Exploring the therapeutic potential of marine-derived bioactive compounds against COVID-19

Abstract

The ocean is the most biodiverse habitat of various organisms. The organisms surviving in the harsh conditions of the ocean consist of several spectacular properties and produce bioactive compounds of pharmacological importance. These compounds are effective even in small quantities with various immunomodulatory qualities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Though the vaccines for COVID-19 are developed, and drug development is also in progress, but till now no effective drug is available for this deadly virus. Researchers are mining the huge data of bioactive compounds to develop the specific drug for COVID-19. The use of the repurposed drugs is challenging against the rapidly mutating virus with variable symptoms and mode of transmission. This review is an attempt to compile all the spattered data of marine-derived bioactive compounds with antiviral properties and to explore their therapeutic potential against COVID-19.

Flavonoids derived from medicinal plants as a COVID‐19 treatment

“…Galangin (GAL), the bioactive component of galangal and honey, is one of the lesser‐known flavonoids but is of considerable medical interest due to its antiviral, antibacterial (Cushnie et al, 2003), and anticancer activities. Recent reviews (Rampogu et al, 2022; Singh et al, 2021; Singh et al, 2022) demonstrate that galangal is a promising anticancer agent based on its effects on numerous cancers (e.g., breast, ovarian, colon, renal, laryngeal, and cervical) and their targets.…”

“…In 2021, Singh et al compiled a review of studies that investigated the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from marine sources against COVID‐19. Prior to that time, no significant information regarding flavonoids from marine vegetation had been published (Shen & Yin, 2021).…”

Utilization of Marine Seaweeds as a Promising Defense Against COVID-19: a Mini-review

“…Galactans extracted from Agardhiella tenera , Schizymenia binderi , and Callophyllis variegate exhibited antiviral activity by blocking the viral adhesion and replication into host cells (Ohta et al 2009 ). Carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide found in marine red seaweeds, has the ability to inhibit viral infections mainly by obstructing the entry of viral particles into the host cells (Singh et al 2021 ). Another study has reported that the carrageenan nasal spray was effective against the common cold caused by a human coronavirus (Koenighofer et al 2014 ).…”

“…Fucoxanthin, a natural carotenoid present in brown algae, has the ability to scavenge free radicals due to the presence of a specific allenic bond in its structure. Furthermore, studies reported that fucoxanthin extracted from Sargassum siliquastrum inhibited oxidative DNA damage by increasing the production of glutathione peroxidase (Singh et al 2021 ).…”

Anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and anti-cancer potential of marine algae and sponge: A review

“…2 From last two decades, medicinal potential of marine sponge and algae were reported extensively; however, the story of marine NPs is very old. 7 The Cryptotethya crypta, commonly known as Caribbean sponge, was the first marine organism to be investigated and reported in detail in 1940s. 8 Spongothymidine and spongouridine are two successful antiviral drugs isolated from Caribbean sponge which later on used to develop cytosine arabinoside as an anti-cancer agents.…”