Pelargonidin for COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly evolved into a global health crisis. Recent evidence highlights the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway following SARS-CoV-2 infection, implicating AHR in facilitating viral replication and impairing antiviral immunity. As a ligand-dependent transcription factor, AHR regulates immune responses, cellular differentiation, and proliferation, and is frequently exploited by viruses to evade host defences. In relation to COVID-19, AHR activation drives immune suppression, systemic inflammation, and metabolic disturbances, intensifying disease severity. Notably, in individuals with comorbidities such as obesity and diabetes, AHR overactivity exacerbates insulin resistance, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombotic risk, contributing to cardiovascular complications. AHR also promotes airway remodelling and mucus hypersecretion, fostering respiratory dysfunction and fibrotic progression. This review synthesizes current insights into the mechanistic role of AHR signalling in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and discusses its potential as a target for host-directed therapeutic interventions.

Abstract Background The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic resulted in a successful vaccination program launched by the World Health Organization. However, a large population is still unvaccinated, leading to the emergence of mutated strains like alpha, beta, delta, and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Recent reports from the World Health Organization raised concerns about the Omicron variant, which emerged in South Africa during a surge in COVID-19 cases in November 2021. Vaccines are not proven completely effective or safe against Omicron, leading to clinical trials for combating infection by the mutated virus. The absence of suitable pharmaceuticals has led scientists and clinicians to search for alternative and supplementary therapies, including dietary patterns, to reduce the effect of mutated strains. Main body This review analyzed Coronavirus aetiology, epidemiology, and natural products for combating Omicron. Although the literature search did not include keywords related to in silico or computational research, in silico investigations were emphasized in this study. Molecular docking was implemented to compare the interaction between natural products and Chloroquine with the ACE2 receptor protein amino acid residues of Omicron. The global Omicron infection proceeding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was also elucidated. The docking results suggest that DGCG may bind to the ACE2 receptor three times more effectively than standard chloroquine. Conclusion The emergence of the Omicron variant has highlighted the need for alternative therapies to reduce the impact of mutated strains. The current review suggests that natural products such as DGCG may be effective in binding to the ACE2 receptor and combating the Omicron variant, however, further research is required to validate the results of this study and explore the potential of natural products to mitigate COVID-19. Graphical abstract