Flavaglines as natural products targeting eIF4A and prohibitins: From traditional Chinese medicine to antiviral activity against coronaviruses

Flavaglines are cyclopenta[b]benzofurans found in plants of the genus Aglaia, several species of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. These compounds target the initiation factor of translation eIF4A and the scaffold proteins prohibitins-1 and 2 (PHB1/2) to exert various pharmacological activities, including antiviral effects against several types of viruses, including coronaviruses. This review is focused on the antiviral effects of flavaglines and their therapeutic potential against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Highlights • Flavaglines are complex natural products found in plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. • Flavaglines target the initiation factor of translation eIF4A and the scaffold proteins prohibitins-1 and 2 (PHB1/2). • Flavaglines display potent antiviral activities against several viruses including SARS-CoV-2 responsible of COVID-19.