Nutraceuticals and herbal extracts: A ray of hope for COVID‑19 and related infections (Review)

The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), for which there is no effective vaccine or treatment available yet, has led to a global health emergency. Despite a lack of clinical data, compelling evidence from the literature suggests that certain nutraceuticals (such as omega‑3 fats, β‑glucans, amino acids, probiotics, vitamins and minerals) and plant‑based compounds derived from herbal extracts may potentially be used in the treatment of COVID‑19. In the present review article, the benefits of such natural products in treating various respiratory complications are highlighted, and it is tentatively suggested that these benefits could be extrapolated to COVID‑19. These natural compounds may not only modulate the immunity of a susceptible population, but may also pave the way towards the development of drugs which may be used to treat COVID‑19. Although attention has recently focused on these compounds in this context, further clinical and experimental studies are required to validate their efficacy. It is thus suggested that the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of these compounds be carried out as soon as possible, in order to counteract the ongoing increase in the number of cases of COVID‑19.