Therapeutic Profile of Glycyrrhiza glabra: A Ray of Hope in Treating COVID-19

Abstract

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn (licorice) has been widely studied because of the possible ethnopharmacological benefit. It was among the essential Ayurvedic medicines studied for immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepato-protective activities. Nowadays, licorice’s root parts have been evaluated to contain numerous bioactive components responsible for the treatment of respiratory tract infections and influenza-like illnesses. Most importantly, several investigations have now assessed the multiple mechanisms by which these biomolecules could attack the essential proteins and enzymes responsible for SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry and interaction. Our findings gathered that the metabolites of Glycyrrhiza glabra could interfere with COVID-19 cellular entrance and replication by blocking all five key proteins and enzymes essential for the survival and attachment of the virus. In addition to their ability to neutralise, the inflammatory cytokines storm reaction following the COVID-19 viral infection. This review was designed to digest the potential pharmacological importance of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its likeness in combating the pandemic COVID-19.