Some natural compounds exhibit very good antiviral properties. The medicinal plant Humulus lupulus (hop) contains the flavonoid xanthohumol which has previously shown antiviral activities. 

Xanthohumol has also been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties in over 100 studies, and also holds antioxidative* properties. To many this natural product seems to possess real potential for an ever-evolving virus. 

In addition to research showing that xanthohumol is able to control parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a newer study now shows that hop-derived compounds target other parts of the virus, making an even better therapeutic target as it contributes to both viral replication and modulation of the immune system. 

These findings support the use of hop-derived antiviral drugs for targeting human coronaviruses going forward.

References

* GB ARTICLE 13.1 BOTANICALS ON HOLD LIST.

Herzog AM, Göbel K, Marongiu L, Ruetalo N, Alonso MC, Leischner C, Busch C, Burkard M, Lauer UM, Geurink PP, Knobeloch KP, Schindler M, Fritz G, Venturelli S. Compounds derived from Humulus lupulus inhibit SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and virus replication. Phytomedicine. 2023 Oct 30;123:155176.