Perspective: The Potential Effects of Naringenin in COVID-19

Front Immunol. 2020 Sep 25:11:570919. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.570919. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Severe COVID-19 cases develop severe acute respiratory syndrome, which can result in multiple organ failure, sepsis, and death. The higher risk group includes the elderly and subjects with pre-existing chronic illnesses such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. To date, no specific treatment or vaccine is available for COVID-19. Among many compounds, naringenin (NAR) a flavonoid present in citrus fruits has been investigated for antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties like reducing viral replication and cytokine production. In this perspective, we summarize NAR potential anti-inflammatory role in COVID-19 associated risk factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: ACE2; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; TNF; anti-inflammatory; antiviral; naringenin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Betacoronavirus / drug effects
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Coronavirus Infections / pathology
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / pathology
  • Cytokines / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Flavanones / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / pathology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Flavanones
  • naringenin