Exploring algae and cyanobacteria as a promising natural source of antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2

Can algae contribute to the war with Covid-19?

“…Natural sources need to be explored to produce new pharmaceutical approaches against SARS-CoV-2. Algae and cyanobacteria with a chemo-diversity can be identified as a relevant origin for the development of antiviral therapy since they possess both virus suppressing properties and immunity improving capacity [ 18 ]. Table 1 shows different types of algae-derived compounds with different therapeutic properties.…”

“…Algal polysaccharides such as carrageenan, fucans, nostoflan, naviculan, alginates, calcium spirulan, galactans, and laminarin have been tested in term of their antiviral efficacy toward viruses such as DENV, HIV, hepatitis A virus (Hep A) virus and herpes simplex virus-1 and −2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Lectins, such as cyanovirin, microvirin, griffithsin, scytovirin, and phlorotannins, which are proteins that bind reversibly to certain mono and oligosaccharides that are lacking catalytic activity, have also been tested to counteract several viruses including HIV [ 18 ]. Another promising agent is a polypeptide derived from microalgae called griffithsin (GRFT).…”

“…According to Sami et al [ 18 ], algae can be recommended as a treatment to SARS-Cov-2, both preventive and curative. In fact, algae and cyanobacteria can be referred to as one of the richest manufacturers of bioactive metabolites which are pharmacologically active and exhibit antiviral properties [ 17 ].…”

“…In fact, algae and cyanobacteria can be referred to as one of the richest manufacturers of bioactive metabolites which are pharmacologically active and exhibit antiviral properties [ 17 ]. For instance, antiviral efficacy of algal polysaccharides including carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, agar, and alginates have been investigated against various viruses such as dengue virus (DENV) and HIV, besides being natural polymers which are low cost, biodegradable, non-toxic, and biocompatible [ 18 ]. It was suggested that sulfated polysaccharides can inhibit viral infection by interfering with S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 that binds to the heparan sulfate co-receptor in host tissues as Kwon et al [ 19 ] reported in vitro results of tight binding between specific sulfated polysaccharides and the S-protein.…”

“…A comparison of different algae-derived compounds[9,18].Significantly inhibit the acute infection of MT4 cells and the chronic infection of H9 cells with HIV-1 • Sulfated form of alginate i.e. sulfated polymannuroguluronate (SPMG) inhibits HIV-1 infection Galactans, from red algae Agardhiella tenera, Schizymenia binderi, Brazilian marine alga Cryptonemia crenulata and marine alga Callophyllis variegate • Pigments Phycobilins from cyanobacteria like Oscillatoria sp., Nostoc sp., Anabaena sp.…”