Preventive and therapeutic potentials of epigallocatechin gallate for the management of COVID-19: A mechanistic insight

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in devastating consequences worldwide, including a high mortality rate and a significant impact on healthcare resources. Previous epidemics caused by coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, were less severe than SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, no definitive cure exists for SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the limited understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and rapid mutations in the virus genome. Thus, the development of an efficient therapeutic strategy for the management of coronavirus majorly relies on the identification of suitable drug candidates that could interfere with the life cycle of the coronavirus and curb the ongoing mutations and virus–host interactions. Recent studies on SARS-CoV-2 have shown that flavonoids, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity by inhibiting viral replication, viral load, and the main protease. Moreover, EGCG exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could aid in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated symptoms. In the present chapter, we provide an in-depth analysis of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a focus on the role of EGCG in providing beneficial effects during SARS-CoV-2 infection, including their limitations and future scope. This chapter has the potential to enhance the current understanding of EGCG and its mechanisms in developing treatments for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.