Antiviral activity of natural substances against main arboviruses DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV: literature review

Abstract

Arboviruses have caused several epidemics worldwide, resulting in significant global health problems. Dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are endemic arboviruses throughout Brazil and have a significant impact on public health. Major gaps in protection against the most significant emerging arboviruses remain, as no antivirals are currently available, and vaccines are only available in a few countries. A potential source of antiviral compounds can be found in natural products, of which several compounds have been documented to have antiviral activities and are expected to have good efficacy and low side effects. Polyphenols and plant extracts have been studied for their antiviral properties against arboviruses and have shown promising results. Natural products continue to play an essential role in drug production and development. This study evaluated the antiviral potential of natural substances and extracts against DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV. Original articles published between 2018 and 2022 in Portuguese and English on the antiviral activity of natural substances against arboviruses were reviewed. A total of 70 natural substances were evaluated against DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV, and the potential antiviral activity against these viruses was analyzed. Some of these substances have shown promise in developing new antiviral compounds. With abundant natural products to screen for new antiviral compounds, they play an important role in developing new antiviral drugs and reducing arbovirus cases.