Antiviral Mechanisms of Curcumin and Its Derivatives in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: A Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now plagued the world for almost 3 years. Although vaccines are now available, the severity of the pandemic and the current dearth of approved effective medications have prompted the need for novel treatment approaches. Curcumin, as a food nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, is now under consideration for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Curcumin has been demonstrated to retard the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into cells, interfere with its proliferation inside cells, and curb the hyperinflammatory state caused by the virus by modulating immune system regulators, minimizing the cytokine storm effect, and modulating the renin-angiotensin system. This chapter discusses the role of curcumin and its derivatives in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection, considering the molecular mechanisms involved. It will also focus on the molecular and cellular profiling techniques as essential tools in this research, as these can be used in the identification and development of new biomarkers, drug targets, and therapeutic approaches for improved patient care.