The potential role of thymoquinone in preventing the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19

Vascul Pharmacol. 2021 Dec:141:106899. doi: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106899. Epub 2021 Jul 23.

Abstract

A new virus strain detected in late 2019 and not previously described in humans is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes corona virus disease (COVID-19). While potential therapeutic approaches for COVID-19 are being investigated, significant initiatives are being made to create protective drugs and study various antiviral agents to cure the infection. However, an effective treatment strategy against COVID-19 is worrisome inadequate. The objective of the present manuscript is to discuss the potential role of thymoquinone (TQ) in preventing the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19, focusing on viral inhibition, antioxidant potential, vascular effect, and cardiac protection. The multifunctional properties of TQ could potentially synergize with the activity of current therapeutic interventions and offer a basis for managing COVID-19 disease more effectively. Even though the experimental evidence is positive, a translational application of TQ in COVID-19 is timely warranted.

Keywords: ACE-2; COVID-19; Cardiovascular complications; SARS-CoV; Thymoquinone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzoquinones / administration & dosage
  • Benzoquinones / pharmacology*
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cardiotonic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / virology
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzoquinones
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • thymoquinone