Perspective Chapter: Repurposing Natural Products to Target COVID-19 – Molecular Targets and New Avenues for Drug Discovery

The document discussed the potential of repurposing natural products to target COVID-19 by focusing on molecular targets and new drug discovery avenues. It highlighted the limited efficacy of drugs like hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir, as well as the WHO's recommendation against remdesivir due to insufficient evidence. The study emphasized the potential of natural products such as kaempferol, quercetin, and rosmarinic acid as inhibitors of COVID-19, targeting viral entry and replication. It also explored the role of serine protease inhibitors, lysosomotropism agents, and cathepsin inhibitors in blocking viral processes. The document underscored the importance of further research into natural compounds, their multitargeting activity, and the use of AI and ML in drug discovery to improve COVID-19 treatment protocols.