review · International Journal of Pathogen Research
A review of scientific literature evaluates the phytochemistry and antiviral capabilities of the plant genus Ocimum for prospective use in managing COVID-19. Extracts and essential oils derived from Ocimum species contain bioactive phytochemicals with confirmed antiviral actions alongside nutrients that support immune function. Reported evidence demonstrates that plants in this genus show efficacy against diverse pathogens, including Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C virus, Adenovirus, and Enterovirus 71. Toxicological assessments referenced in the literature indicate that these plants are safe for use. Because effective treatments for COVID-19 remain needed, ethnopharmacological resources offer alternative pathways for therapeutic discovery. Preliminary work is extending into molecular docking investigations to assess how compounds from Ocimum interact with the SARS-CoV-2 protease to identify prospective viral inhibitors.
Identifying accessible, safe, and effective natural sources for antiviral therapeutics remains an ongoing priority in managing viral outbreaks. Because species within the Ocimum genus have documented safety and biological activity against numerous viral pathogens, exploring their chemical constituents provides an ethnopharmacological starting point for developing supportive treatments or targeted inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
This research points toward early-stage pharmaceutical and nutraceutical drug discovery. Pharmaceutical developers and ethnopharmacology researchers could evaluate Ocimum-derived compounds as potential therapeutic leads or viral protease inhibitors. However, the work sits at a very early, exploratory stage, relying on literature review and ongoing computational molecular docking, meaning laboratory validation, clinical testing, and formulation development remain necessary before any real-world healthcare product can emerge.
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Aim: The aim of this work was to review literature data reported on some species of the Ocimum genus regarding their phytochemistry and antiviral potential in order to show how Ocimum species might be used in the management of COVID-19.
 Methodology: Various databases like PubMed, PubMed Central., Science Direct, SCIELO, DOAJ, Science alert, Semantic scholar and Google scholar were used.
 Results: Essential oils and extracts of Ocimum species possess the compounds involved in antiviral activity. In addition, this plant contains certain nutrients which boost the immune system. Ocimum genus displayed antiviral activity against several viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus, Adenovirus, Enterovirus 71, Parainfluenza virus type 3, Hepatitis C virus, etc. Toxicological data indicated that these plants are safe.
 Conclusion: Till now, there is no effective treatment of COVID-19. Ethnopharmacology constitutes an alternative approach for the discovery of effective antiviral drugs. The literature survey reveals that Ocimum species exhibit high antiviral activity, and thus can be used as potential bioresources against COVID-19. Molecular docking study of the interaction of some compounds derived from Ocimum species with SARS-CoV-2 protease is in progress in order to identify the potential inhibitors of the virus.
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DOI: 10.9734/ijpr/2020/v5i430143
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