Plant-derived anti-viral activity
Although vaccines are used to combat certain viruses, antiviral therapy is still a common approach [
124]. Interest in herbal products with antiviral activity has increased significantly, and in recent years more than 50% of approved antiviral drugs have been produced from herbal sources [
125,
126]. Indeed, they are particularly rich in compounds with a great structural diversity. Plant-derived products are mainly essential oils (EOs), extracts, and isolated compounds that have been extensively studied for their antiviral properties against different viral strains (
Table 1,
Table 2 and
Table 3) [
127,
128].
EOs and extracts from different plant families such as Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Rutaceae, Apiaceae, and Geraniaceae were found to be highly effective (
Table 1). Among them, the essential oils of
Illicium verum Hooker f. and
Rosmarinus officinalis L. were extremely effective against HSV-1 with IC
50 values of 1 and 0.18 µg/mL, respectively [
129,
130]. In addition,
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf,
Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson, and
C. nardus (L.) Rendle showed great efficacy against HIV virus with IC
50 values of 0.61, 0.60, and 1.2 µg/ml, respectively [
131,
132]. Finally,
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. proved to be highly effective against Coxsackie virus B3 with an IC
50 of 0.7 µg/mL.
As for the plant extracts listed in
Table 2, most of them showed strong antiviral activity. For example, extracts of
Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi and
Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach inhibited HSV-1 virus with an IC
50 of 0.21 and 0.26 µg/mL, respectively [
131].
Comparing the data reported in
Table 1,
Table 2 and
Table 3, herbal EOs and extracts are more effective than pure isolated compounds in some cases. EOs are usually complex mixtures of volatile secondary metabolites such as terpenes, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, or esters. The extracts are also complex mixtures of organic compounds that are extracted depending on the polarity and solvent used. Consequently, the activity of EOs and extracts is not due to a single component but may be associated with the synergistic action of two or more components with antiviral activity.
Herbal products exert their antiviral activity with different modes of action. They may inhibit virus attachment, penetration, and entry into the host cell or by inhibiting other intercellular cell signaling pathways [
133]. Other modes of action include disruption of the viral life cycle or inhibition of other essential enzymes for viral reproduction [
134].
A wide range of compounds are found in plants and their extracts, some of which have been isolated and tested to identify the main contributors to antiviral activity (
Table 3). Most of them belong to the classes of polyphenols, terpenes, or alkaloids. In some cases, the compounds have shown strong potential against several viruses.
Among terpenes, raoulic acid purified from
Raoulia australis Hook. F. purified extract, showed antiviral activity against five virus strains, i.e., HRV2, HRV3, CB3, CB4, and EV71 (IC
50 values of < 0.1, 0.19, 0.33, ,0.40, < 0.1 µg/mL, respectively) [
135]. In addition, farnesol, β-eudesmol, and carvacrol showed great potency against HSV-1 with IC
50 values of 0.25, 3.5, and 6 μg/mL, respectively [
129]. The classes of polyphenols and flavonoids contain the most compounds with antiviral activity. For example, chebulagic acid, tannin derived from
Terminalia chebula Retz, was effective against viruses that use glycosaminoglycans for entry such as HCMV, HCV, DENV-2, and RSV showing IC
50 values of 25.50, 12.16, 13.11, and 0.38 µM, respectively [
136]. Baicalein, belonging to the flavonoid class, potently suppressed HCMV and HSV1, and IC50s were determined to be 2.2 and 5 µM, respectively [
137,
138].
Finally, alkaloids, which are small nitrogen-containing molecules, have a molecular basis of specificity and the ability to act on multiple viruses with different mechanisms of action [
125]. Among them, tetrandrine and cepharanthine showed strong potential against HcOV (IC
50 values of 0.33 μM and 0.83 μM, respectively), while berberine was effective against HCMV, HSV1, and HSV2 (IC
50 values of 2.65, 6.77, and 5.04 μM, respectively) [
139,
140,
141].
aIC50, half maximal inhibitory concentration; bSI, selectivity index; cnr, not reported.
This review focuses on plant-derived substances exhibiting anti-viral activity by targeting host functions and, in particular, the epigenome machinery.
Andrographolide (AGL), has been used in traditional medicine for millennia to cure a range of diseases such as colds, flu, and malaria [
185,
186]. AGL contains many substances that have an antiviral effect [
185,
186]. AGL inhibited the HIV, HSV-1, HBV, HCV, Zika virus (ZIKV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and IAV [
341]. AGL and its analogues reduce ZIKV and DENV infection, which has been linked to a decrease in HSPA1A expression and an increase in PGK1 protein expression [
184]. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is caused by the FMD virus (FMDV) and has a detrimental impact on livestock all over the world. FMDV was suppressed by AGL in BHK-21 cells. AGL reduced FMDV 3Cpro activity as monitored in an intracellular protease assay. Furthermore, AGL greatly inhibited the 3Cpro's interferon (IFN) antagonistic effect by inhibiting the expression of interferon-stimulating gene (ISG) [
342]. AGL prevents EBV reactivation in EBV-positive cancer cells by suppressing EBV lytic genes, most likely via histone modifications such as H3-K9 modification and H3-K27 methylation [
187]. AGL has been shown to prevent the infection of DENV [
184], ZIKV, and other arboviruses [
343]. AGL and its derivative showed significant activity against IAV including the H5N1 avian influenza virus both
in vitro and
in vivo [
344]. Moreover, IVA-induced inflammation was inhibited by AGL in a murine model through NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways [
188].
AP has shown promising results in treating liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, liver injury, and liver fibrosis, fatty liver and liver cancer. However, clinical application of AP is rare due to its poor solubility and low bioavailability.
AP activity mediated the modulation of miRNA. Specifically, MiR-377, which controls heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was significantly decreased by AP-induced nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity.
In addition, AP downregulate miR-433 that modulate the glutathione cysteine ligase. On the other hand, AP upregulate miR-17 and miR-224 that regulate expression of thioredoxin. Moreover, AP upregulate miR-181a that regulate the glutathione peroxidase [
183].
Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a flavone found in a variety of plants, including medicinal plants [
345]. Apigenin displayed a potent HDAC inhibitor activity in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells, specifically decreasing HDAC1 and HDAC3 activity [
189]. It also increased the global acetylation of histones H3 and H4 and directed histone H3 hyperacetylation to the p21/WAF1 promoter [
189]. Furthermore, molecular studies revealed that apigenin enhances acetylated H3, particularly in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter region, leading to upregulating p21WAF1/CIP1 transcription [
346]. Moreover, apigenin inhibited expression of miR-155, one of the miRNA induced by virus infections, which result in increase of SHIP-1 expression and thus impacting anti-tumor immune responses in the bone marrow (BM) and tumor microenvironment (TME) [
347].
Apigenin exhibited antiviral properties against IAV, human rhinoviruses (HRV), HSV, enterovirus, HBV, HCV, EV71, and SARS-COV2 [
190,
191,
192,
193]. Anti-viral activity is attributed, in part, by inhibiting HDAC activity and chromatin remodeling [
189,
195]. Apigenin, linalool and ursolic acid showed a strong anti-viral activity towards coxsackievirus B1 (CVB1) [
194]. Apigenin reduced the expression of miRNAs like miR-103, whose overexpression is linked to glucose intolerance. By hindering miR-103's maturation and preventing ERK from phosphorylating the TRBP (trans-activating response RNA-binding protein) [
196].
In addition, apigenin also reduces miR-122 levels
in vitro [
197]. Because miR-122 overexpression is essential for HCV and HIV replication [
115,
116,
117], apigenin may have anti-HIV and HCV efficacy by downregulating miR-122.
Baicalein is a flavonoid derived from the roots of
Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb [
348]. It has been investigated for its anti-viral properties against a variety of viruses, including HBV [
198], HIV [
199] , DENV [
200], HSV-1 [
201]. Baicalein was reported to inhibit DNMT and HDAC and thereby influence epigenetic modifications [
202,
203]. Baicalein inhibited HDAC-1/8, causing growth suppression and differentiation induction in AML cell lines. Baicalein might activate HDAC-1 degradation mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby increasing Histone H3 acetylation [
202]. Additionally, baicalein regulate HDAC activity by upregulating the levels of miR-3,178 [
204]. Later, experimental analysis revealed that HDAC10 is a target gene of miR-3,178 [
203]. Furthermore, when exposed to high glucose concentrations, baicalin controlled the N6-adenosine-methyltransferase (METTL3)/ Hexokinase domain containing 1 (HKDC1)/JAK2/STAT1/caspase-3 Pathway in liver cancer cells [
203]. Baicalein exerts potent antiviral activity against DENV. It exhibits activity against dengue virus adsorption and intracellular replication of DENV-2 [
200].
Berberine (BBR) is a quaternary ammonium salt of the protoberberine group of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids found in plants such as
Berberis vulgaris [
349], which exhibited promising anticancer effects via epigenetic regulation and AMPK activation [
205]. Berberine has exceptional anticancer effects via affecting the enzyme involved in histone acetylation and methylation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines [
292] and suppression of SIRT1 deacetylases in a p53-dependent manner [
206]. Berberine inhibited miR-21 expression and promoted integrin β4 (ITGβ4) and Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) protein expression in colon cancer cell lines. Overexpression of miR-21 reduced the anti-cancer effects of berberine on cancer cells [
207].
BBR was reported to influence multiple biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities [
350]. BBR targets multiple steps of the viral lifecycle rendering it an excellent candidate for use in innovative anti-viral drugs and therapies. BBR was discovered to inhibit viral replication by targeting specific interactions between the virus and its host. BBR binds to DNA, inhibiting DNA synthesis and reverse transcriptase activity. It was shown to inhibit the replication of HSV [
208], HCMV [
209], HPV [
210], DENV [
211], HIV [
212], HCV [
213] and SARS-COV2 [
215]. BBR exhibited anti-viral effects on IAV both
in vitro and
in vivo [
214]. BBR possess the ability to control the signaling pathways MEK-ERK, AMPK/mTOR, and NF-B, which are all necessary for viral replication. Furthermore, BBR has been reported to enhance the host immune response, leading to viral clearance.
Protein phosphorylation is crucial in the infection cycle of many viruses [
38] , affecting cellular proteins stability, activity, interaction with other proteins, and infectivity. Viruses like EBV [
41], HCV [
41], SARS-COV2, DENV [
42], and others [
43,
44] [
45], rely on MAPK p38 for replication, suggesting that MAPK p38 inhibitors may exhibit broad-spectrum anti-viral activity.
Varghese et al. discovered that BBR significantly reduces MAPK activity. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38), Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinases (ERK), and JNK signaling pathways are all significantly blocked by BBR, which specifically targets the ERK signaling pathway, resulting in a significant decrease in virions production. The reduction in viral protein expression following BBR treatment is most likely due to a decrease in virus-induced signaling. BBR treatment has no effect on virus entry or viral replicas enzymatic activity [
351].
BBR was also demonstrated to inhibit p38 MAPK activity during HBV infection. HBV's virion contains a partly double-stranded relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) genome, which is converted to covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of an infected cell. The p38 MAPK is essential for the maintenance of HBV cccDNA in infected cells [
216]. The cccDNA serves as a template for RNA synthesis, including mRNAs and pregenomic RNAs (pgRNAs). During the HBV life cycle, reverse transcriptase (RT) converts pgRNA to partly double-stranded rcDNA in the capsid. Inhibiting the activity of p38 MAPK is linked with a reduction in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) synthesis, HBV e-antigen (HBeAg) secretion, and HBV replication. BBR's ability to inhibit MAPK might make it an attractive option for a novel anti-viral drug against HBV infection.
Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid found in the bark of various plant species, most notably the white birch (Betula pubescens) [
352]. BA is capable of inducing apoptosis in tumor cells by directly activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway via a p53- and CD95-independent mechanism [
353]. A computational approach demonstrated that BA has the capacity to alter HDAC6 and HDAC10 activity [
217]. Furthermore, BA exhibited anti-cancer activity that is mediated through cannabinoid receptors (CBs). BA functions as both a CB1 antagonist and a CB2 agonist [
354].
BA was used for the treatment of various viral diseases [
159]. BA has demonstrated activity in inhibiting DENV-2 NS5 polymerase [
218]. Furthermore, BA exhibited inhibitory effect on HBV replication [
219]. Interestingly, C-3 esterification of BA led to the discovery of Bevirimat, an HIV-1 maturation inhibitor patented by Sanofi-Aventis.
Butyric acid is a fatty acid derived from multiple vegetable sources that have anticancer activity through several pathways, including its influence on epigenetic machineries. Butyrate, alone or in combination with other drugs, including nicotinamide (NA), was shown to have anticancer action in vivo [
220]. Butyric acid exerts its anti-tumor effect by increasing HDAC expression and activity, which is accompanied by an upregulation of miR-203 promoter methylation [
220].
Butyrate inhibited HBV replication and cell proliferation by inhibiting SIRT-1 expression in hepatoma cells. Specially, butyrate inhibited HBx protein expression, HBV-DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) [
221].
Cardamonin (CDN) is a natural chalcone isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata [
355]. CDN has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological activities, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties [
222]. It was recently revealed that CDN has anti-viral action against the human coronavirus HCoV-OC43. CDN exhibits significant efficacy in reducing the HCoV-OC43-induced cytopathic effects. CDN suppressed HCoV-OC43 infection by promoting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and providing therapeutic potential against other human coronaviruses [
222].
Cordycepin is a nucleotide analog derived from Cordyceps mushrooms [
356]. In SNU719 cells, cordycepin treatment enhanced BAF Chromatin Remodeling Complex Subunit 7A (BCL7A) methylation while suppressing demethylation [
223]. Cordycepin promoted methylation at EBV genomic sites near its Fp/Qp promoters. These findings indicate that cordycepin enhances DNMT3 activation, hence increasing methylation of both genomic and EBV DNA loci in SNU719 cells [
223] causing reduced EBV replication [
224]. Cordycepin was also shown to have anti-SARS-CoV-2 replication activity [
224].
Cordycepin shows anti-viral activities that are attributable to its ability to inhibit several protein kinases [
356]. Cordycepin, an adenosine derivative, differs from adenosine in that its ribose lacks an oxygen atom in the 3′ position [
357]. Several research groups have reported that cordycepin has anti-viral activity against several viruses including IAV, plant viruses, HIV, murine leukemia virus, EBV [
225,
226,
227,
228,
229] and COVID-19 [
230].
Corosolic acid (CA) is a triterpene acid isolated from Lagerstroemia speciose [
358]. This bioactive molecule is prevalent in foods such as guava, loquat, and olive, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-metabolic syndrome, and anti-neoplasic properties [
233]. CA is implicated in the regulation of DNA methylation and histone H3 methylation. CA modulates CpG methylation sites, resulting in altered gene expression in treated cells [
231]. Furthermore, CA inhibits the production and activity of epigenetic modulatory proteins, suggesting its capacity to prevent prostate carcinogenesis [
359]. Furthermore, CA significantly increased the expression of acetylated histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) at the Nrf2 promoter, while decreasing histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27Me3) [
232]. Moreover, anti-viral activity against a number of viruses were reported [
233] .
Curcumin, the major bioactive in turmeric, is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities [
360]. Curcumin has been demonstrated to be a powerful epigenetic regulator with multiple effects on HDAC expression and activity. Curcumin decreased the expression of HDAC1, HDAC3, and HDAC8 proteins, as well as histone acetyltransferase p300 while enhancing the acetylation of Ac-histone H4 protein [
234]. Curcumin was shown to reduce HAT activity and has been proposed as a potential DNMT and HDAC inhibitor [
235].
Curcumin reduced the amount of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the number of cccDNA copies, resulting in the inhibition of HBV replication, which is accompanied by a decrease in the acetylation level of cccDNA-bound histone H3 and H4 [
236]. MiRNAs array revealed that miR-350, miR-17-2-3p, let 7e-3p, miR-1224, miR-466b-1-3p, miR-18a-5p, and miR-322-5p were downregulated by curcumin while miR-122-5p, miR-3473, miR-182, and miR-344a-3p were upregulated [
237]. Overall, the curcumin-modified miRNAs had an impact on a number of signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NK-B, MAPK, inflammatory response genes, and viral transmission [
361].
Studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit the replication of various viruses, including HBV [
236], HIV [
238], and IAV [
239]. It exerts its anti-viral effects by interfering with viral replication processes and by modulating the epigenetic regulation of genes involved in viral infection [
236]. Curcuma longa L. (CLL) extract inhibits the transcription of HBV X (HBx) gene through a p53-mediated pathway, with no cytotoxicity to liver cells. These results highlight CLL extract as an efficient natural product with anti- HBV activity [
362]. Curcumin interfered with the activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding activity in HeLa cells resulting in decreased transcription of HPV-18 genes [
240]. The AP-1 transcription factor regulates the epithelial tissue-specific gene expression of almost all HPV types. These data indicated that curcumin, through apoptosis modulation and the downregulation of viral genes, can be a good candidate for the management of highly oncogenic HPV infections. Additionally, curcumin's anti-viral effect may be mediated by altering viral entrance, viral protease activity, and host intracellular signaling pathways [
363]. Furthermore, Curcumin and its analogs were active in inhibiting ZIKV, CHIKV, VSV, Coxsackie B3 virus (CVB3), EV71, RSV, HSV-2, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and human adenovirus (HAdV) [
241]. Curcumin was reported to affect virus replication directly or indirectly by modulating the host immune response leading to viral clearance [
364].
Curcumin is known to have strong inhibitory effects on the expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines accountable for the "cytokine storm" effect that occurs due to some viral infections.
In-silico docking studies have recently supported the potential role of curcumin as a promising agent for reducing acute symptoms derived from SARS-CoV-2 infection [
365].
Ellagic acid (EA) is a ubiquitous phenolic molecule isolated from a variety of fruits and vegetables which is well-known for its anti-cancer effect [
366]. This bioactive substance has demonstrated effective induction of activity of HDAC. Human adipogenic stem cells treated with EA showed a substantial increase in HDACs gene expression. EA also suppresses adipocyte differentiation through coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) -mediated chromatin modification. This compound also inhibited adipocyte growth and differentiation by increasing histone arginine methylation [
242], resulting in an increase in acetylated histone through epigenetic alterations mediated by coactivator-associated CARM1 inhibition. CARM1 inhibition was shown to limit H3R17 methylation, resulting in decreased H3K9 acetylation and HDAC9 dissociation [
242]. Ellagic acid, and other plant-derived substances strongly bound with the multiple targets of the SARS-CoV-2 receptors, inhibiting viral entry, attachment, binding, replication, transcription, maturation, packaging and spread [
243].
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is the most abundant catechin in tea leaves, comprising 50–80% of the total catechins [
367]. EGCG was recognized as the primary contributor to the numerous health benefits associated with green tea [
367] including symptom reduction of infectious diseases [
368].
EGCG binds to various targets and exert its influence on the activity of diverse enzymes and signal transduction pathways. Studies with animal models and various cancer cell lines have shown that EGCG and other catechins modulate the activity of DNMTs [
244]. Fang et al. suggested that EGCG inhibited DNMT activity resulted in reactivation of methylation-silenced genes [
369]. In fact, EGCG can reduce DNA methylation through the direct inhibition of the activity of DNMT 1, DNMT 3a, and DNMT 3b, by directly binding to the active site within the enzyme [
244]. In contrast, Lee et al. provided an alternative mechanism to explain the DNMT inhibition induced by EGCG. Their studies revealed that DNA methylation was primarily inhibited in vitro through competitive inhibition by promoting the formation of SAH (S-adenosylhomocysteine). Based on this mechanism, EGCG causes the reduction of intracellular concentration of SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), which is the universal methyl donor, while simultaneously increasing the concentration of SAH. Importantly, SAH acts as a feedback inhibitor for various methylation reactions that depend on SAM. Thus, the modulation of SAM and SAH levels by EGCG contributes to the inhibition of DNMT activity and other SAM-dependent enzymes such as Methyltransferases (MTases) [
244,
245,
370].
EGCG also regulates histone modifications by inhibiting the activity of HDACs [
245] and consequently inducing changes in gene expression patterns. The inhibition of HDAC activity by EGCG results in a decrease in HDAC enzyme activity and consequently leads to increased levels of acetylation on histone proteins both globally and at specific regions. In human colon cancer cell lines, EGCG inhibited HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 expression [
246]. In addition, EGCG inhibited HAT activity [
247]. EGCG has been demonstrated to prompt increased acetylation of lysine 14 and 9 (on histone H3) and lysine 12, 5, and 16 (H3-Lys and H4-Lys) levels [
371]. Also, EGCG can increase the acetylation of H3K9/14ac and H3ac histones by up to 8-fold, as well as the concomitant hypermethylation of the active H3K4me3 (almost 2.5-fold) and the restrictive H3K9me3 chromatin proteins [
372]. Furthermore, in cancer cell lines, EGCG inhibits DNMT’s activity and reactivates methylation-silenced genes such as p16INK4a and retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR) [
373]. Moreover, a recent report showed a potential effect of EGCG in modulating NAD
+ levels and thereby activity of SIRTs proteins [
374].
EGCG has also been implicated as a potential modulator of miRNAs by regulating expression levels of epigenetic modifiers or viral proteins. EGCG can decrease the levels of let-7e-5p, miR-103a-3p, miR-151a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-222-3p, miR-23a-3p, miR-23b-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR- 3195, miR-3651, miR-4281, miR-4459, miR-4516, miR-762, and miR-125b-5p [
248]. Another study showed that EGCG enhances the expression of miR-3663-3p, miR-1181, miR-3613-3p, miR1281 and miR-1539, while decreasing miR-221-5p, miR-374b, miR-4306, miR-500a-5p and miR590-5p in human dermal papilla cells [
249] and miR-140-3p and miR-221 in melanoma and hepatoma cell lines, respectively [
250,
251].
Anti-viral properties of EGCG have been demonstrated for a wide range of virus families, including Retroviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Furthermore, the molecule affects the replication cycle of DNA viruses such as HBV, HSV and AdV [
375]. Particularly, EGCG has been shown to inhibit the replication of several viruses including IAV, HBV, HCV, HSV-1 and HSV-2, HPV, ZIKV, and SARS-COV2 [
252,
253,
254,
255,
256,
257,
258]. EGCG showed an anti-proliferative effect in HPV-16 associated cervical cancer cell line CaSki via the arrest of the cell cycle in the G1 phase, leading to programmed cell death [
376]. Remarkably, EGCG and other green tea catechins are effective against HPV mediated cervical lesions. Topical ointment preparation containing 15% green tea extract or sinecatechins (Veregen®) has been approved by US FDA to treat genital warts caused by HPV infection [
256,
377].
EGCG exert anti-viral activity also by modulating miRNA expression, such as upregulating miR-548m expression. miR-548m binding sites were identified in the CD81 mRNA 3′UTR, suggesting that miR-548m could suppress CD81 expression and thereby lower HCV infectivity. These findings imply that EGCG might function as an anti-HCV drug by increasing miR-548m expression while decreasing CD81 receptor expression required for HCV infection [
255]. In addition, miR-194 was also reported for hindering HCV entry through targeting CD81 receptors [
378]. The liver-specific miR-122 [
114] is the most abundant miRNA in the liver, accounting for 60-70% of total miRNA in hepatocytes. Many investigations have found that miR-122 is required for HCV replication in infected cells [
115,
116,
117]. EGCG (and also resveratrol) modulate the expression levels of miR-122 and thus might exert anti-HCV effect via this mechanism. IAV infection caused a significant decrease of micro-RNA let-7 expression in host cells that normally regulate the expression of type I interferon required for host cells anti-viral activity. Overexpression of let-7 increased interferon expression and effectively inhibit IAV infection. EGCG upregulates let-7 expression and thereby has the potential to exhibit anti-influenza activity [
197] (
Figure 6).
Galangin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in honey, that is also an active ingredient in galangal, a spice used in traditional Chinese medicine [
379]. This natural compound appears to be effective in inhibiting HDAC activity. In human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, treatment with galangin increased endogenous HDAC1-mediated deacetylation irrespective of DNA methylation status and subsequently lowered histone H3 acetylation in the BACE1 promoter regions [
259]. Galangin upregulates miR-455-5p to modulate the regulatory subunit 12A of protein phosphatase 1 (PPP1R12A). This effect suppresses activation of the Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and The phosphoinositide 3-kinases/ Protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways, controlling cancer cell survival and metastasis [
260]. Galangin showed significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 and CoxB1 [
261].
Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone isolated from the peel of the Garcinia indica fruit [
380]. Garcinol has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (104). In tumor cells, it primarily inhibits the transcription factors NF-B and Janus Kinase (JAK)/STAT3 [
380]. Garcinol has been shown to decrease HAT activity of p300 and pCAF in vitro and in vivo [
262]. As a result, garcinol was discovered to be a potent inducer of apoptosis and to affect global gene expression in HeLa cells [
262].
Garcinol is utilized in Ayurveda medicine for the treatment of infections and edema [
381] [
382]. The chemical structure of garcinol shows some similarities with curcumin (β-diketone, phenol). Garcinol has revealed significant anticancer activity by targeting NF-κB, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and STAT proteins [
383,
384]. In addition, garcinol is a well-documented HAT inhibitor and, thus, plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression [
385]. Garcinol downregulated miR-21, miR-494, miR-495, and miR-1977 in pancreas cancer cells [
263] and upregulated the expression of the miR-453, miR-128, miR-1280 and miR-720 [
386]. In breast cancer cells garcinol can induce the expression of the tumor suppressor miRNAs let-7a, let-7e, let-7f, miR-200b, and miR-200c both in vitro and in vivo [
264]. A recent report provide evidence for the ability of garcinol to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase-associated ribonuclease H [
265].
Genistein is a naturally occurring isoflavone isolated from the plant Genista tinctoria [
266] and it is well-known for its potential chemotherapeutic action against a variety of cancer cells. Studies on HAT and HDAC activity revealed that genistein reduces HDAC while increasing HAT activity [
266]. In prostate cancer cell lines, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis with multiple antibodies revealed enrichment of acetylated histones H3, H4, and H3 di- and tri-methylated lysine 4 after incubation with genistein [
387]. Furthermore, genistein inhibited the phosphorylation of serine 10 and the methylation of lysine 9 in the promoter regions of several genes, including Wingless-related integration site (Wnt5a), induced secretion of frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5), and Frizzled Related Protein 2 (Sfrp2) [
317]. Moreover, genistein treatment significantly inhibited miR-223 expression and up-regulated F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (Fbw7) protein that act as a tumor suppressor gene. Moreover, down-regulation of miR-223 inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in PC cells [
267]. In addition, other miR-223 targets such as Granzyme B, IκB kinases (IKKs), and Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription 3 (STAT3) are expected to be affected by genistein and thereby modulate immune response [
118]. Interestingly, miR-223 expression is downregulated during IAV, HBV [
118], HCV, HIV [
117] and SARS-CoV infections [
119]. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that antiviral activity of genistein might be mediated by regulation of miR-223.
Ginkgolic acid (GIA) is a phenolic acid found in Ginkgo biloba L. with neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties [
388]. Ginkgo biloba has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since at least the 11th century B.C. to treat various ailments such as dementia, asthma, bronchitis, kidney disease, and bladder disease. Ginkgolic acid as a potent multitarget inhibitor of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory substances [
388].
Ginkgolic acid impairs SUMOylation by blocking the formation of an E1- SUMO thioester complex by binding directly to E1 [
268]. SUMOylation is a process by which small ubiquitin-related modifier proteins (SUMO) covalently bind to specific lysine residues in target proteins, thereby regulating various aspects of protein function, including transcription, subcellular localization, DNA repair, and the cell cycle [
389].
The Jumonji domain 2 (JMJD2) family member, JMJD2A, is the histone demethylase responsible for the accumulation of SUMO -2/3. JMJD2A is SUMOylated at lysine 471 by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) K-bZIP, a viral SUMO -2/3-specific E3 ligase, in a SUMO -interacting motif (SIM)-dependent manner. SUMOylation is required for stabilization of chromatin association and gene transactivation by JMJD2A [
390].
Recently, ginkgolic acid was reported to inhibit HSV-1 by disrupting viral structure, blocking fusion, and inhibiting viral protein synthesis [
391]. In addition, ginkgolic acid exhibits broad-spectrum fusion inhibition of all three classes of fusion proteins, including those of HIV, Ebola, influenza A, and Epstein Barr viruses [
391]. Moreover, ginkgolic acid inhibited HIV protease activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, treatment with ginkgolic acid inhibited HIV infection in PBMCs in a concentration-dependent manner [
392].
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a triterpene isolated from the roots and rhizomes of licorice (
Glycyrrhiza glabra) [
393]. GA is the principal bioactive ingredient of the licorice anti-viral [
394], anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects [
395]. The Licorice plant is native to Europe and Asia, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Ancient documentations from China, India and Greece stated traditional uses to alleviate the symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections and hepatitis [
393]. Licorice is known for its ability to inhibit viral replication of various viruses including HBV, HCV, IAV H1N1 and HIV as reviewed by Zhong et al. [
270]. Licorice's extract containing Glycyrrhiza inhibited replication of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and were non-toxic in the embryonated eggs assay [
271]. Glycyrrhizin exhibited antiviral activity by affecting cellular signaling pathways and increasing expression of nitrous oxide synthase (NOS) [
396]. In vitro studies revealed anti-viral activity also against SARS related coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), arboviruses, vaccinia virus (VACV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) [
275,
276]. In animal studies treatment with glycyrrhizin reduced mortality and viral activity of HSV, encephalitis and IAV pneumonia [
275].
In addition to anti-viral effect, glycyrrhizin also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects which were elicited by decreasing IL-6 release from macrophages, thus leading to reduced cytokine storm induction [
277]. Moreover, in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells, high concentrations of licorice strongly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide production in concentration-dependent manner [
397]. Presumably by controlling the expression of NF-B and PI3K signaling pathways, Glycyrrhizin anti-inflammatory impact may be obtained [
278]. Glabridin licorice (
Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains significant amounts of the isoflavan glabridin, which demonstrated anti-inflammatory, neuro- and cardioprotective activities in addition to distinct anti-cancer properties (growth inhibition, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects [
398], [
399], [
400]. Glabridin suppressed cancer stem cell-like features in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, by upregulation of miR-148a that target SMAD2 (Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2) associated with inhibition of TGF (transforming growth factor)-β/SMAD2 signaling [
401]. Similar results were obtained from breast cancer cells treated with glabridin [
402]. Interestingly, miR-148, also targets DNMT3b [
83]. In addition, glabridin inhibited angiogenesis of breast tumors by upregulation of miR-520a [
403]. The expression of NF-κB was blocked by upregulated miR-520a in glabridin-treated breast cancer cells associated with inhibition of NF-κB/IL-6/STAT-3 signaling. The host signaling pathways regulated by glabridin are essential for virus infection and viral diseases.
Glycyrrhizic acid exhibited anti-viral activity [
404,
405] . It inhibits the HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, HCMV, ZIKV, IAV, EBV, HIV, EBOV and SARS COV2 by varying mechanism of actions [
269].
Grifolin is an adenosine derivative isolated from the fresh fruiting bodies of the fungus Albatrellus confluens [
406]. Grifolin were shown to suppress tumor cell lines proliferation. Grifolin inhibited Bcl-2 expression while increasing Bax expression [
406]. Grifolin reduced Elk1 transcription as well as its binding to the DNMT1 promoter region. The mRNA levels of pTEN and Timp2 are likewise increased by griforolin. Grifolin's anti-tumor effects may be exerted by ERK1/2-Elk1-DNMT1 signaling's epigenetic activation of metastasis-inhibitory genes [
280].
Oleacein, a secoiridoid [
407], is the most prominent phenolic compound in Olea europaea L. (olive). This substance exhibited anti-cancer activity against multiple myeloma cell lines (NCI-H929, RPMI-8226, U266, MM1s, and JJN3), and was found to be an effective epigenetic modulator oleacein reported to down-regulate several class I/II HDACs both at the mRNA and protein level; conversely, no effect on global DNA methylation was associated to this compound [
281,
282]. Oleacein inhibited the proliferation of numerous melanoma cell lines [
408]. Oleacein was shown to exhibit antiviral effect on HIV-1 infection and replication by inhibiting cell-to-cell HIV-1 transmission and viral core antigen p24 production [
283].
Organo Sulfur chemicals (OSC) are a group of compounds found in garlic (Allium sativum L.). More than thirty sulfur-containing compounds have been identified so far [
409]. Garlic extracts were found to have broad-spectrum anti-viral activity [
410]. Conversely, the mechanism by which these extracts or their purified constituents exert anti-viral activity may differ depending on the virus strains and viral lifecycle, which includes viral entry, fusion, replication, assembly, and virus-host-specific interactions [
411]. Furthermore, one of the possible activities of garlic extracts and bioactive moieties that may combat viral infections resides in its immunomodulatory properties.
Garlic has been used as an ethnomedicinal herb to cure infectious diseases for ages [
412]. It has been utilized to treat a variety of illnesses in African traditional medicine, including sexually transmitted diseases, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), respiratory tract infections, and wounds [
413,
414]. Garlic was shown to have effects against viral infections in humans, animals, and plants. In addition to garlic extracts or powders, also purified bioactive components from garlic, exhibited anti-viral action. As an example, Alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) which is the most abundant sulfur compound found in fresh and dry garlic [
415] is rapidly converted into allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) by alliinase enzymes when fresh garlic is chopped, minced, crushed, or chewed [
415,
416]. Allicin is the primary component responsible for anti-viral activity [
417,
418], immunomodulatory characteristics [
419], anti-inflammatory activities [
420], antioxidant [
421], and other pharmacological properties. Allicin is an extremely unstable and degrades into other OSCs including diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (garlicin or DADS), diallyl trisulfide (allitridin or DATS), andajoene, and vinyl-dithiins [
422,
423].
In vivo, allicin may interact with cellular thiols such glutathione and L-cysteine to generate S-allyl-mercapto-glutathione (SAMG) and S-allyl-mercaptocysteine (SAMC) [
424,
425]. These compounds may be responsible for structural alterations of pathogen proteins [
416]. Pre-clinical
in vitro and
in vivo studies revealed that allicin-derived OSCs such as ajoene, allitridin, garlicin, and DAS have anti-viral [
426,
427,
428,
429,
430], immune enhancing [
431,
432,
433] and other therapeutic activities [
424,
434,
435].
Orobol 7-O-d-glucoside (O7G) isolated from banaba Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Lythraceae) [
436] was tested for anti-viral efficacy against eight different strains of HRV, a cause of common viral respiratory tract disease [
436]. O7G displayed anti-viral activity against HRV A and B, as well as species resistant to pleconaril, a potent capsid inhibitor of HRVs [
437].
Orsaponin (OSW-1) is a natural substance derived from the bulbs of the plant Ornithogalum saundersiae that has anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties [
438]. The enteroviruses (EV) employ the Oxysterol-Binding protein (OSBP) as a host lipid-transport protein [
439]. Several studies have shown that OSW-1 binds to one of the two identified OSBP ligand binding sites and generates prophylactic anti-viral activity against all enteroviruses tested, including EV71, coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21), and HRV-B [
440,
441] .
Plitidepsin is a cyclic depsipeptide isolated from the Mediterranean marine tunicate Aplidium albicans [
442]. Plitidepsin is synthesized and commercialized as Alpidin, a limited licensed drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma and its therapeutic target is the eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) [
284]. This cellular component is essential for the enzymatic transport of aminoacyl tRNAs to the ribosome and has previously been identified as a key host factor in the replication of numerous viral infections, including RSV and gastroenteritis coronavirus [
285]. In an
in vitro and
in vivo investigation, White and colleagues discovered that plitidepsin had anti-viral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 via inhibiting eEF1A [
286]. Plitidepsin was shown
in vitro to be 27.5 times more potent than remdesivir in Vero E6 cells. In two animal models, plitidepsin treatment lowers SARS-CoV-2 replication and protected against the SARS CoV2 B.1.1.7 variant as well as lung inflammation [
286] [
287]. A phase I/II clinical trial for the use of Plitidepsin in the treatment of COVID-19 (NCT04382066) was conducted.
Pterostilbene (3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxystilbene) is a bioactive chemical found in grapes and several berries, mainly blueberries [
443]. Pterostilbene altered gene expression in breast cancer cells which are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms such as HDAC modification [
288]. It inhibited SIRT1 and regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stress response, metabolism, cellular senescence, and cancer [
288] [
289].
Interestingly, recent report demonstrated that resveratrol and pterostilbene inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in human primary bronchial epithelial cells [
290]
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many medicinal plants and food products [
444]. This compound has a variety of biological properties, including anticancer activity, through several modes of action. Quercetin, alone or in combination with other drugs, promote epigenetic modifications. It enhanced histone H3 acetylation via FasL overexpression, activated HAT, and inhibited HDAC activities [
291]. Furthermore, quercetin reduced histone methyltransferases (HMT) activities, particularly HMT-H3K9 activity [
292]. In addition, quercetin reported to reduce the miRNA expression such as miR-146a [
293], a regulator of HIV replication [
294], and NF-κB signaling whom associated with anti-inflammation activity [
445]. MiR-16, miR-217, and miR-145 were also modulated by quercetin [
295,
296,
297].
Quercetin was shown to inhibit the replication of several viruses, including IAV H1N1, IVA H3N2, HBV, HCV, DENV, poliovirus, rhinovirus, CHIKV, MERS-CoV, HSV 1/2, EBV, RSV , Arbovirus, EBOV, HIV, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), hAdV, enterovirus (EV), ZIKV, NDV, Mayaro virus (MAYV) and SARS-COV2 [
192,
257,
298,
299,
300]. It can modulate DNA methylation and histone acetylation [
446]. Moreover, it has been reported to activate SIRT1 and exhibit anti-viral effects against several viruses [
316]. Quercetin attenuate HCV production [
301] and inhibit propagation of HSV-1 [
298]. IAV infection cause a significant decrease of microRNA let-7 expression in host cells that normally regulate expression of type I interferon required for host cells anti-viral activity. Quercetin upregulate let-7 expression and thereby have the potential to exhibit anti-influenza activity [
197].
Raoulic acid isolated from Raoulia australis [
447] has shown a possible anti-viral action against coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4), as well as HRV types A and B [
447].
Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is a bioactive molecule isolated by Saiko et al. [
448], from the roots of white hellebore (
Veratrum grandiflorum Loes.). More than 50 plant species contain this bioactive substance, including grapes, apples, blueberries, plums, and peanuts. It has been intensively researched for its health benefits against a variety of diseases, including cancer [
449]. Resveratrol treatment increased p21 expression in Caski cells by HDAC inhibition [
302]. HDAC activity is decreased by resveratrol in a dose-dependent manner [
303]. Pterostilbene is a phytoalexin dimethyl ether molecule that is a dimethoxylated derivative of resveratrol [
450]. Interestingly, resveratrol is known to activate SIRT1 [
304]. Despite the fact that research into the potential of SIRT1 activators anti-viral activities is continuously being conducted, it is important to keep in mind that this field is still in its infancy and that specific natural compounds that directly activate SIRT1 and have anti-viral effects are not yet well-established.
Over 100 scientific documents implicated miRNAs in resveratrol's health promoting activity. For example, in human colon cancer cells resveratrol significantly decreased the levels of miR-17, miR-21, miR-25, miR-92a-2, miR-103-1, and miR-103-2 [
305]. While in lung tumors, resveratrol led to an upregulation of miR-200c [
306].
Resveratrol intake in humans for six months increased miR-21, miR-181b, miR-663, and miR-30c, while reducing inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, CCL3, IL-1β, and TNF-α. This reduction was mediated by TLR and NF-B signaling pathways [
307].
Resveratrol showed anti-viral properties [
451]. It inhibit HSV infection
in vitro and
in vivo [
308], but also inhibit beta-corona viruses such as MERS-COV and SARS-COV2 [
309]. HSV-2 infection was regulated by resveratrol induced increased histone acetylation [
452]. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) replication
in vitro was reduced by resveratrol in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Inhibited activation of IE62 gene by resveratrol was accompanied by reduced infection of both wild-type and DNA polymerase mutants with acyclovir-resistant VZV [
310,
311]. Furthermore, resveratrol exhibit activity against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) [
312], EBV [
313], Coxsackievirus (CV) [
314] and the RSV. Resveratrol was shown to regulate TLR3 expression, inhibit the TIR domain containing adaptor molecule (TRIF) signaling pathway, and induce M2 receptor expression following RSV infection [
453]. Mounting evidence reveals that HBV can alter the expression levels of all SIRT proteins, an NAD+-dependent deacetylate. In turn, all SIRTs regulate HBV replication via a cascade of molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, several studies suggest that targeting SIRTs using suitable drugs is a potential treatment strategy for HBV infection [
315]. Additionally, resveratrol by activating SIRT1 inhibits RSV replication in human bronchial epithelial cells and stimulates TNF-α secretion, promoting cell death [
316].
Silibinin is a flavonolignan derived from milk thistle [
454] and has powerful anticancer effects, targeting multiple checkpoints, including epigenetic processes such as HDAC activity. Silibinin was shown to inhibit the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC3 proteins, as well as HDAC1, HDAC6, SET domain proteins (SETD1A, D4, D6), and lysine-specific demethylases (KDM 5B, 5C, 4A) in non-small lung cancer H1299 cells [
317]. Silibinin also inhibited the expression of HDAC1-2 in human prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and PC3) (56). Enhanced Lys27 trimethylation on H3 (H3K27me3) [
455], inhibited activity of DNMTs and increased global DNA hypomethylation [
318] [
319,
320] were also caused by silibinin in different test systems. Moreover, silibinin decreased the expression of miR-21 and miR-155 expression [
321]. Recent studies have documented the antiviral activities of silibinin against several viruses, including the flaviviruses (HBV and DENV), togaviruses (CHIKV and MAYV), IVA, HIV, and HBV [
322].
Silvestrol, a rocaglates family member isolated from Aglaia plants [
456], has been shown to target the eukaryotic initiation factor-4A (eIF4A), an RNA helicase whose activity is required to unwind RNA secondary structures in the 5' untranslated region (5′-UTRs) and facilitate translation initiation [
323]. Silvestrol exhibited activity against EBOV, ZIKV, CHIKV and coronaviruses [
324,
325,
326]. Müller and colleagues found that silvestrol repressed MERS-CoV and HCoV-229E viral mRNA translation in human embryonic lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells [
327]. Furthermore, silvestrol suppresses the synthesis of MERS-CoV structural and nonstructural proteins (N, nsp8) as well as the production of viral replication/transcription complexes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) [
327]. Additional investigations have shown that a synthetic rocaglate CR-31-B (-) has antiviral effectiveness against HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 replication in both in vitro and
ex vivo experiments [
328,
329].
Sulforaphane (1-isothiocyanato-4(methylsulfinyl)butane) (SFN) is an isothiocyanate present mostly in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and radishes [
457]. In breast cancer cells, SFN significantly reduced HDAC activity [
330]and increased the amounts of acetylated histones H3 and H4 expression [
330]. Moreover, SFN enhanced the expression of the anti-oncogene proteins Dual Specificity Phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) and Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which associate with the downregulation of the HDAC5 and HDAC11 genes in the hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line [
458]. A further benefit of SFN is that they increase let-7 expression, which may have anti-influenza (IAV) effects [
197]. Moreover, SFN inhibit HCV [
332] and DENV replication by enhancement of anti-viral interferon response through Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction and inhibition of DENV protease [
459]. Furthermore, SFN inhibited
in vitro replication of six strains of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron, as well as that of the seasonal coronavirus HCoV-OC43 [
331]. In addition, SFN and remdesivir interacted synergistically to inhibit coronavirus infection
in vitro [
460]. SFN treatment diminished immune cell activation in the lungs [
331] possibly mediated by overexpression of let-7 that regulate immune response in infected cells [
197]. SFN anti-viral activity was exhibited both
in vitro and
in vivo by interfering with viral replications as well as modulating the inflammatory immune response and leading to decreasing viral load.
Tanshinone IIA is a natural bioactive compound found in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge rhizome [
461]. Wang et al. investigated tanshinone IIA's role in epigenetic modifications, demonstrating its effect on HDAC modification [
333]. This bioactive molecule decreased the enzymatic activity of HDACs. Tanshinone IIA significantly reduced the protein levels of HDAC1, HDAC3, and HDAC8 by lowering mRNA expression [
333].
Tanshinone IIA was reported as an inhibitor of MAPK p38 [
334]. MAPK p38 is explored by many viruses for their efficient replications [
46]. Natural products that inhibit MAPK p38 activity might be a good candidate to exhibit broad-spectrum anti-viral activity [
334] including DENV [
42], coronavirus [
43], VEEV [
44], and EV71 [
45], SFTSV, HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 [
46,
334].
Ursolic acid (3-beta-3-hydroxy-urs-12-ene-28-oic-acid) is a triterpenic acid found in ginseng (Panax Ginseng), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), apple peel, pear, cranberry, and plum (Prunus domestica) [
462]. It has been extensively studied for its chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic effects on a variety of malignancies. Ursolic acid significantly reduces the expression of various epigenetic regulatory factors, including HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, and HDAC8 (Class I), as well as HDAC6 and HDAC7 (Class II) [
335]. Zhao et al., 2012, reported an anti-cytomegalovirus effect of ursolic acid which was significantly stronger than ganciclovir [
336].
Withaferin A (WFA) is a steroidal lactone derived from the plant Withania somnifera [
337], known for its anticancer properties and ability to target several cancer hallmarks such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, as well as the epigenetic process [
337]. WFA displayed chemo preventive benefits against breast cancer cells by reversing epigenetic alterations via the downregulation of HDAC1 protein levels [
337]. Furthermore, WFA, alone or in combination with SFN, significantly reduced HDAC1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels [
338]. WFA with SFN decreased HMT activity, but enhanced HAT activity, particularly in MDA-MB-231 cells [
338].
WA as well as other plant-derived substances exhibited a high potential in modulating the main protease (Mpro) activity and cytokine storm in Covid-19 infection [
339]. Moreover, WA has the potential to attenuate the neuraminidase (NA) of H1N1 IVA. Docking results predicted high binding affinity of the WA toward NA [
340].