The Brief Overview, Antivirus and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity, Quantitative Methods, and Pharmacokinetics of Cepharanthine: A Potential Small-Molecule Drug Against COVID-19

Cepharanthine (CEP) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid with potential as a small-molecule drug against COVID-19 due to its significant antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. Studies have shown that CEP effectively inhibits viral replication and entry by targeting specific viral proteins and cellular pathways, demonstrating greater efficacy than remdesivir in vitro. Despite its promise, CEP's poor oral bioavailability poses a challenge, though alternative administration routes like pulmonary delivery and nanotechnology-based systems have shown to enhance its bioavailability. CEP has been used safely since 1951 for various conditions, including alopecia, and its safety profile supports its potential as a COVID-19 therapeutic. However, further research is needed to optimize its pharmacokinetics and confirm its clinical efficacy.