Potential of Menispermaceae Family as Herbal Treatment for Covid-19: Literature Review

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Many natural products are known have antiviral activity, including Menispermaceae family. This plant were widely distributed in tropical forest, including in Indonesia. Existing studies are still limited regarding the benefits of this family in the treatment of Covid-19. This review aims to discuss and identify the use of plants from the Menispermaceae family in the treatment of Covid-19. We found that some components in the Menispermaceae family that have been utilized in the treatment of Covid-19 are still limited, although several studies have shown anti-infective effects against various bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. Cepharanthine (CEP) is the only bioactive component of Menispermaceae plants that has been clinically tested and used in the treatment of Covid-19. The effect of CEP has been trials effectively against other viral infections. Further identification of components in this family is needed for potential therapy against various infections in the future.