Potential use of<i>Citrus</i>essential oils against acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus

Abstract

The treatments being investigated for the pandemic associated with a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) aim to inhibit viral replication or inhibit enzymatic elastase in the lung, responsible for the SARS-CoV cell entry mechanism and the pathogenesis of severe pneumonia caused by infection. There is also a need to improve alveolar surfactant capacity and inhibition of the exacerbated inflammatory response. Current knowledge allows us to infer that Citrus essential oils could be considered an individual or a complementary highly valuable alternative for the viral infection caused by SARS-CoV due to its antiviral activity, particularly against coronavirus, anti-elastase, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Furthermore, its proven capacity of biosurfactants, antioxidants, and pain inhibitors would help to treat acute respiratory syndrome. This review aims to encourage the development of more detailed studies on Citrus essential oils as a new multi-objective strategy to treat SARS-CoV2 infection.