Inhibitory and complementary therapeutic effect of sweet lime (Citrus limetta) against RNA-viruses

Abstract

Sweet lime (), known as 'Mousambi' or 'Mosambi' in India, is one of the best citrus fruits regarding its nutrient contents. Its bioactive compounds (BAC) are exclusively used for multiple clinical applications considering many therapeutic benefits not only in Asian countries but also in the western world. The fruit pulp and juice are the best sources of ascorbic acid, B-vitamins, amino acids, and other secondary metabolites. Specifically, polyphenols such as flavanones, hesperetin, naringenin, and chlorogenic acid are highly rich in the fruit. The nutrients in sweet lime altogether provide significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects. The purpose of this study is to review and analyze the inhibitory and complementary therapeutic effects of sweet lime's pulp and juices to inhibit the virulence caused by RNA viruses, mainly SARS-CoV-2. This review study was designed based on extensive online searches of relevant open-access literature available in the best quality and reliable databases by using specific keywords and boolean operators. After a rigorous review, we found that flavanones in the fruit can alter or inhibit the polyproteins (pp1a and pp1b) responsible for viral replication. Therefore, sweet lime has potentialities to provide an inhibitory and a complementary therapeutic effect against RNA viruses, mainly SARS-CoV-2. About the antiviral activities, more clinical trials are needed to prove its efficacy; however, reviewing current knowledge, is one of the potent antioxidant, inflammatory fruits available and affordable almost worldwide.