The potential role of resveratrol as supportive antiviral in treating conditions such as COVID-19 – A formulator’s perspective

With an increased transmissibility but milder form of disease of the omicron variant of COVID-19 and the newer antivirals often still out of reach of many populations, a refocus of the current treatment regimens is required. Safe, affordable, and available adjuvant treatments should also be considered and known drugs and substances need to be repurposed and tested. Resveratrol, a well-known antioxidant of natural origin, shown to act as an antiviral as well as playing a role in immune stimulation, down regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine release and reducing lung injury by reducing oxidative stress, is such an option. New initiatives and collaborations will however need to be found to unleash resveratrol’s full potential in the pharmaceutical market. •Safe, affordable, and available adjuvant treatments required for COVID-19.•Known drugs and substances need to be repurposed.•Resveratrol, antioxidant of natural origin act as antiviral and stimulates immune system.•Resveratrol, down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release reducing lung injury.