Novel Insight into the Cellular and Molecular Signaling Pathways of Costus speciosus in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

The latest pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has brought upon the world an unparalleled challenge. Since its inception, scientists and researchers have come together to develop various forms of vaccines and efficient therapeutic agents. In addition, plant products have been considered safe, cost-effective, and reliable molecules capable of neutralizing various microorganisms, including viruses. In this review, research articles on natural products related to antiviral effects were searched from various databases, such as the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and PubMed, until August 2021, using English keywords. Moreover, the effectiveness of a locally available plant called Costus speciosus and its natural extracts on SARS-CoV-2 is discussed, while also providing insight into the cellular and molecular pathways of its active components that are involved in viral suppression. However, the lack of information regarding the safety profile and dosage for diverse diseases is one of the limitations of Costus speciosus as a natural medicine that can also interfere with COVID-19 pathogenesis by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells. We also highlight the use of plants as possible therapeutic agents in the prevention and management of COVID-19.