Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 93: 100602.
Published online 2020 Aug 25. doi: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2020.100602
PMCID: PMC7445151
PMID: 32863400
Nigella sativa L as a potential phytotherapy for coronavirus disease 2019: A mini review of in silico studies

Coronaviruses are responsible for several human diseases, such as the infectious novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Nigella sativa is a natural food supplement with a known safety profile that may provide a wealth of docuмented antiviral compounds.
Objective

Results
At least 8 in silico studies have shown that some compounds of N sativa, including nigelledine, a-hederin, hederagenin, thymohydroquinone, and thymoquinone, had high to moderate affinity with SARS-CoV-2 enzymes and proteins. These compounds may potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and attachment to host cell receptors.
Conclusions

These preliminary data of in silico studies propose N sativa as a potential phytotherapy candidate for COVID-19. Further preclinical experimental evidence is required followed by a Phase I clinical trial. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)
Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, in silico, Nigella sativa, SARS-CoV-2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7445151/

See also
Revisiting pharmacological potentials of Nigella sativa seed: A promising option for COVID-19 prevention and cure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7675410/

Potential benefits of combination of Nigella sativa and Zn supplements to treat COVID-19
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7313527/