Naturally Occurring Terpenes: A Promising Class of Organic Molecules to Address Influenza Pandemics

Abstract

Since the olden times, infectious diseases have largely affected human existence. The newly emerged infections are excessively caused by viruses that are largely associated with mammal reservoirs. The casualties of these emergencies are significantly influenced by the way human beings interact with the reservoirs, especially the animal ones. In our review we will consider the evolutionary and the ecological scales of such infections and their consequences on the public health, with a focus on the pathogenic influenza A virus. The nutraceutical properties of fungal and plant terpene-like molecules will be linked to their ability to lessen the symptoms of viral infections and shed light on their potential use in the development of new drugs. New challenging methods in antiviral discovery will also be discussed in this review. The authors believe that pharmacognosy is the “wave of future pharmaceuticals”, as it can be continually produced and scaled up under eco-friendly requirements. Further diagnostic methods and strategies however are required to standardise those naturally occurring resources.

Potential of Marine Terpenoids against SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Drug Development Approach

“…Generally, terpenoids are more diverse groups of secondary metabolites that exhibited a broad−spectrum inhibition with multiple types of mode of action during the treatment against several diseases [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ]. Most plant and marine terpenoids showed potent antiviral activity in cell lines; however actual mode of inhibition is still under investigation [ 77 , 78 , 79 ].…”

“…Most plant and marine terpenoids showed potent antiviral activity in cell lines; however actual mode of inhibition is still under investigation [77][78][79]. Especially, terpenoids showed virucidal activity against the various viruses by Generally, terpenoids are more diverse groups of secondary metabolites that exhibited a broad−spectrum inhibition with multiple types of mode of action during the treatment against several diseases [71][72][73][74][75][76]. Most plant and marine terpenoids showed potent antiviral activity in cell lines; however actual mode of inhibition is still under investigation [77][78][79].…”

Bakuchiol and its pharmacological benefits

“…In addition, these natural compounds also reduce virus-induced inflammatory responses via the suppression of NF-kB signaling pathways and pro-inflammatory cytokines. 93 In a more recent study, bakuchiol effectively inhibited severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pseudovirus entry at concentrations of up to 100μM without toxicity. Furthermore, in HEK293 cell lines overexpressing human ACE2 receptors, bakuchiol also effectively blocked RBD-ACE2 binding at the cell membrane.…”

Recent trends and advancements in electrochemiluminescence biosensors for human virus detection

“…Neuraminidase (N.A. ), another viral surface protein, functions mostly as a virion releaser through the cleavage of virus-bound carbohydrates (sialic acids) from the cell surface [ 42 ]. Various ECL biosensors have been reported for the diagnosis of influenza viruses.…”