Properties of Ethnomedicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Compounds: Possible Use for COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the global scenario. To date, there are no treatment or preventive options. The discovery of a new drug will take time. In addition, the new drug will have side effects, and the virus will gradually become resistant to it. Therefore, it is important to search for a drug with a natural origin. Objective: In this review, we analyzed and summarized various ethnomedicinal plants and their bioactive compounds as a source of antiviral agents for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Methods: From the literature, we selected different natural compounds that can act as potential targets at low cost with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Results: Of the 200 Chinese herbal extracts tested for their possible role against SARS-CoV, Lycoris radiata, Artemisia annua, Pyrrosia lingua, and Lindera aggregate showed anti-SARS-CoV effects with the median effective concentration = 2.4-88.2 μg/mL. Conclusion: Ethnomedicinal herbs can be used as an alternative source of novel, promising antiviral agents that might directly or indirectly inhibit the COVID-19 progression.