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Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, and Herbs to Combat Viral Pathogens Including SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the most important health issue, internationally. With no specific and effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19, new or repurposed antiviral are urgently needed. Phytochemicals pose a ray of hope for human health during this pandemic, and a great deal of research is concentrated on it. Phytochemicals have been used as antiviral agents against several viruses since they could inhibit several viruses via different mechanisms of direct inhibition either at the viral entry point or the replication stages and via immunomodulation potentials. Recent evidence also suggests that some plants and its components have shown promising antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes certain phytochemical agents along with their mode of actions and potential antiviral activities against important viral pathogens. A special focus has been given on medicinal plants and their extracts as well as herbs which have shown promising results to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be useful in treating patients with COVID-19 as alternatives for treatment under phytotherapy approaches during this devastating pandemic situation.


Introduction
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major pandemic, which has rapidly spread to more than 215 countries, causing serious global health concerns, panic, and huge economic [20]. The coronaviruses have a replicase enzyme that is not found in other RNA viruses, with the presence of the putative sequence-specific endoribonuclease, 3′-to-5′exoribonucleases, 2′-o-ribo methyltransferases, and ADP-ribose-1'-phosphatase [21] . The mechanism of pathogenesis is represented in Figure 2.

Similarities of Viruses to SARS COV-2
The idea of SARS-CoV-2 structure and pathology will help in comparing viruses that share certain similarities. The zika virus is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with nucleocapsid, the open reading frames codes a single protein which is pro-   [20]. The coronaviruses have a replicase enzyme that is not found in other RNA viruses, with the presence of the putative sequence-specific endoribonuclease, 3′-to-5′exoribonucleases, 2′-o-ribo methyltransferases, and ADP-ribose-1'-phosphatase [21] . The mechanism of pathogenesis is represented in Figure 2.

Similarities of Viruses to SARS COV-2
The idea of SARS-CoV-2 structure and pathology will help in comparing viruses that share certain similarities. The zika virus is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with nucleocapsid, the open reading frames codes a single protein which is pro-

Similarities of Viruses to SARS COV-2
The idea of SARS-CoV-2 structure and pathology will help in comparing viruses that share certain similarities. The zika virus is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with nucleocapsid, the open reading frames codes a single protein which is processed into the capsid, membrane protein, and envelope structural proteins [22]. The rabies virus belongs to the RNA viruses. Although it is a negative RNA virus it has the lipid bilayer membrane covered with transmembrane glycoprotein spikes and a nucleocapsid that covers its genetic material [23]. Dengue virus has a positive-sense RNA [24]. The H1NI (swine flu virus) also affects the respiratory tract with a minimum incubation period of 5 to 7 days and it is an enveloped virus with the glycoprotein spikes on the lipid bilayer membrane and also hemagglutinin on the envelope [25].
The chikungunya virus is also a spherical virus with an envelope consisting of glycoprotein spikes and a positive-sense single-stranded RNA [26]. The Ebola virus even though a tubular-shaped virus with negative-stranded RNA has a lipid bilayer membrane and glycoprotein spikes [27]. SARS-CoV2 M pro and HCV NS3/4A protease shows similarity in three-dimensional structure and also in the arrangement of active site residues. Besides, 8 protease inhibitors of HCV are also capable of binding to M pro active site suggesting that protease inhibitors of HCV can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 protease and the replication of SARS-CoV2 [28]. Spike protein HE found in SARS-CoV2 and hemagglutinin of influenza virus has a similar function [29]. HIV has two copies of single-stranded positive-sense RNA and belonging to the retrovirus family [30]. All the above-mentioned viruses can be compared to their genetic material like RNA viruses or positive-sense RNA virus, a structure like spherical shape, glycoprotein spikes, hemagglutinin, lipid bilayer, nucleocapsid, and the site of infection with SARS CoV-2.

Plants with Antiviral Properties
Medicinal plants and herbs have shown promising anti-viral properties and multiple beneficial health applications as well as are being used as traditional practitioners to protect various health issues of humans and animals [11][12][13]. Since finding drugs and treatment options for coronaviruses (CoVs), the medicinal plants and their derived phytoconstituents, herbs could provide the strong base for designing and developing the novel alternative and supplementary treatment for coronavirus with exploring phytotherapy approaches. Various medicinal plants extracts, phytochemicals, and herbs have been revised and considered to be the potential anti-CoV agents especially to tackle infection with SARS-CoV-2 for effective control of COVID-19 and future drug development with the medicinal plant formulations for preventing or curing the COVID-19 and other highly infectious viral diseases [2][3][4][5][6]31,32].
A herbal medicine prepared by mixing washed rice water (about 85-90%), endodermis from the roots of Ulmus pumila and Betula luminifera (about 5-10% and 4-6%, respectively) is used to cure rabies and hydrophobia (one of the symptoms of rabies). This medicine does not show any side effects and is safe for consumption [33]. Pharmaceutical formulations with harmless lectins, for example, with Sambucus nigra agglutinin-I, are widely used as antiviral agents for enveloped viruses in animals and humans [34]. The lectins play an important role against the viruses by agglutinating virions and inhibiting them from binding to the cell surface of the host and also by inhibiting the replication of the viruses [11]. Researchers proved that the root extract of Boerhaavia diffusa has potential anti-hepatotoxic activity, which can also be used to treat viral hepatitis [35]. Medicinal formulations made by B. diffusa alone or in combination with other drugs were found to have antiviral activities against infections associated with the liver, respiratory tract, and heart [36]. The extract of Eclipta alba has antiviral activities against many viruses [37]. Its leaf juice is used to cure jaundice and also other ailments of the liver [38]. Besides, the aqueous extract of Euphorbia prostrate has antiviral activity against HIV-1 integrase [39].
Selected quinones are useful in treating HSV, parainfluenza virus, HIV, and Prunella vulgaris infections. Some mannose-specific lectins are also used in treating HIV-1 infection.
Most of the phytochemicals can be used as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, which are very important for the inhibition of viral infections [40]. Marine-derived lectins are found to possess effective antiviral properties, while plant lectins inhibit viral infections, such as H1N1, H3N2, HIV, and HCV. Lectins obtained from Galanthus nivalis are effective in treating HIV1, HIV2, and feline immunodeficiency virus. The diversity of lectins helps treat life-threatening infections, which can lead to epidemics or pandemics [41]. Plants exhibit immunomodulatory characteristics by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as different types of interleukins (IL) secreted by monocytes and dendritic cells, thereby enhancing cell-mediated immunity to fight against viruses [11]. Quinine obtained from the bark of Cinchona tree has shown potential as anti-SARS-CoV-2 through its two derivatives viz., chlroquine and hydroxychloroquine [42][43][44]. It has been used and is presently being used for treating patients with COVID-19 infection [42][43][44].
Species of the Veronica genus are consumed in the form of tonics and applied as ointments to treat influenza and coughs and also used for wound healing, which is known to be inhibiting the intracellular replication of the viruses and symptomatic episodes of HSV-1 infection [45]. Studies carried out in Pakistan conclude that 106 plant species of 56 floral families are effective in treating skin diseases caused by viral infections, such as HIV, also help treat diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema, and leprosy [46]. In vivo studies in mice show that Ayurveda medicines and Chinese folk medicine use drugs and medicines that can cure viral infections, such as those caused by HIV1, HIV2, HSV, influenza virus, Ebola virus, dengue virus, and HCV [47]. Extract from seed coats of the Caryophyllaceae family shows antiviral activity against HSV and parainfluenza viruses [48].

Plants of Indian Origin and Common Use
Numerous plants of important medicinal value in Indian traditional medicine have been quoted to possess anti-SARS-CoV-2 value [3]. A. indica, Ficus religiosa, Sesbania grandiflora, M. oleifera, Avicennia marina, Terminalia bellirica, P. amarus, Hippophae rhamnoides, are few of these plants having antiviral activity, however, their therapeutic applications in COVID-19 are yet to be investigated [3].
Some spices of Indian origin have also demonstrated anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity by in silico molecular docking approach [49]. They are considered to be effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M pro enzyme hence having an antiviral effect. However, further validation requires their effectiveness in clinical trials [49]. Common spices needing evaluation are red pepper, garlic, fenugreek, turmeric as they contain active ingredients having diverse medicinal benefits [49]. They may affect proteases [49], RNA binding [50], or envelope protein ion channel of coronaviruses; Gupta et al. [51] and Sinha et al. [52] investigated 20 different active compounds from the Glycyrrhiza (liquorice) against spike glycoprotein and non-structural protein-15 endoribonuclease along with lopinavir and rivabirin using the in silico approach. Among the 20 compounds, glyasperin A has a high interaction of nonstructural protein-15 endoribonuclease and glycyrrhizic acid showed the ability to bind spike glycoprotein that inhibited the entry of viruses. Both these compounds were noted to have the high binding ability with the protein receptor cavity by molecular dynamics simulation study, respectively. In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that G. glabra shows antiviral property against SARS-related coronavirus, H5N1 influenza A virus, HIV-1, HSV, influenza A virus, and respiratory syncytial virus [53]. Glycyrrhizin interferes with oxidative stress induced by H5N1. In lung-derived A549 cells, glycyrrhizin shows inhibition of replication of H5N1 influenza A virus, and also the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis induced by H5N1 [54].
The ACE-2 favors the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and also supports an anti-inflammatory pathway. Glycyrrhizin and its active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid have anti-inflammatory activity through Toll-like receptor 4 antagonism, which may reduce the protection of the down-regulated ACE-2. Both are involved in reducing the expression of type 2 transmembrane serine protease, which is crucial for virus uptake [55]. Pan Lau et al. [56] highlighted the therapeutic uses of glycyrrhizin for the remedy of COVID-19 by a mechanism, in-cluding the binding with ACE-2, inhibiting thrombin, inhibiting reactive oxygen species, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inducing endogenous interferon (IFN). Glycyrrhizic acid is used to treat viral hepatitis and also have potential activity against other viruses, including SARS-related animal and human coronavirus. Glycyrrhizic acid is an important anti-inflammatory and immuno-active agent that exhibits both membrane and cytoplasmic effects. It makes cholesterol-dependent disorganization of lipid cores that favors the entry of the virus into the host [57]. Nimbidin, nimocinol, nimbolide, nimbinene, isomeldenin, nimbandiol, meliacinanhydride, and zafaral compounds present in A. indica leaves have the potential to inhibit COVID-19 M pro [58].
The antiviral capacity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of O. sanctum was examined by infecting Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells with the H1N1 virus and subsequently treating them with ethanolic and aqueous extracts of O. sanctum; the ethanolic extract demonstrated strong antiviral activity against H1N1 at 150 µg/mL [59]. In silico analysis showed that luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and chlorogenic acid present in O. sanctum could covalently bind to Cys145 of M pro of SARS-CoV-2 and may hinder the viral enzymes [60].
When HSV-1-infected vero cells were treated with T. cordifolia, it inhibited the growth of HSV by 61.43% at 10TCID 50 [61]. The phytoconstituents in T. cordifolia, such asberberine, cardiofolioside B, tinosponone, tembetarine, xanosporic acid have been reported to have a significant docking score. Among these compounds, tinosponone is an important inhibitor of M pro of SARS-CoV-2 and also confirmed the stability of the complex by molecular dynamics simulation [62]. Phytoconstituents present in the A. sativum can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as leptin and this can play a significant role in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection [63]. Thuy et al. [64] identified eighteen active substances, which included seventeen organo-sulfur compounds from A. sativum [64]. This may interact with the amino acids of the ACE2 protein. Particularly, the allyl di and trisulfide showed strongest anti-coronavirus activity. Moreover, A. paniculata showed antiviral activity against influenza A. flavi viruses, chikungunya virus, HSV-1, and HIV antigen-positive H9 cells [65]. Murugan et al. [66] investigated the four phytoconstituents, including neoandrographolide, andrographolide, 14-deoxy andrographolide, and 14-deoxy 11,12-didehydro andrographolide from A. paniculata by targeting three non-structural proteins, papain-like proteinase and RNA-directed RNA polymerase and also with the structural protein [66]. The results of free energy suggest that neoandrographolide possesses high affinity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Andrographolide has been noted to inhibit M pro of SARS-CoV-2 by docking analysis [67].
The hydro-alcoholic W. somnifera root extract displayed a maximum of 99.9% inhibition of bursal disease virus in chicken embryo fibroblasts at 25 µg/mL in a cytopathic effect reduction assay [68][69][70][71]. Withanolides are natural constituents present in the W. somnifera and have been used to treat various diseases traditionally. Tripathi et al. [72] evaluated 40 phytoconstituents from W. somnifera. In silico approach revealed that four compounds, such as withanoside II, IV, V, and sitoinodoside IX revealed highest docking energy [72]. Further, withanoside V shows hydrogen-bonding with the active site of the protein and binding affinity. Quercetin glucoside and withanoside X also favor the interactions at the binding site of non-structural protein-15 endoribonuclease and receptor-binding domain [73].
Polyphenols of green tea [77] and withanolides of W. somnifera [72] are considered to be M pro inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. Ginseng has proven antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity [73]. Ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of M. oleiferai have kaempferol and anthraquione. Molecular peptide docking of these compounds in comparison with hydroxychloroquine was done and both the compounds revealed important effects regarding the binding of peptides of SARS-CoV-2 [78]. An aqueous extract of the Phyllanthus species showed antiviral properties against HSV-1 and HSV-2 [38]. It was also found that Phyllanthus urinaria and P. amarus possessed significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 [79]. In a study conducted in Nigeria, leaf extracts of Macaranga barteri, Ipomoea asarifolia, Mondia whitei, and Ageratum conyzoides, as well as Terminalia ivorensis bark, showed high antiviral activities against echoviruses [59]. Some Indian plants possessing antiviral properties are tabulated in Table 1 and their possible mechanisms are represented in Figure 3. Polysulphides are sulphates attached to a carbohydrate backbone or any other polymer. Sulphated polysaccharides have antiviral activity against viruses, especially against some enveloped viruses such as HSV in vitro [85,86], human respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus, DENV-2, DENV-3, influenza A and B virus, and human hepatoma HepG2 virus. The polysulphates protect against HIV by shielding the CD 4+ cells against the viral envelope glycoprotein (gp120) at its positively charged V3 loop, that is essential for the attachment of the virus to the primary binding site called the surface heparan sulphate before specific binding occurs through CD 4 receptors [87]. This mechanism explains its antiviral activity against enveloped viruses. Therefore, it can be speculated that polysulphates might be beneficial in the case of SARS-CoV-2, which is also an enveloped virus, after performing proper investigations [85].

Flavonoids
Flavonoids are known for their antiviral activity. Many flavonoid compounds are well-known to act as antiviral agents by inhibiting binding and entry of viral, its replication, translation of the viral protein, the formation of envelopes using glycoproteins complexes, and virus release [88]. Flavonoids help in the signaling process in the host cell by activating gene transcription factors and also by secreting cytokines [89]. The structure-activity relationship of flavonoids shows that it is a good inhibitor of the neuraminidase enzyme of influenza virus, thereby preventing its replication [90]. Flavonoids have shown potential in therapy against COVID-19 [91]. They may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell [92] hence have been used in the therapy of COVID-19 patients [93].

Catechins
Green tea contains important catechins (polyphenols), which are of different types, such as (─)-epigallocatecheingallate (EGCG), (─)-epicatechingallate (ECG), and (─)-epogallocatechin (EGC), and has high medicinal values with health benefits [94]. In a quantitative study performed using RT-PCR, high concentrations of EGCG and ECG, but not EGC, decreased viral RNA synthesis in MDCK cells [95]. ECG and EGCG affected the activity of neuraminidase by inhibiting it more efficiently than EGC [95]. The neuram-  The traditional use of plant includes antispasmodic, antiparalytic, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, stimulant and cardiac circulatory tonic HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 [78,84] Polysulphides are sulphates attached to a carbohydrate backbone or any other polymer. Sulphated polysaccharides have antiviral activity against viruses, especially against some enveloped viruses such as HSV in vitro [85,86], human respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus, DENV-2, DENV-3, influenza A and B virus, and human hepatoma HepG2 virus. The polysulphates protect against HIV by shielding the CD 4+ cells against the viral envelope glycoprotein (gp120) at its positively charged V3 loop, that is essential for the attachment of the virus to the primary binding site called the surface heparan sulphate before specific binding occurs through CD 4 receptors [87]. This mechanism explains its antiviral activity against enveloped viruses. Therefore, it can be speculated that polysulphates might be beneficial in the case of SARS-CoV-2, which is also an enveloped virus, after performing proper investigations [85].

Flavonoids
Flavonoids are known for their antiviral activity. Many flavonoid compounds are well-known to act as antiviral agents by inhibiting binding and entry of viral, its replication, translation of the viral protein, the formation of envelopes using glycoproteins complexes, and virus release [88]. Flavonoids help in the signaling process in the host cell by activating gene transcription factors and also by secreting cytokines [89]. The structure-activity relationship of flavonoids shows that it is a good inhibitor of the neuraminidase enzyme of influenza virus, thereby preventing its replication [90]. Flavonoids have shown potential in therapy against COVID-19 [91]. They may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell [92] hence have been used in the therapy of COVID-19 patients [93].

Catechins
Green tea contains important catechins (polyphenols), which are of different types, such as (-)-epigallocatecheingallate (EGCG), (-)-epicatechingallate (ECG), and (-)-epogallocatechin (EGC), and has high medicinal values with health benefits [94]. In a quantitative study performed using RT-PCR, high concentrations of EGCG and ECG, but not EGC, decreased viral RNA synthesis in MDCK cells [95]. ECG and EGCG affected the activity of neuraminidase by inhibiting it more efficiently than EGC [95]. The neuraminidase enzyme in viruses is important in transporting budding viruses to other cells by cleaving the sialic acid present in glycoproteins located in the envelope. Similarly, EGCG inhibits both HSV-1 and HSV-2 by binding to their envelope proteins such as gB, gD, or other envelope proteins, which help for the fusion of the virus to cells [96]. Catechin binds the receptor-binding domain of viral S-protein, as well as ACE2 of the host, thus may serve as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 [97]. In one of the docking analysis study, compound EGCG found in green tea revealed the highest binding affinity with S protein of SARS-CoV-2, which reflects its potential usage in preventing or treating the COVID-19 patients.

Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid compound present in vegetables and fruits [98]. It is found to acts against the HCV virus by inhibiting the action of a heat shock protein that is involved in non-structural protein 5A-mediated translation of viral internal ribosome entry site, which usually occurs in response to stress [99]. Quercetin acts against HCV through the inhibition of HCV NS3 protease, which stops the replication of HCV in the sub genomic RNA replicon cell system [100]. Quercetin halts rhinovirus pathogenesis at different stages of the life cycle of the virus, including endocytosis, protein synthesis, and viral genome transcription [101]. Furthermore, quercetin, along with myricetin, quercetagetin, and baicalin, affected the growth of the Rauscher murine leukemia virus RLV [102]. Quercetin along with vitamin C has been proposed to have the synergistic effect in treating COVID-19 patients [93]. Synergistic antiviral, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities and the ability of ascorbate to recycle quercetin, increase the effectiveness of quercetin against SARS-CoV-2 [93].

Apigenin and Baicalin
Apigenin acts against the African swine fever virus by decreasing protein synthesis, thereby causing a three-log decrease in the yield of viruses and is also effective against DNA viruses such as adenoviruses and (hepatitis B virus) HBV [103]. It shows potent antiviral effects against RNA viruses such as picornavirus and acts by inhibiting viral IRES activity, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of viral proteins [104,105]. The translation of enterovirus-71 is disrupted by inhibition of the association of viral RNA with transacting factors that regulate enterovirus-71 [106]. Apigenin is found to disturb HCV virus replication by decreasing the microRNA122, which is a liver-specific microRNA [107].
Baicalin acts against HBV by disrupting its DNA and viral protein synthesis [108]. In H5N1 virus infection, baicalin lowers the levels of interleukin-6 and -8 (IL-6; IL-8) produced but does not interfere with IP-10 levels [109]. Baicalin can inhibit the synthesis of human cytomegalovirus DNA and proteins; however, it does not affect the viral polymerase activity. Baicalin, by interfering with neuraminidase activity, stops the replication of H5N1 in the human lung-and monocyte-derived macrophages [109]. H1N1-infected BALB/c mice administered baicalin orally showed decreased lung virus titers and an increased mean time of death [110]. The results were also found in mice infected with Sendai virus [111]. Studies have shown that baicalin could help in the production of IFN-γ by CD 4+ and CD 8+ T cells during infection with influenza virus [112]. In silico studies on baicalin strongly suggest that it has a good binding ability with the NS3/NS2B protein of dengue virus; however, baicalin shows better interactions with NS5 protein.

Luteolin
Luteolin and luteolin-rich fractions are found to have antiviral property, including SARS-CoV, chikungunya virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and rhesus rotaviruses [113][114][115][116]. Luteolin inhibited HIV-1 by preventing clade B-and C-Tat-driven long terminal repeat (LTR) trans activation [117]. In the case of Epstein-Barr virus, luteolin deregulated the binding of transcription factor Sp1, which decreased the activity of early genes Zta and Rta [118]. Above all, it was found to be the most potent compound among 400 natural compounds against enterovirus-71 and coxsackievirus A 16 infections, since it disrupts viral RNA replication [119]. Luteolin has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic actions, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-apoptotic activities [120]. It has shown the ability to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV virus and fusion with human receptors, thus may have potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity [120].

Kaempferol
The compound kaempferol obtained from Ficus benjamina has demonstrated to have a protective effect on HSV-1 and HSV-2, except forits aglycone form [121]. A rhamnose residue containing kaempferol inhibits coronavirus release by affecting 3a channels [122]. Kaempferol and kaempferol-7-o-glucoside display inhibitory effect on HIV 1 reverse transcriptase. Besides, kaempferol 3,7-bisrhamnoside isolated from Taxillus sutchuenensis, is effective against HCV NS3 protease function [123]. In the case of H1N1 and H9N2 influenza viruses, kaempferol affects neuraminidase activity using specific functional groups [124]. RNA frame shift site (fs RNA) is found to be the target site of kaempferol, which serves to inhibit the Japanese encephalitis virus [125]. Kaempferol has more binding stability and its structural features have shown that it affects binding at the site of N3 in the SARS-CoV-2 M pro [126].

Alkaloids
Lycorine is the most important alkaloids found in the Amaryllidaceae family. The lycorine was found to inhibit the poliomyelitis virus in Vero cells at a low concentration of 1 µg/mL but was cytotoxic at a concentration of 25 µg/mL [127]. Lycorine obtained from Lycoris radiata had significant antiviral activity against two strains (BJ001, BJ006) of SARS-CoV grown on Vero cells, with an EC 50 at 15.7 ± 1.2 nM, CC 50 at 14,980.0 ± 912.0 nM, and a selective index (SI), which is greater than 900 [128]. This SI index is a ratio between the antiviral effect and the toxicity of a compound; the greater the SI value, the safer the drug could be when administered in vitro [129]. Another compound, sophoridine, was found to have antiviral activity against the Enterovirus-71, when Vero cells were pretreated with sophoridine before being infected with this virus [130]. In a study conducted with coxsackievirus in mice, sophoridine obtained from Sophora flavescens had a potential role in enhancing the expression of IFN-γ and interleukin-10 (IL-10) to increase the host resistance response against the virus [131]. Among the ipecac, alkaloidsemetine, ipecac alkaloids and analogues are possible antiviral agents for CoVs, hence having prospects for use in COVID-19 therapy [132].

Saponins
Saponin isolated from Anagallis arvensis was found to have antiviral property against poliovirus-2 and HSV-1 by protecting the host cells from structural damage [133]. Tormentic acid glucosyl ester, a triterpenoid saponin demonstrated antiviral property against HSV-1 by inhibiting its viral capsid protein synthesis and DNA replication, respectively [134]. Administration of polyphylla saponin I (obtained from Paris polyphylla, 5-10 mg/kg) and oseltamivir (3 mg/kg) to mice infected with influenza virus decreased viral hemagglutination titers and reduced pathological conditions in lung tissues of the infected mice, thereby reducing their mortality [135]. Saponins may inhibit the cellular attachment, entry, adsorption, and penetration of a virion into the host cell. Saponins possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-proliferative effect, and antiviral activities including SARS-CoV [4,136,137], hence may have a role in curing COVID-19 patients [136].

Lignans
Lignans are phenolic compounds derived from the shikimic acid biosynthetic pathway in plants [138]. Niranthin obtained from P. niruriacts acts against the HBV virus by inhibiting its antigen expression in vitro; it also inhibits duck HBV by inhibiting its DNA replication [139,140]. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, found in the leaves of Larrea tridentata, shows antiviral properties against various viruses, including HCV, dengue virus, influenza A virus, and zika virus by inhibiting genome replication and viral assembly. It affects HCV proliferation by altering host lipid metabolism, interfering with the lipid metabolism and it also suppresses the replication of influenza A virus [140][141][142][143][144]. Terameprocol, semisynthetic compound from lignin, which is derived from the leaves of L. tridentata acts against the West Nile virus by affecting viral replication against poxvirus by inhibiting the cell-to-cell transfer of the virus, and against HSV and HIV by preventing viral replication through inhibition of the binding with host transcription factor [145][146][147][148][149]. Arctigenin demonstrates antiviral properties including influenza A virus and HIV-1 by inducing the release of IFNs and also by inhibiting the expression of the proteins (p17 and p24) of the HIV-1 virus [150][151][152][153][154].
The addition of yatein, a compound obtained from the dried leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa, to HeLa cells inhibited the expression of HSV-1ICP0 and ICP4 that arrests DNA synthesis in HSV [155,156]. The compound diphyllin obtained from epigeal parts of the genus Haplophyllum inhibits the vacuolar ATPase in zika virus infection; it also interferes with the downstream replication of influenza A virus to inhibit its infection [157][158][159][160][161]. Patentiflorin obtained from the leaves and stem of Justicia gendarussa acts against zika virus by impeding its fusion with the host cellular membrane, thus preventing infection by avoiding the acidification of lysosomal or endosomal cells of the target. This acts against HIV-1 by inhibiting its reverse transcriptase enzyme [160][161][162][163][164]. Clemastanin B affects viral endocytosis and ribonucleoprotein export from the nucleus while acting against influenza A virus [164][165][166][167]. Silymarin obtained from the seeds of Silybum marianum inhibits HCV production by increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative genes, but it does not affect serum albumin levels [168,169]. Thus, having considerable antiviral effects through the inhibition of viral replication, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, protein, and cytokine expression; lignins may have potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions as they have shown effects against SARS-CoV also [170,171].

Tannins
Tannins have potential in targeting viral replication at different stages like attacking their attachment, host replication process, viral particle assembly, and protein transport [172]. Ellagitannins, 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose and geraniin present in P. urinaria were found to be useful in suppressing the HSV-1 and HSV-2 respectively [173]. Corilagin and geraniin (ellagitannins) found in Phyllanthus amarus reduced the interaction of HIV and its replication [174]. Punicalagin and chebulagic acid, two hydrolysable tannins present in Terminalia chebula have been successful in inhibiting the viral entry and transport of virus in HSV-1 [175].
According to the study conducted with the combination of ellagitannins like castalagin, vescalagin, and grandinin with acyclovir, the effect of castalagin and vescalagin versus HSV-1 was found to be identical to acyclovir, which interpreted that the combination of ellagitannins with acyclovir was efficient [176,177]. Castalagin followed by vescalagin have highest activity against alphaherpevirus-1 [178]. Castalagin was also found to inhibit the HSV-1 replication with its highest sensitivity being recorded at 0-3 h post viral inoculation [179].
Various plants and herbs have shown effective antiviral and immune-boosting potentials against emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV, zika, ebola, nipah virus, and other highly pathogenic viruses [8,128,166,[180][181][182][183]. Apart from developing effective vaccines, therapeutics, and antiviral drugs, the potent antiviral applications of various plants, plant extracts and herbs are required to be endorsed and proliferated optimally by strengthening researches and development activities along with conducting appropriate clinical trials and validation experiments to combat COVID-19 pandemic and its high challenges posed [12,32,[184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191]. Advances in the fields of biotechnology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology may be warranted to their full potential for developing successful antiviral drugs and medicines out of these safe and valuable natural resources against SARS-CoV-2 [192][193][194][195][196][197][198][199][200]. Beneficial applications of medicinal values of plants and herbs could lessen the high incidences, devastating scenario, and public health concerns of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. A summary of plant compounds and their antiviral properties is presented in Table 2 while an overview on modes of antiviral action of various phytochemicals/compounds and its derivatives are presented in Table 3 and the Figure 4 represented the antiviral properties of the plant compounds. Table 2. Plant compounds and their antiviral properties.

S. No
Name of the Compound Structure Antiviral Property against Reference 1.              • In influenza A virus it affects the viral endocytosis and also the ribonucleoprotein export [164][165][166][167] 19. Silymarin C

FLAVONOIDS
• It inhibits the HCV production and also increases the anti-inflamatory and antiproliferative gene expression • Lignins exhibits antiviral property by inhibition of viral replication, protein and cytokine expression, and apoptosis thus they may have effect on SARS-CoV-2 [168][169][170][171]

Conclusions
This review presents detailed information about plants and herbs that are widely used to treat viral infections and their phytochemicals that possess antiviral properties. The mechanisms by which the phytochemicals act against the viruses are also elaborated in the review for better understanding. Future studies employing in vitro pharmacological tools to establish the structures of the compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection will help in finding a cure for diseases that trigger fast-spreading pandemics. In-depth studies for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of these medicinal plants and their phytochemicals are warranted for assessing anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Exploiting the various modes of action of phytoconstituents would lead to practical utilization of the natural resources of plants and herbs for combating this pandemic virus effectively by designing and developing potent drugs and medicines. Funding: This collection is a review manuscript written by the authors and required no substantial funding to be stated.