Frontiers in Virology · Published 2026-07-22 · DOI 10.3389/fviro.2026.1897871
Peter Lu
Anthocyanins are naturally occurring flavonoids widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and cereal grains that possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing attention has been directed toward their potential to inhibit Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review summarizes current evidence regarding the antiviral activity of anthocyanins against SARS-CoV-2, with particular emphasis on their proposed molecular mechanisms and available experimental validation. Current studies indicate that anthocyanins may interfere with multiple stages of the viral life cycle through inhibition of the main protease (Mpro), disruption of the spike–ACE2 interaction, and potential targeting of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and helicase. In addition, anthocyanins may attenuate SARS-CoV-2-associated inflammation through modulation of host inflammatory pathways. While computational studies consistently support these proposed mechanisms, experimental evidence remains limited and is largely restricted to in vitro enzymatic and cell-based investigations. This review also discusses the low stability and bioavailability as a major translational challenge of anthocyanins and highlights current strategies, including structural modification and encapsulation, to improve their stability and therapeutic potential. Overall, anthocyanins represent promising natural compounds for further antiviral investigation; however, additional mechanistic studies, in vivo validation, and optimization of bioavailability are required before their clinical potential against COVID-19 can be established.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →
Lu, P. (2026). Antiviral potential of anthocyanins against SARS-CoV-2: current evidence, translational challenges, and future perspectives. Frontiers in Virology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fviro.2026.1897871