Ocimum Species as Potential Bioresources against COVID-19: A Review of Their Phytochemistry and Antiviral Activity

Aim: The aim of this work was to review literature data reported on some species of the Ocimum genus regarding their phytochemistry and antiviral potential in order to show how Ocimum species might be used in the management of COVID-19.

Methodology: Various databases like PubMed, PubMed Central., Science Direct, SCIELO, DOAJ, Science alert, Semantic scholar and Google scholar were used.

Results: Essential oils and extracts of Ocimum species possess the compounds involved in antiviral activity. In addition, this plant contains certain nutrients which boost the immune system. Ocimum genus displayed antiviral activity against several viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus, Adenovirus, Enterovirus 71, Parainfluenza virus type 3, Hepatitis C virus, etc. Toxicological data indicated that these plants are safe.

Conclusion: Till now, there is no effective treatment of COVID-19. Ethnopharmacology constitutes an alternative approach for the discovery of effective antiviral drugs. The literature survey reveals that Ocimum species exhibit high antiviral activity, and thus can be used as potential bioresources against COVID-19. Molecular docking study of the interaction of some compounds derived from Ocimum species with SARS-CoV-2 protease is in progress in order to identify the potential inhibitors of the virus.