibiotics particularly that acts on anaerobes. Moutan Radicis Cortex (MRC) is an herbal medicine used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the active components of MRC to determine their effect on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and anti-inflammatory effects. Of the various components of MRC, seven compounds (gallic acid, oxypaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, ethyl gallate, benzoic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, paeonol) were identified and assessed for anti-inflammation effects. Paeonol was found to effectively reduce nitric oxide production and levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. Paeonol also effectively reduced the mRNA expression level of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Western blotting analysis confirmed the reduction of COX-2 and NF-κB levels; p-p38 MAPK levels increased in the presence of a low concentration (25 μM) of paeonol but decreased in the presence of a high concentration (50 μM). In the mouse model of lincomycin-induced AAD, all experimental groups treated with paeonol (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg concentrations) showed diminished diarrhea status scores. Finally, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-4 were reduced compared with those in the control group. Therefore, paeonol may have active compounds of MRC to alleviate the diarrhea symptoms of AAD and reduce inflammatory mediators. Other components of the MRC extract could contribute to its known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity and should be tested for their possible activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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17 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GS-2: A Novel Broad-Spectrum Agent for Environmental Microbial Control

by Alyce J. Mayfosh, Zoe I. Day, Nathan B. Unsworth, Chun-Qiang Liu, Ruchi Gupta, Soraya Haynes, Rebecca Abraham, Sam Abraham, Zo L. Shaw, Sumeet Walia, Aaron Elbourne, Mark D. Hulett and Thomas F. Rau

Biomolecules 2022, 12(9), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091293 - 13 Sep 2022

Viewed by 7942

Abstract

The environmental control of microbial pathogens currently relies on compounds that do not exert long-lasting activity on surfaces, are impaired by soil, and contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. This study presents the scientific development and characterization of GS-2, a novel, water-soluble ammonium carboxylate salt of capric acid and L-arginine that demonstrates activity against a range of bacteria (particularly Gram-negative bacteria), fungi, and viruses. In real-world surface testing, GS-2 was more effective than a benzalkonium chloride disinfectant at reducing the bacterial load on common touch-point surfaces in a high-traffic building (average 1.6 vs. 32.6 CFUs recovered from surfaces 90 min after application, respectively). Toxicology testing in rats confirmed GS-2 ingredients were rapidly cleared and posed no toxicities to humans or animals. To enhance the time-kill against Gram-positive bacteria, GS-2 was compounded at a specific ratio with a naturally occurring monoterpenoid, thymol, to produce a water-based antimicrobial solution. This GS-2 with thymol formulation could generate a bactericidal effect after five minutes of exposure and a viricidal effect after 10 min of exposure. Further testing of the GS-2 and thymol combination on glass slides demonstrated that the compound retained bactericidal activity for up to 60 days. Based on these results, GS-2 and GS-2 with thymol represent a novel antimicrobial solution that may have significant utility in the long-term reduction of environmental microbial pathogens in a variety of settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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12 pages, 920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthelmintic Activity and Cytotoxic Effects of Compounds Isolated from the Fruits of Ozoroa insignis Del. (Anacardiaceae)

by Mthandazo Dube, Mohamad Saoud, Robert Rennert, Ghislain Wabo Fotso, Kerstin Andrae-Marobela, Peter Imming, Cécile Häberli, Jennifer Keiser and Norbert Arnold

Biomolecules 2021, 11(12), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11121893 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2762

Abstract

Ozoroa insignis Del. is an ethnobotanical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including schistosomiasis, tapeworm, and hookworm infections. From the so far not investigated fruits of Ozoroa insignis, the anthelmintic principles could be isolated through bioassay-guided isolation using Caenorhabditis elegans and identified by NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometric studies. Isolated 6-[8(Z)-pentadecenyl] anacardic (1), 6-[10(Z)-heptadecenyl] anacardic acid (2), and 3-[7(Z)-pentadecenyl] phenol (3) were evaluated against the 5 parasitic organisms Schistosoma mansoni (adult and newly transformed schistosomula), Strongyloides ratti, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which mainly infect humans and other mammals. Compounds 1–3 showed good activity against Schistosoma mansoni, with compound 1 showing the best activity against newly transformed schistosomula with 50% activity at 1µM. The isolated compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against PC-3 (human prostate adenocarcinoma) and HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) cell lines, whereby compounds 2 and 3 showed antiproliferative activity in both cancer cell lines, while compound 1 exhibited antiproliferative activity only on PC-3 cells. With an IC₅₀ value of 43.2 µM, compound 3 was found to be the most active of the 3 investigated compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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14 pages, 1890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Time-Kill Assay Study on the Synergistic Bactericidal Activity of Pomegranate Rind Extract and Zn (II) against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

by Amal Alrashidi, Mohammed Jafar, Niamh Higgins, Ciara Mulligan, Carmine Varricchio, Ryan Moseley, Vildan Celiksoy, David M. J. Houston and Charles M. Heard

Biomolecules 2021, 11(12), 1889; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11121889 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2818

Abstract

There is a need for new antimicrobial systems due to increased global resistance to current antimicrobials. Pomegranate rind extract (PRE) and Zn (II) ions both possess a level of antimicrobial activity and work has previously shown that PRE/Zn (II) in combination possesses synergistic activity against Herpes simplex virus and Micrococcus luteus. Here, we determined whether such synergistic activity extended to other, more pathogenic, bacteria. Reference strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were cultured and subjected to challenge by PRE, Zn (II), or PRE + Zn (II), in time-kill assays. Data were obtained independently by two researchers using different PRE preparations. Statistically significant synergistic activity for PRE + Zn (II) was shown for all four bacterial strains tested compared to untreated controls, although the extent of efficacy and timescales varied. Zn (II) exerted activity and at 1 h, it was not possible to distinguish with PRE + Zn (II) combination treatment in all cases. PRE alone showed low activity against all four bacteria. Reproducible synergistic bactericidal activity involving PRE and Zn (II) has been confirmed. Potential mechanisms are discussed. The development of a therapeutic system that possesses demonstrable antimicrobial activity is supported which lends itself particularly to topical delivery applications, for example MRSA infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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22 pages, 3957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glucosinolate Bioactivation by Apis mellifera Workers and Its Impact on Nosema ceranae Infection at the Colony Level

by Luisa Ugolini, Giovanni Cilia, Eleonora Pagnotta, Lorena Malaguti, Vittorio Capano, Irene Guerra, Laura Zavatta, Sergio Albertazzi, Roberto Matteo, Luca Lazzeri, Laura Righetti and Antonio Nanetti

Biomolecules 2021, 11(11), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11111657 - 08 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2470

Abstract

The microsporidian fungus Nosema ceranae represents one of the primary bee infection threats worldwide and the antibiotic fumagillin is the only registered product for nosemosis disease control, while few alternatives are, at present, available. Natural bioactive compounds deriving from the glucosinolate–myrosinase system (GSL–MYR) in Brassicaceae plants, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs), are known for their antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens and for their health-protective effects in humans. This work explored the use of Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa defatted seed meal (DSM) GSL-containing diets against natural Nosema infection in Apis mellifera colonies. DSM patties from each plant species were obtained by adding DSMs to sugar candy at the concentration of 4% (w/w). The feeding was administered in May to mildly N. ceranae-infected honey bee colonies for four weeks at the dose of 250 g/week. In the treated groups, no significant effects on colony development and bee mortality were observed compared to the negative controls. The N. ceranae abundance showed a slight but significant decrease. Furthermore, the GSL metabolism in bees was investigated, and MYR hydrolytic activity was qualitatively searched in isolated bee midgut and hindgut. Interestingly, MYR activity was detected both in the bees fed DSMs and in the control group where the bees did not receive DSMs. In parallel, ITCs were found in gut tissues from the bees treated with DSMs, corroborating the presence of a MYR-like enzyme capable of hydrolyzing ingested GSLs. On the other hand, GSLs and other GSL hydrolysis products other than ITCs, such as nitriles, were found in honey produced by the treated bees, potentially increasing the health value of the final product for human consumption. The results are indicative of a specific effect on the N. ceranae infection in managed honey bee colonies depending on the GSL activation within the target organ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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14 pages, 939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grape Pomace for Topical Application: Green NaDES Sustainable Extraction, Skin Permeation Studies, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities Characterization in 3D Human Keratinocytes

by Angela Punzo, Emanuele Porru, Alessia Silla, Patrizia Simoni, Paola Galletti, Aldo Roda, Emilio Tagliavini, Chiara Samorì and Cristiana Caliceti

Biomolecules 2021, 11(8), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11081181 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3459

Abstract

Food waste is a global problem due to its environmental and economic impact, so there is great demand for the exploitation of new functional applications. The winemaking process leads to an incomplete extraction of high-value compounds, leaving the pomace still rich in polyphenols. This study was aimed at optimising and validating sustainable routes toward the extraction and further valorisation of these polyphenols, particularly for cosmeceutical applications. New formulations based on red grape pomace polyphenols and natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) were here investigated, namely betaine combined with citric acid (BET-CA), urea (BET-U) and ethylene glycol (BET-EG), in which DESs were used both as extracting and carrying agents for polyphenols. The flavonoid profile determined by HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed similar malvidin content (51–56 μg mL⁻¹) in the DES combinations, while BET-CA gave the best permeation performance in Franz cells, so it was further investigated in 3D human keratinocytes (HaCat spheroids) injured with the pro-oxidant agent menadione. BET-CA treatment showed good intracellular antioxidant activity (IC50 0.15 ± 0.02 μg mL⁻¹ in malvidin content) and significantly decreased (p < 0.001) the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8, improving cell viability. Thus, BET-CA formulation is worthy of investigation for potential use as a cosmetic ingredient to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are causes of skin aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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Review

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24 pages, 1759 KiB

Open AccessReview

Secondary Metabolites Diversity of Aspergillus unguis and Their Bioactivities: A Potential Target to Be Explored

by Levy Tenório Sousa Domingos, Raquel dos Santos Martins, Leonardo Melo de Lima, Angela Michelato Ghizelini, Antonio Ferreira-Pereira and Fernando Cotinguiba

Biomolecules 2022, 12(12), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12121820 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1994

Abstract

Aspergillus unguis belongs to the Aspergillus section Nidulantes. This species is found in soils and organisms from marine environments, such as jellyfishes and sponges. The first chemical study reported in the literature dates from 1970, with depsidones nidulin (1), nornidulin (2), and unguinol (3) being the first isolated compounds. Fifty-two years since this first study, the isolation and characterization of ninety-seven (97) compounds have been reported. These compounds are from different classes, such as depsides, depsidones, phthalides, cyclopeptides, indanones, diarylethers, pyrones, benzoic acid derivatives, orcinol/orsenillate derivatives, and sesterpenoids. In terms of biological activities, the first studies on isolated compounds from A. unguis came only in the 1990s. Considering the tendency for antiparasitic and antibiotics to become ineffective against resistant microorganisms and larvae, A. unguis compounds have also been extensively investigated and some compounds are considered very promising. In addition to these larvicidal and antimicrobial activities, these compounds also show activity against cancer cell lines, animal growth promotion, antimalarial and antioxidant activities. Despite the diversity of these compounds and reported biological activities, A. unguis remains an interesting target for studies on metabolic induction to produce new compounds, the determination of new biological activities, medicinal chemistry, structural modification, biotechnological approaches, and molecular modeling, which have yet to be extensively explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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19 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Polyphenol and Tannin Nutraceuticals and Their Metabolites: How the Human Gut Microbiota Influences Their Properties

by Marco Fabbrini, Federica D’Amico, Monica Barone, Gabriele Conti, Mariachiara Mengoli, Patrizia Brigidi and Silvia Turroni

Biomolecules 2022, 12(7), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12070875 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3264

Abstract

Nutraceuticals have been receiving increasing attention in the last few years due to their potential role as adjuvants against non-communicable chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.). However, a limited number of studies have been performed to evaluate the bioavailability of such compounds, and it is generally reported that a substantial elevation of their plasma concentration can only be achieved when they are consumed at pharmacological levels. Even so, positive effects have been reported associated with an average dietary consumption of several nutraceutical classes, meaning that the primary compound might not be solely responsible for all the biological effects. The in vivo activities of such biomolecules might be carried out by metabolites derived from gut microbiota fermentative transformation. This review discusses the structure and properties of phenolic nutraceuticals (i.e., polyphenols and tannins) and the putative role of the human gut microbiota in influencing the beneficial effects of such compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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28 pages, 2282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anticoronavirus and Immunomodulatory Phenolic Compounds: Opportunities and Pharmacotherapeutic Perspectives

by Naiara Naiana Dejani, Hatem A. Elshabrawy, Carlos da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho and Damião Pergentino de Sousa

Biomolecules 2021, 11(8), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11081254 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4031

Abstract

In 2019, COVID-19 emerged as a severe respiratory disease that is caused by the novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease has been associated with high mortality rate, especially in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This could be attributed to dysregulated immune responses and severe systemic inflammation in COVID-19 patients. The use of effective antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and modulation of the immune responses could be a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19. Studies have shown that natural phenolic compounds have several pharmacological properties, including anticoronavirus and immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, this review discusses the dual action of these natural products from the perspective of applicability at COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds against Animal and Human Pathogens)

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