Emerging therapeutic approaches to COVID-19

Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which is a positive single-stranded RNA virus having a large genome ~30 kb. SARS-CoV-2 is zoonotic and highly contagious, causing severe pneumonia-like symptoms. The efficacy of the different potential drug and drug candidates against COVID-19 has been investigated which are under various stages of clinical trials. The drugs effective against SARS, and Middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), have been proposed to have a high potential for the treatment of COVID-19. Here, we selected plant-based materials implicated in the prevention and therapy of COVID-19. The vaccine has shown impressive results in producing antibodies against SARS-CoV2 and has been evaluated for safety, tolerance, and preliminary immunogenicity. Similarly, DNA/RNA-based therapy shown high clinical significance. The plant produces secondary metabolites in response to viral infection to protect them. Many nanomaterials produced by carbohydrates and lipids been exploited for their in-vitro and in-vivo delivery of antiviral therapeutics. Different classes of secondary metabolites have a different mechanism to counter virus attacks. While some natural medicines in the form of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other nutrients help to enhance immunity, such measures should not replace social distancing, quarantining special care to protect from COVID-19. The standards of reporting were in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.