Are Herbal-peptides Effective as Adjunctive Therapy in Coronavirus Disease COVID-19?

Background: Plant antiviral peptides (AVP) are macromolecules that can inhibit the pathogenesis of viruses by affecting their pathogenic mechanism, but most of these peptides can bind to cell membranes, inhibit viral receptors, and prevent viruses. Recently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the availability of appropriate drugs with low side effects is needed. In this article, the importance of plant peptides in viral inhibition, especially viral inhibition of the coronavirus family, will be discussed.

Methods: By searching the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the latest articles on plant peptides effective on the COVID-19 virus were collected and reviewed.

Results: Some proteins can act against the COVID-19 virus by blocking sensitive receptors in COVID-19, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The 23bp sequence of the ACE2 alpha receptor chain can be considered as a target for therapeutic peptides. Protease and RNAP inhibitors and other important receptors that are active against COVID-19 should also be considered.

Conclusion: Herbal medicines with AVP, especially those with a long history of antiviral effects, might be a good choice in complement therapy against the COVID-19 virus.