Background: Plants of the Zingiberaceae family namely Curcuma longa, Aframomum melegueta and Zingiber officinale are known for their many biological activities such as the antiviral activity. Aim: To provide an updated knowledge on the phytochemistry, toxicology and antiviral activity of some medically interesting Zingiberaceae species. Study Design: Multidisciplinary advanced bibliographic surveys and dissemination of the resulted knowledge. Results: The literature review shows that these edible plants have antiviral properties on different types of viruses ( Rhinovirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, Human immunodeficiency viruse, Enterovirus 71, Ebola Virus, Human cytomegalovirus,  Chikungunya virus,   Epstein-Barr Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Fish viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, Influenza A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Coronavirus SARS-CoV-1, etc.).  In addition, the literature indicated that these plants are a significant source of nutrients, which can boost the immune system and are safe according to the existing toxicological data. Conclusion: The present mini-review can therefore help to inform future scientific research towards the development of antiCovid-19 herbal drugs of relevance as well as nutraceuticals from these three plants species for the improvement of human health and wellbeing using reverse pharmacology approach. Molecular docking of some naturally occurring isolate compounds against SARS-CoV-2 proteases is in progress.

Aim: Till now, no specific treatment is available for COVID-19. This work is carried out with the aim of verifying in the literature the antiviral properties of aromatic plants and essential oils that can justify their use against the causative agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. Methodology: The literature review was based mainly on the usual databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central., Science Direct, SCIELO, DOAJ, Science alert, Semantic scholar and Google scholar. Results: A survey of literature reveals that aromatic plants and their essential oils are active against a large number of viruses (Herpes virus-1, Herpes virus-2, HIV, Adeno virus, Hepatite B Virus, Enterovirus 71, JUNV, etc.) and even against SARS-CoV-1 which has 96% of the same genetic background with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: Aromatic plants and their essential oils exhibit high antiviral activities against several types of viruses. This evidence stemming from several experimental studies means that some compounds derived from essential oils could act as inhibitors of COVID-19. Molecular docking investigations and pharmacoinformatics of some compounds derived from essential oils with SARS-CoV-2 protease are in progress to identify the potential inhibitors of the virus.

Aim: The present study aims at identifying potential inhibitors from a set of ten compounds from Ocimum basilicum against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, the chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro). Materials and Methods: Computational studies by molecular docking (Autodock tool) were used to obtain the scoring function of ten phytochemicals in interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The pharmacokinetic behavior of the high-docking score compounds was addressed by using SwissADME and pkCSM webservers. Results: Three high-docking score ligands were identified as hit compounds mainly the oleanolic acid (-8.55 kcal/mol), the ursolic acid (-8.21 kcal/mol) and apigenin (-7.52 kcal/mol). Their pharmacokinetic profile revealed that they have good therapeutic profile of druggability and safe. The biological activities of the three compounds especially their anti-inflammatory properties in relation with the excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines in the most severe form of the COVID-19 were also highlighted.  Conclusion: COVID-19 outbreak is a serious public health threat that requires immediate action. In order to combat this pandemic, several strategies are used and the identification of potential inhibitors of the main protease of the virus is one of the widely used strategies. Here, three potential inhibitors from Ocimum basilicum plant (leaves) were pinpointed. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are needed that will clarify the role of Ocimum basilicum for the management of COVID-19 disease.

Background and Aim: Condiment plants are not only a source of food, flavors or food additives but also antivirals. The aim of the present work consisted in compiling ethno-botanical, phytochemical, toxicological and biological activities literature data reported on some species of the Solanum genus, precisely their antiviral potential. Methodology: The literature review was based mainly on the usual databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, SCIELO, DOAJ, Science alert and Google scholar. Results: The ethnobotanical studies show that Solanum species are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. With regard to studies on their bioactivity, the literature indicates that the Solanum genus is full of species used in food and/or traditional medicine, in most cases presenting several biological properties such as antiviral potential. Among the viruses sensitive to extracts from Solanum species, are: Herpes virus type 1 or 2, viral hepatitis virus and HIV. Some phytochemical studies identified several compounds responsible for the antiviral activity, but polyphenolic compounds precisely glycoalkaloids have been shown to interact with SARS-CoV-2 protease such as quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin in some Solanum species (S. melongena, S. nigrum and S. torvum). Furthermore, the immunostimulant, haematopoietic or antioxidant potentials of some species of Solanum genus would be an asset for the management of Covid-19. There is little or no information in the literature on the toxicity of Solanum species used as food or drugs in traditional medicine. Conclusion: The antiviral activity of Solanum species is linked to the presence of polyphenolic compounds. It is advisable to consume these Solanum species which are less toxic during this pandemic as they are considered to be nutraceuticals. Molecular docking study of the interaction of these compounds with SARS-CoV-2 protease is in progress.

Aim: The aim of this work was to review literature data reported on some species of the Ocimum genus regarding their phytochemistry and antiviral potential in order to show how Ocimum species might be used in the management of COVID-19. Methodology: Various databases like PubMed, PubMed Central., Science Direct, SCIELO, DOAJ, Science alert, Semantic scholar and Google scholar were used. Results: Essential oils and extracts of Ocimum species possess the compounds involved in antiviral activity. In addition, this plant contains certain nutrients which boost the immune system. Ocimum genus displayed antiviral activity against several viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus, Adenovirus, Enterovirus 71, Parainfluenza virus type 3, Hepatitis C virus, etc. Toxicological data indicated that these plants are safe. Conclusion: Till now, there is no effective treatment of COVID-19. Ethnopharmacology constitutes an alternative approach for the discovery of effective antiviral drugs. The literature survey reveals that Ocimum species exhibit high antiviral activity, and thus can be used as potential bioresources against COVID-19. Molecular docking study of the interaction of some compounds derived from Ocimum species with SARS-CoV-2 protease is in progress in order to identify the potential inhibitors of the virus.