Nigerian researchers uncover natural compounds that could block COVID-19 infection pathways

Nimot Adetola

In a breakthrough that bridges traditional knowledge with modern science, a team of Nigerian scientists has identified plant-based compounds that may stop SARS-CoV-2 — the virus behind COVID-19 — from gaining entry into human cells. The findings, published in Frontiers in Chemistry, could open doors to affordable antiviral treatments derived from locally known medicinal plants.

The research team, led by biochemists and computational chemists from Adekunle Ajasin University and collaborating institutions, used molecular docking simulations to map how bioactive molecules interact with two key proteins: the ACE2 receptor on human cells, which the virus’s spike protein latches onto, and TMPRSS2, an enzyme that activates the spike for entry.

“Think of it as intercepting the virus at the gate,” said lead researcher Idris Junaid. “If we can block either the lock (ACE2) or the door mechanism (TMPRSS2), we stand a chance of stopping infection before it starts.”

A natural arsenal against the pandemic

Among the promising candidates were flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids — compounds found in common medicinal plants — that showed strong binding affinity to these targets in silico. This suggests they could interfere with the viral “handshake” needed for infection.

Such results echo a 2022 Italian review in Food Science and Human Wellness, which compiled global evidence showing compounds like curcumin (from turmeric), resveratrol (from grapes), glycyrrhizin (from licorice), and quercetin (from onions and tea) can block viral entry, disrupt replication enzymes like Mpro and RdRp, and reduce the harmful inflammation linked to severe COVID-19.

Why this matters now

Although vaccines remain central to COVID-19 prevention, antiviral drugs are critical for people at high risk or in regions facing vaccine shortages. Plant-derived antivirals could be cheaper to produce, easier to store, and more culturally accepted in communities already familiar with herbal remedies.

The Nigerian team emphasizes that these results are preliminary and require laboratory and clinical validation. Yet the work underscores Africa’s growing role in COVID-19 research — particularly in adapting indigenous knowledge to address modern health crises.

“In a world where new viral threats keep emerging, nature’s pharmacy offers us a fighting chance,” said co-author Toheeb Balogun. “Our study is proof that with the right tools, Nigerian scientists can make discoveries with global relevance.”

If confirmed in real-world testing, such compounds could form the basis for oral preventives, gargles, or inhalable sprays — offering low-cost protection in communities worldwide, and reinforcing the idea that solutions to global pandemics can come from anywhere, including Africa’s own forests and fields.