Perspective: The Potential Effects of Naringenin in COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Severe COVID-19 cases develop severe acute respiratory syndrome, which can result in multiple organ failure, sepsis, and death. The higher risk group includes the elderly and subjects with pre-existing chronic illnesses such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. To date, no specific treatment or vaccine is available for COVID-19. Among many compounds, naringenin (NAR) a flavonoid present in citrus fruits has been investigated for antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties like reducing viral replication and cytokine production. In this perspective, we summarize NAR potential anti-inflammatory role in COVID-19 associated risk factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Repurposing of Some Natural Product Isolates as SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors via In Vitro Cell Free and Cell-Based Antiviral Assessments and Molecular Modeling Approaches

“…Its combustion in experimental model reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines [ 25 ] and regulate the production of IL-6 and TNF [ 26 ], that are increased in COVID-19. NAR also is known for its antiviral activity in SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 27 ]. It can reduce ACE2 expression [ 28 ], however this effect need further studies as reduction of ACE2 could result in greater inflammation [ 29 ].…”

Polyphenols in the Mediterranean Diet: From Dietary Sources to microRNA Modulation

“…Preventive action on neurodegenerative diseases can also be explained with the mechanisms proposed above [ 121 ]. Possessing immunomodulatory and antiviral activity, naringenin has also been proposed to support therapies against COVID-19 [ 122 ]. As for almost all polyphenols, the main problem is bioavailability, although many studies have used orange juice and not extracts or the molecule as it is; for this reason, different strategies are evaluated to make the molecule more bioavailable, as the doses that should be drawn from in vitro or in vivo studies should be between 25 and 50 mg per kg of body weight [ 123 , 124 ], even if some studies seem to confirm an absorption or at least a retention by the microbiota, with consequent beneficial action on it, with doses ranging from 200 to 500 mg [ 125 , 126 , 127 ].…”

Targeting Neurological Manifestations of Coronaviruses by Candidate Phytochemicals: A Mechanistic Approach

“…According to the critical destructive role of inflammatory mediators in the neurological signs of COVID-19, naringin seems to be a hopeful anti-inflammatory/antiviral candidate in combating related neuronal manifestations. As an aglycone form of naringin, naringenin has similarly shown anti-neuroinflammatory ( Nouri et al, 2019 ; Alberca et al, 2020 ), and antiviral effects with the potential of being used against COVID-19 ( Tutunchi et al, 2020 ). We have previously shown the neuroprotective potential of naringenin through modulation of inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, etc) and microglia activation in the CNS ( Nouri et al, 2019 ), thereby it could mitigate the neuronal signs of COVID-19 mediated by the inflammatory mediators.…”