Antiviral mechanisms of dietary polyphenols: recent developments as antiviral agents and future prospects in combating Nipah virus

Polyphenols are ubiquitous secondary metabolites found in plants that have attracted considerable attention owing to their diverse applications in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Particularly, the curcumin, rosmarinic acid, and catechins are known for their therapeutic potential and offer a range of benefits, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties. Most importantly, they have shown promise for combating viral infections. The effectiveness of these pharmacological properties has been demonstrated through rigorous in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. There are evidence that dietary and pharmaceutical polyphenols exert protective effects against viral infections. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the mechanisms of action of curcumin, rosmarinic acid, and catechins against serious viral diseases in the human race. According to the research report of previous results, we believe that the proposed molecules have various roles in preventing infection and supporting the healing process in cases of viral invasion by blocking viral entry, inhibiting virus replication, protecting blood vessels, and preventing superinfection. On the other hand, these act effectively as antioxidants by activating Nrf-2 and inhibiting the overexpression of epithelial proteins. To determine the anti-Nipah virus potential, these molecules were tested against fusion protein, glycoprotein, membrane protein, nucleoprotein and phosphoprotein of Nipah virus (NiV). Eventually, they were discovered to have greater inhibitory activity by exhibiting binding affinities with specific protein residues of the Nipah virus. Based on the results of the review and in silico validation, the present review suggests that curcumin, rosmarinic acid, ( -)-epicatechin and ( +)-gallocatechin may act as an effective inhibitor for the complications caused by Nipah virus.