CINCHONA EXHIBITS CANDIDATES AS A COMPLEMENTARY ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY FOR SARS-COV-2: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Aim and Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, is the world’s most serious health issue. COVID-19 is currently without a precise and successful antiviral treatment. Phytochemicals provide a ray of hope for public well-being amid the pandemic, and much study is being done on them. Materials and Methods: Cinchona bark contains phytochemicals that have been used as antiviral agents against various viruses because they can suppress various viruses via various mechanisms of direct inhibition at the viral entry point and replication stages via immunomodulation potentials. Cinchona bark and its components have also been shown to have promising antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2, according to recent data. This narrative analysis summarizes cinchona phytochemical agents, their mechanisms of action, and possible antiviral behaviours against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Results and Discussion: Medicinal plants and their extracts and herbs have shown positive results in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection and could help treat COVID-19 patients as alternatives to care under phytotherapy approaches during this disastrous pandemic scenario. Conclusion: Finally, we presented the advantages and disadvantages of using cinchona herbal medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as some observations and suggestions.