No abstract

A newly diagnosed coronavirus in 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all human activities since its discovery. Flavonoids commonly found in the human diet have attracted a lot of attention due to their remarkable biological activities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the benefits of flavonoids in COVID-19 disease. Previously-reported effects of flavonoids on five RNA viruses with similar clinical manifestations and/or pharmacological treatments, including influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Ebola, were considered. Flavonoids act via direct antiviral properties, where they inhibit different stages of the virus infective cycle and indirect effects when they modulate host responses to viral infection and subsequent complications. Flavonoids have shown antiviral activity via inhibition of viral protease, RNA polymerase, and mRNA, virus replication, and infectivity. The compounds were also effective for the regulation of interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and sub-cellular inflammatory pathways such as nuclear factor-κB and Jun N-terminal kinases. Baicalin, quercetin and its derivatives, hesperidin, and catechins are the most studied flavonoids in this regard. In conclusion, dietary flavonoids are promising treatment options against COVID-19 infection; however, future investigations are recommended to assess the antiviral properties of these compounds on this disease.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has taken a tremendous toll on the physical and mental wellbeing of the Ukrainian people. Accordingly, medical trainees and institutions must adapt to a high degree of uncertainty and turmoil. In 2022, Ukraine has 23 medical institutions filled with not only Ukrainian nationals but medical students from around the world. It is estimated that approximately 18,000 students from India alone study in Ukraine, many of whom are medical learners. Many of these national and foreign medical students are now displaced refugees looking to escape to Western Europe or their country of origin. Even by escaping the ongoing conflict, the question remains as to how many of these students will complete their medical education and cope with the trauma of political unrest. This is the first time that the International Journal of Medical Students Editorial Team has commented on a political conflict. We have learned in our tenure that medical students and their education worldwide is affected by many factors, including global warming and conflict. We have raised our voice before for actions to prevent climate change. We are adding our voice of support to those suffering from political unrest and acts of violence globally, with specific focus on the Ukraine. The path of war and vengeance is an easy one when compared to political dialogue and collaboration. We, the new generation of scientists of the world, claim for the use of reason over emotions to keep us all safe and promote progress worldwide.

Declaration of interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests. Authors' contribution: All the authors had substantial contributions to the conception of the work. Drafting of the work was done by NS and NR; the remaining authors did critical revision. All approved the final draft and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.