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Review

A Comprehensive Review of Natural Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity

by
Jun-Yu Yang
1,2,
Yi-Xuan Ma
1,2,
Yan Liu
1,
Xiang-Jun Peng
1,3 and
Xiang-Zhao Chen
1,3,*
1
Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
2
College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
3
Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication for Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2735; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062735
Submission received: 14 February 2023 / Revised: 11 March 2023 / Accepted: 14 March 2023 / Published: 17 March 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Therapeutic Applications of Natural Compounds and Nature-Inspired Small Molecules)
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Abstract

:
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has majorly impacted public health and economies worldwide. Although several effective vaccines and drugs are now used to prevent and treat COVID-19, natural products, especially flavonoids, showed great therapeutic potential early in the pandemic and thus attracted particular attention. Quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and luteolin are among the most studied flavonoids in this field. Flavonoids can directly or indirectly exert antiviral activities, such as the inhibition of virus invasion and the replication and inhibition of viral proteases. In addition, flavonoids can modulate the levels of interferon and proinflammatory factors. We have reviewed the previously reported relevant literature researching the pharmacological anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of flavonoids where structures, classifications, synthetic pathways, and pharmacological effects are summarized. There is no doubt that flavonoids have great potential in the treatment of COVID-19. However, most of the current research is still in the theoretical stage. More studies are recommended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2.

1. Introduction

COVID-19 is a global disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with a high morbidity and mortality rate. As of November 2022, COVID-19 has spread to 222 countries with more than 600 million confirmed cases and more than 6.5 million cumulative deaths [1]. The COVID-19 outbreak not only endangers human health and livelihoods, but also has a huge impact on global public health systems and economic development.
SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-stranded RNA virus with a characteristic coronavirus spine protein on its outer surface that is capable of droplet transmission [2,3,4]. The viral structure of SARS-CoV-2 has a high degree of similarity to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and it is similarly a zoonotic virus with a long incubation period and high transmission rate [2,5,6,7]. SARS-CoV-2 is highly mutagenic, and there are currently four mutant strains, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, with the newly discovered Omicron mutant strain becoming a major global disease and causing strain in just a few months due to its strong infectious and immune-escaping ability [8,9,10,11]. Some common symptoms include fever, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and nasal congestion [12,13,14]. Most infected patients are from mild to moderate and do not require special treatment, but those with underlying conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, as well as the elderly, are more likely to become seriously ill and have a higher mortality rate [13,15,16,17].
In addition to the vaccine, there are currently three new oral crown drugs approved for marketing worldwide, including Paxlovid (Pfizer, New York, USA) [18], Molnupiravir (Merck, Kenilworth, NJ, USA) [19], and the recently approved marketed remdesivir derivative VV116 (Topalliance Biosciences, Shanghai, China) [4,20]. In the early stage of the pandemic, there was a shortage of therapeutic options for COVID-19. Natural products, especially flavonoids, played a huge role in the early stage of the epidemic, showing good results in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, which attracted widespread attention and research.
Flavonoids are widely found in many fruits and vegetables and have excellent antidiabetic, activity anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activity [21,22]. Flavonoids are mainly obtained through chemical synthesis, biosynthesis, and extraction from plants, and this article provides an overview of the chemical synthesis of several flavonoids. Flavonoid compounds are extremely potent against SRAS-CoV-2 and can be used to treat COVID-19. For example, EGCG inhibits the binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor [3]. Some flavonoids, such as baicalein, luteolin, and quercetin, can inhibit the activity of 3C-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) [23,24,25]. In addition, various flavonoids such as kaempferol, hesperidin, and isorhamnetin have also been shown to have inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 [26,27,28]. Flavonoids also modulate the levels of inflammatory factors in the body and improve inflammation in COVID-19 patients.
Regarding the research progress of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 role of flavonoids, we summarized in this review, expecting to provide some reference for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. This article will summarize the recent research progress on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacological activity of flavonoids. It is hoped that this will provide ideas for the development of flavonoid drugs.

2. Methods

This paper summarizes the structural classification and pharmacological effects of flavonoids and provides a detailed review of the chemical synthesis of quercetin, EGCG, luteolin, baicalein, and baicalin as well as their anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects.
The literature search was performed through the Elsevier, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. The keywords included: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; flavonoids; treatment; pharmacological effects; and synthesis. Non-English literature was selected for exclusion from this review. Other than that, no other restrictions were used in this paper. This article was also accessed on the WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard (https://COVID19.who.int/table, accessed on 30 November 2022).

3. Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 (Figure 1) is a positive-stranded RNA virus with four main structural proteins: the spike protein (S protein), the membrane protein (M protein), the envelope protein (E protein), and the nucleocapsid coat protein (N protein) in addition to some nonstructural proteins (nsps) [29,30,31]. The spike protein is in the outer layer of the virus and has two subunits, S1 and S2. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit binds to the ACE2 receptor of the host cell and then, with the involvement of cellular proteins, such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), cathepsin B/L (CatB/L), and flavoprotein, fuses with the cell membrane by the S2 subunit and enters the host cell [32,33,34,35]. Upon entry into the cell, the virus produces the polyproteins, 1a and 1b (pp1a and pp1ab) [36]. This is immediately followed by cleavage by 3CLpro, also called main protease (Mpro), and PLpro into 16 nonstructural proteins (nsps) [37,38]. The RdRp is an essential enzyme that can participate in RNA replication and negative-stranded RNA synthesis. The synthesized negative-stranded RNA can be used as a model for mRNA synthesis. The mRNA is translated into a polypeptide chain, which is modified and processed into four structural proteins [39,40]. The viral RNA is wrapped in the N protein and released from the cell by cytokinesis (Figure 2) [41,42,43].

4. Classification, Synthesis and Activity of Flavonoids

4.1. Structure and Classification of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a series of polyphenolic compounds found in various plants that have a benzo-γ-pyrone structure and can be synthesized by the phenylpropane pathway. Flavonoids are mostly found in esterified or glycosylated forms, and they form the basic parent nucleus of the C6-C3-C6 structure through 15 carbons (Figure 3) [44].
Depending on the different substitution patterns of the rings, the position of the B ring, and the degree of oxidation of the C ring, there are six main subtypes, including flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, chalcones, flavanes, and anthocyanins (Table 1) [45].

4.2. Chemical Synthesis of Flavonoids

Flavonoids can be extracted from plants through biosynthesis and chemical synthesis. This article focuses on the chemical synthesis of flavonoids, emphasizing the synthetic routes of quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, EGCG, and luteolin.

4.2.1. Quercetin

The synthesis route of quercetin is as follows (Figure 4): 2% H2SO4/H2O is added to rutin 1, reacted at 80–90 °C for 4 h, and then filtered; then, the filter cake is washed with water to neutral, then recrystallized in ethanol to provide quercetin [46].

4.2.2. Baicalein and Baicalin

The synthesis route of baicalein is as follows (Figure 5): Compound 3 is obtained by the reaction of trimethoxyphenol 2 with AcOH and BF3-Et2O at 60 °C for 3 h, which is further condensed with benzaldehyde for 70 h to provide compound 4. Next, compound 4 is subjected to intramolecular cyclization in the presence of I2/DMSO at 100 °C for 2.5 h to provide compound 5; then, the methyl group is removed using pyridine hydrochloride at 190 °C for 6.5 h to provide baicalein [47].
The synthesis route of baicalin is as follows (Figure 6): Using baicalin as the starting material, the acetylation reaction is carried out in the presence of Ac2O and AcONa at 80 °C to obtain acetylated baicalin 6. The acetylated baicalin is refluxed with BnBr in acetone by heating in the presence of KI and K2CO3 to yield the benzyl-substituted compound 7. The obtained compound 7 is removed from the benzyl group in THF by the action of Pd(OH)2 with H2 to provide compound 8. Additionally, compound 8 is glycosylated with brominated D-glucose in the presence of Ag2O at room temperature to provide glycosylated product 9. The removal of the protecting group TBDPS of compound 9 with AcOH and TBAF for 4 h provides compound 10. The subsequent oxidation of the hydroxyl group of compound 10 with TEMPO and BAIB at room temperature provides product 11. Finally, the protecting group is removed using Mg(OMe)2 at room temperature for 3 h to provide the target compound baicalin [48].

4.2.3. EGCG

The synthetic route of EGCG is as follows (Figure 7): Compound 12, containing allyl alcohol, is oxidized by MnO2 at room temperature for 12 h to provide compound 13. In the presence of HBr, the aldehyde group of compound 13 is cyclized with HOCH2CH2SH to form cyclic S, O-acetal compound 14. Then, the oxidation of compound 14 with mCPBA at 0 °C for 8 h provides the oxidized S, O-acetal 15. The additional reaction with compound 15 in the presence of H2O is carried out with NBS to provide the bromohydrin compound 16 with stereoisomerism. The brominated alcohol of compound 16 is converted to epoxide 17 by CsCO3 in a reaction at 0 °C for 5 h. Additionally, the phenol-containing compound 21 is reacted with compound 17 at 45 °C to provide the cis-ring-opening product 18. In the presence of DIC, the alcohol hydroxyl group of compound 18 is esterified using DMAP; subsequently, the esterified product 19 is treated with an excess of TFAA in the environment of Et3SiH, and DCM (1:10) is reacted first at −78 °C for 0.5 h and then at room temperature for 27 h to provide the cyclized product 20. Finally, the protecting group of compound 20 is removed using H2/Pd(OH)2 at 20 atm to obtain the final product EGCG [49].

4.2.4. Luteolin

The synthesis route of luteolin is as follows (Figure 8): rutin 1 is used as the starting material, the protective agent Na2S2O4 is added, and the target product luteolin is refluxed at 100 °C [50].

4.3. Pharmacological Activity of Flavonoid Compounds

4.3.1. Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Cytokine storm is a feature of the inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 [51,52]. Flavonoids can target pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, and Akt, and can also reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines, which play an anti-inflammatory role [53].
A study showed that quercetin inhibited MC903-induced atopic dermatitis and improved arthritis by reducing proinflammatory factors [54,55]. Kaempferol blocked the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis [56]. In addition, kaempferol also regulated the expression of adipogenesis and reduced lipid accumulation in CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (CEBPA) by upregulating the mRNA expression of Pnpla2 and Lipe [57]. Janumetin prevented neuroinflammation caused by sleep deprivation and also treated atopic dermatitis caused by obesity [58,59]. Both chrysin and lignans have been shown to have preventive effects against ochratoxin A-induced gastrointestinal inflammation in vitro [60]. Oroxylin A has a therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). In a mouse model of CIA, researchers found that mice treated with Oroxylin A had significantly lower levels of inflammatory factors in their serum and reduced somatic damage caused by arthritis [61]. Rutin is reportedly effective in treating colitis. Animal research discovered that no additional medication was required, and only 0.1% rutin was added to the daily diet and fed for 2 weeks. The concentration of proinflammatory factors in the serum of the mice was lowered, and the symptoms of colitis were reduced [62]. Saeedi-Boroujeni’s study reported that quercetin was able to affect the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles and achieving an inflammatory suppressive effect [63]. Clinical studies have shown that adjuvant therapy with quercetin in early COVID-19 patients significantly reduced the release of proinflammatory factors, such as TNF-β and IL-1β, and alleviated inflammation in patients with COVID-19 [43].

4.3.2. Antiviral Effect

Flavonoids are effective throughout the life of a virus. They can act through the inhibition of the virus cell entrance, replication of the viral gene set, translation and processing of proteins, and release of the virus from the cell [64].
It was demonstrated that both biochanin A and baicalin were able to inhibit H5N1 virus replication in A549 cells, but the mechanisms of action were different [65,66]. Both fisetin and rutin blocked viral replication by inhibiting the 3CLpro activity of enterovirus A71 [67]. Formononetin modulated COX-2/PGE₂ expression, thereby inhibiting the replication with enterovirus A71 [68]. Silymarin reportedly has anti-dengue virus activity in vitro and hepatoprotective properties for HCV infection treatment [69,70]. An in vitro study has shown that flavonoids isolated from the above-ground parts from Marcetia taxifolia are effective against herpes simplex virus, poliovirus, and hepatitis B virus [71]. The total flavonoids extracted from Robinia pseudoacacia cv. idaho showed the significant inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 and enterovirus type 71 with therapeutic indices of 113.8 and 46.2 [72]. It was shown that selenium functionalization with quercetin enhanced the inhibitory effect on Mpro and that quercetin significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection at higher concentrations, while quercetin derivatives inhibited the viral infection at low concentrations [23]. Baicalein and baicalin were able to bind to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, causing the RdRp to be unable to participate in the RNA replication process of the virus [73]. Several studies in vitro have shown that EGCG can prevent the RBD region of SARS-CoV-2 from binding to the ACE2 receptor, thus preventing the virus from entering cells [74,75]. Numerous studies have proved that kaempferol, catechin, rutin, hesperidin, naringenin, and luteolin all have anti-coronaviral effects.

4.3.3. Antidiabetic Effect

Diabetic patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 will lead to exacerbation of the disease. Reducing the effect of diabetes on COVID-19 is particularly important. Flavonoids are extremely useful in treating diabetes and diabetic complications. They can exert their therapeutic effects on diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion, regulating glucose metabolism, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress [76,77,78].
A study showed that EGCG and quercetin reduced insulin resistance, both in vivo and in vitro, and also reduced glucose metabolism in the liver [79]. A study in a rat model of diabetes showed that EGCG improved diabetes in rats and improved streptozotocin-induced complications [80]. Catechin is a naturally occurring product that has also been shown to have anti-diabetic activity. Treating rats with Eudragit particles loaded with catechins significantly reduced the concentration of blood glucose [81]. Clinical studies have found that vitamin C and rutin, when administered, significantly lowered fasting blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. In addition, rutin can improve neuropathy in diabetic patients [82,83]. A study exhibited that flavonoids extracted from Cistus laurifolius L. inhibited both α-glucosidase and α-amylase in vivo and vitro [84]. In a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, the combination of Astragalus polysaccharides and Astragalus flavonoids significantly improved the function of insulin and thus exerted an anti-diabetic effect [85].
The collected evidence suggests that flavonoids can exert their antidiabetic effects through different mechanisms. However, there are no published studies about the treatment of COVID-19 diabetic patients with flavonoids.

4.3.4. Anticancer Effect

Studies showed that cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 had a higher mortality rate [86]. Flavonoids can also exert antitumor effects through mechanisms such as antioxidants, COX-2 inhibition, immunomodulation, affecting cell cycle effects, apoptosis induction in cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis prevention, and telomerase activity inhibition [87,88].
In a study of the agent-sensitive LoVo cell lines and their agent-resistant LoVo/Dx subline model, baicalein and luteolin inhibited the development of colon cancer cells [89]. Baicalein also improves the effectiveness of cisplatin in human lung cancer cells [90]. Apigenin had been shown to inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway during viral accretion, thereby suppressing viral accretion [91]. Oroxylin A was shown to have a beneficial therapeutic effect on breast cancer by specifically binding to α-actinins 1 (ACTN1), thereby inhibiting ACTN1 expression to prevent cancer cell metastasis [92]. Oroxylin A also showed a positive inhibitory effect on lung cancer by suppressing lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo [93]. Latifolin blocked cell growth, division, migration, invasion, and adhesion in oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting PI10K/AKT/mTOR/p3S70K signaling [94]. EGCG and BAY11-7082 synergistically acted for the suppression of lung cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo [95].
Although SRAS-CoV-2 does not directly cause cancer, cancer patients infected with SRAS-CoV-2 have more severe symptoms and a higher lethality rate. Further investigating cancer cell inhibition would help improve COVID-19 patients’ symptoms.

5. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Flavonoids

5.1. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pharmacological Effects of Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavanol compound that is widely found in various plants, mainly in the form of glycosides [96]. Studies have shown that quercetin has strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities [97,98,99]. Cytokine storm is a feature of the inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 and is a major cause of death by COVID-19 [51,52]. According to relevant studies, NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles play an important role in inflammation [100]. Therefore, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle activation can effectively suppress the inflammatory response. Saeedi-Boroujeni’s study reported that quercetin could affect the TXNIP, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles and achieving an inflammatory suppressive effect [63]. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the adjuvant treatment of early COVID-19 with quercetin significantly reduces the viral load and release of proinflammatory factors. Meanwhile, quercetin combined with antivirals for COVID-19 reduces mortality and the length of stay [101,102]. Meanwhile, Mangiavacchi et al. have shown that selenium functionalization with quercetin enhances the inhibitory effect on Mpro. According to the RT-qPCR results, quercetin at higher concentrations significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, while quercetin derivatives inhibited the viral infection at low concentrations [23].

5.2. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pharmacological Effects of Baicalein and Baicalin

Baicalein and baicalin are both flavonoid compounds extracted from the dried roots from scutellaria baicalensis, which have various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and choleretic [103,104]. Liu et al. investigated the antiviral activity of baicalein against SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR and showed that baicalein was able to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Verb cells in vitro with an EC50 of 2.9 μM, SI > 172 (SI = CC50/EC50) [105]. Su et al. screened the novel inhibitors of 3CLpro using a FRET protease assay and discovered that baicalein and baicalin exhibit a significant inhibitory effect on 3CLpro [24]. In addition, Keivan Zandi et al. found that baicalein and baicalin are able to bind to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, causing RdRp to be unable to participate in the virus’ RNA replication process; SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibition was first demonstrated in a study by Keivan Zandi et al. [73].

5.3. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pharmacological Action of EGCG

EGCG is a flavonoid extracted from green tea with various pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects [106]. SARS-CoV-2 can enter host cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor via the surface S protein. Several studies in vitro have shown that EGCG can prevent the RBD region of SARS-CoV-2 from binding to the ACE2 receptor, thus preventing the virus from entering cells with a low cytotoxicity [3,74,75,107,108]. EGCG can inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting certain key enzymes in the RNA replication process. For example, Nsp15 (U-specific endoribonuclease) can cleave the polyU sequence in viral RNA, thus interfering with the host’s immune system and enabling the virus to undergo immune escape. Additionally, Nsp15 is significant in virus replication [109,110]. An in vitro study by Hong et al. exhibited that EGCG significantly inhibited the Nsp15 activity of SARS-CoV-2, with drug concentrations below 1 μg/mL completely inhibiting the activity of Nsp15 and thereby inhibiting virus replication in cells [111]. Furthermore, some studies showed that EGCG inhibits Mpro in vitro, thereby inhibiting virus replication [112,113,114].

5.4. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pharmacological Action of Luteolin

Luteolin, mostly in the form of glycosides, exists in a variety of plants, has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, and other pharmacological activities, and is often clinically used for its anti-inflammatory effects, coughs, and expectorants [115,116,117]. In vitro studies have shown that as little as 20 μM luteolin has an inhibitory effect on 3CLpro. Additionally, luteolin also inhibits RdRp activity [25]. Xiao et al., in a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus experiment, discovered that luteolin is able to bind to the S protein and significantly inhibits the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells with an EC50 less than 7 μmol/L [118]. COVID-19 can cause a loss of smell or taste. A clinical study by L. D’Ascanio et al. showed that daily oral supplementation of palmitoylethanolamide and luteolin was able to restore the patient’s sense of smell [119]. In addition, clinical studies by Lisa O’Byrne et al. also exhibited that palmitoylethanolamide and luteolin supplementation could intervene to treat olfactory dysfunction in those suffering from COVID-19 [120].

5.5. Other Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity

Kaempferol can inhibit the activity of 3CLpro. The study by Abbas Khan and Wang Heng et al. exhibited that a 62.5–125 μg/mL concentration of kaempferol can significantly shorten the cytopathic effects (CPE) caused by Vero E6 cell infection in vitro [27].
Both hesperidin and hesperitin can inhibit the activity of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 by binding to them. Additionally, they can block the SARA-CoV-2 S protein from binding the ACE2 receptor and prevent SARA-CoV-2 from entering the cell [28]. Hesperidin also blocks the AKT pathway and inhibits Ang II-induced collagen expression and cardiac fibroblast proliferation during COVID-19 infection [121]. Clinical studies have also shown that hesperidin can reduce some of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, such as shortness of breath, cough, decreased or even absent taste, and fever [122].
Furthermore, an in vitro study revealed that isorhamnetin also interacts with ACE2 to exert anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity [26]. It was found that naringenin exhibits potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro by inhibiting Mpro [123,124].
Diosmin, biochanin A, and silymarin are able to reduce the inflammatory response and alleviate inflammation by decreasing cytokine levels in patients with COVID-19 [125,126,127].
The in vivo and in vitro activity studies of some flavonoid compounds are shown in Table 2 and Table 3 below.

6. Conclusions

The COVID-19 outbreak endangers human health and livelihoods and heavily impacts global public health systems and economic development. Although there are vaccines and specific drugs to treat COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, Molnupiravir, and VV116, due to the instability of the virus, which is prone to immune escape, researchers need to investigate more drugs and options for treating COVID-19.
Flavonoids are widely found in various plants and have a significant effect on both the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that flavonoids exhibit excellent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting key viral targets, including the ACE2 receptor, TMPRSS2, Mpro, RdRp, S protein RBD, etc. In addition, flavonoids also have an inhibitory effect on inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2, inhibiting the production and release of various proinflammatory factors in the inflammatory response [151]. At the same time, flavonoids improve some of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19.
Although many studies have reported flavonoids’ anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects, most of them are theoretical studies. Only a few in vivo and clinical studies are available. Thus, more applied experimental studies are needed to explore the drugs’ safety and efficacy. Secondly, the bioavailability of the ingested compounds is limited, and how to improve the bioavailability of the compounds is also an issue to be considered. Choosing the right route of administration and preparing the drug into formulations can improve a drug’s bioavailability [152]. While there are still some problems, flavonoids can undoubtedly show anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects through direct or indirect pathways. Thus, they represent a group of promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. Flavonoids have excellent medicinal potential. We are expecting more studies to explore the medicinal value of flavonoids and to develop flavonoid drugs.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, X.-Z.C. and J.-Y.Y.; investigation, J.-Y.Y.; writing—original draft preparation, J.-Y.Y. and Y.-X.M.; writing—review and editing, X.-Z.C., X.-J.P. and Y.L.; supervision, X.-Z.C.; funding acquisition X.-Z.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by Open Project of Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the Ministry of Education (grant number XN202006), Fundamental Research Funds for Gannan Medical University (grant number QD202119) and the Innovation Project of Gannan Medical University (grant number TD2-1703).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Molecules 28 02735 g001 550
Figure 1. Structure of SARS-CoV-2. Abbreviations: S: Spike; M: Membrane; E: Envelope; N: Nucleocapsid.
Figure 1. Structure of SARS-CoV-2. Abbreviations: S: Spike; M: Membrane; E: Envelope; N: Nucleocapsid.
Molecules 28 02735 g001
Molecules 28 02735 g002 550
Figure 2. Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Abbreviations: ACE2: angiotensin converting enzyme 2; TMPRSS2: transmembrane serine protease 2; CatB/L: cathepsin B/L; RBD: receptor-binding domain; nsps: nonstructural proteins; pp1a: polyproteins 1a; pp1ab: polyproteins 1ab; 3CLpro: 3C-like protease; Mpro: main protease; PLpro: papain-like protease; RdRp: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Figure 2. Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Abbreviations: ACE2: angiotensin converting enzyme 2; TMPRSS2: transmembrane serine protease 2; CatB/L: cathepsin B/L; RBD: receptor-binding domain; nsps: nonstructural proteins; pp1a: polyproteins 1a; pp1ab: polyproteins 1ab; 3CLpro: 3C-like protease; Mpro: main protease; PLpro: papain-like protease; RdRp: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Molecules 28 02735 g002
Molecules 28 02735 g003 550
Figure 3. Basic skeleton of flavonoids. (A) and (B): Benzene ring. (C): Closed pyran ring.
Figure 3. Basic skeleton of flavonoids. (A) and (B): Benzene ring. (C): Closed pyran ring.
Molecules 28 02735 g003
Molecules 28 02735 g004 550
Figure 4. Synthetic route of quercetin.
Figure 4. Synthetic route of quercetin.
Molecules 28 02735 g004
Molecules 28 02735 g005 550
Figure 5. Synthetic route of baicalein.
Figure 5. Synthetic route of baicalein.
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Molecules 28 02735 g006 550
Figure 6. Synthetic route of baicalin.
Figure 6. Synthetic route of baicalin.
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Molecules 28 02735 g007 550
Figure 7. Synthetic route of EGCG.
Figure 7. Synthetic route of EGCG.
Molecules 28 02735 g007
Molecules 28 02735 g008 550
Figure 8. Synthetic route of luteolin.
Figure 8. Synthetic route of luteolin.
Molecules 28 02735 g008
Table
Table 1. Structure of flavonoids.
Table 1. Structure of flavonoids.
FlavonoidsBasic StructureExample
FlavonesMolecules 28 02735 i001Molecules 28 02735 i002Molecules 28 02735 i003Molecules 28 02735 i004
FlavonolsMolecules 28 02735 i005Molecules 28 02735 i006Molecules 28 02735 i007Molecules 28 02735 i008
IsoflavonesMolecules 28 02735 i009Molecules 28 02735 i010Molecules 28 02735 i011Molecules 28 02735 i012
ChalconesMolecules 28 02735 i013Molecules 28 02735 i014Molecules 28 02735 i015Molecules 28 02735 i016
FlavanesMolecules 28 02735 i017Molecules 28 02735 i018Molecules 28 02735 i019Molecules 28 02735 i020
AnthocyaninsMolecules 28 02735 i021Molecules 28 02735 i022Molecules 28 02735 i023
Table
Table 2. Study on the in vitro activity of flavonoids.
Table 2. Study on the in vitro activity of flavonoids.
CompoundIn Vitro ModelsConc.EffectsMechanism of ActionReferences
BaicalinHepG2 cells16 μMPneumoniaInhibits NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles[128]
Rat IEC-6 cells10.0 μg/mLInflammatory bowel diseaseInhibits IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory factor levels[129]
KOPN-8, RCH-ACV, SEM, RS4-11, NALM-610 mg/mLAcute B-lymphoblastic leukemiaInhibits the glycogen synthase kinase 3β and induces cell cycle arrest by upregulating p27Kip1[130]
MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells30 μMBreast cancerInhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and induces G1/S arrest in cells[131]
Vero, BHK-21, and HEK 293T cells100 μMChikungunya virus—[132]
Baicalein and baicalinVero CCL-81 cells20 μMSARS-CoV-2Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity[105]
BaicaleinVero E6 cell>2.0 μMCOVID-19Inhibits virus replication in vivo and reduces serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α[133]
Vero cell lines50 μMSARS-CoV-2Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and its 3C-like protease[105]
HCT116 cells50 μMColorectal cancerInduces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells[134]
SilymarinVero cells749.70 µg/mLDengue virusBinds to the surface protein of the virus to prevent entry into the cell[70]
LuteolinARPE-19 cells50 μMAge-related macular degenerationDecreases levels of IL− 8 and IL− 6[135]
MDCK cells and Vero cellsFrom 3.75 to 240 μMInfluenza A virusInhibits the expression of β-COP protein[136]
Enzymatic inhibition assay4.6 μMCOVID-19Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity[25]
EGCGPeripheral blood lymphocytes50 μMHIV—[137]
live SARS-CoV-2 strain1 μg/mLSARS-CoV-2Inhibits Nsp15 activity[111]
E. coli7.58 μg/ mLSARS-CoV-2Inhibits the activity of 3CLpro[112]
FormononetinVero cells14.91 μmol/LEnterovirus 71Inhibits EV71-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production via MAPKs pathway[68]
Biochanin AA549 cells5 μMH5N1 influenza A virusesInterferes with AKT, ERK 1/2, and NFκB activation to inhibit viral replication[65]
QuercetinT-REx™-293 cell line10 μg/mLHCVInhibits NS3 protease, thereby inhibiting viral replication[138]
NaringeninHuh-7.5 cells25 μMHCVReduces production of intracellular viral proteins[139]
Table
Table 3. Study on the in vivo activity of flavonoids.
Table 3. Study on the in vivo activity of flavonoids.
CompoundIn Vivo ModelsConc.EffectsMechanism of ActionReferences
BaicalinMale C57BL/6 mice21 mg/kgArthritisAntagonism of Th-17 cells[140]
Female BALB/C nude mice200 mg/kgBreast cancerInhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and
induces G1/S arrest in cells		[131]
Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice21 mg/kgDiabetesActivates AKT/AS160/GLUT4 pathway[141]
BaicaleinMale SD rats200 mg/kgCOVID-19Inhibits virus replication in vivo and reduces serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α[133]
Male ICR mice1, 5, and 10 mg/kgColorectal cancerInduction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells[134]
Female C57BL/6 mice0.8 mg/mouse nine timesBladder cancerReduces expression of cyclin D1 by inhibiting new protein synthesis and promoting proteasomal degradation and reduces expression of cyclin B1 by inhibiting new protein synthesis.[142]
Male C57BL/6 mice0.5 mg/kgType 2 diabetesImproves the viability and insulin secretion of fine beta cells and human pancreatic islets[143]
LuteolinMale ICR mice100 mg/kgAcute pancreatitisSuppresses the activation of the NF-κB pathway[144]
Male BALB/cN mice5mg/kgNephrotoxicityReduces Pt accumulation in the kidney to improve oxidative stress and inflammation[145]
BALB/c nude mice40 mg/kgGastric carcinomaDownregulates VEGF-A and MMP-9 and decreases the immune response[146]
EGCGMale C57BL/6 mice10 mg/kgSARS-CoV-2Inhibits virus replication[114]
Male ICR mice100 mg/kgDiabetic nephropathyInhibits increased OPN expression, reduces serum creatinine, and causes proteinuria and normalized morphological changes in STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy[147]
Oroxylin AFemale BALB/c nude mice200 mg/kgLung cancerInhibits the activation of ERK signaling and
inhibits snail protein content and EMT		[93]
Male DBA/1 mice10 mg/kgRheumatoid arthritisReduces serum levels of anti-CII Abs, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and IL-17[61]
TilirosideMale C57BL/6 mice5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg
Dose-dependent manner		Type 2 diabetesRegulates miR-27 expression and inhibits glycoisomerization[148]
Biochanin AMale C57BL/6 mice12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kgAcute lung injuryInhibits TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation and increases PPAR-γ expression in the lungs[126]
IsorhamnetinMale ICR mice1 nMDiabetesActivates JAK/STAT pathway to increase glucose uptake by muscle cells[149]
QuercetinMale ICR mice0.1 nM and 1 nMDiabetesActivates CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway and
activates IRS3/PI10K/Akt signaling		[149]
NaringeninPregnant Sprague–Dawley rats25, 50, or 100 mg/kgNeuroapoptosisRegulates PI3/Akt/PTEN signaling pathway and
inhibits NF-κB-mediated inflammation		[150]
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Yang, J.-Y.; Ma, Y.-X.; Liu, Y.; Peng, X.-J.; Chen, X.-Z. A Comprehensive Review of Natural Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. Molecules 2023, 28, 2735. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062735

AMA Style

Yang J-Y, Ma Y-X, Liu Y, Peng X-J, Chen X-Z. A Comprehensive Review of Natural Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. Molecules. 2023; 28(6):2735. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062735

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Yang, Jun-Yu, Yi-Xuan Ma, Yan Liu, Xiang-Jun Peng, and Xiang-Zhao Chen. 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of Natural Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity" Molecules 28, no. 6: 2735. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062735

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