Bioactive Compounds from Lichens as Promising Biomaterial for the Treatment of Influenza Virus: A Review

Influenza viruses remain a significant threat that can cause severe morbidity and mortality responsible for epidemics and pandemics worldwide. Lichens produce distinct secondary metabolic products with a wide range of biological activities, which are promising as the diversity source of biomaterials for pharmaceutical application. Furthermore, biological activities of natural lichen metabolites such as anti-oxidants, anti-microbial, anti-insecticidal, antipyretic, and anti-cancer agents of lichen have been reported in several review papers. However, the antiviral activity against influenza virus has not been mentioned in any previously published papers. In the present study, we aim to highlight and discuss the antiviral effects against influenza viruses of natural lichens and its derivatives in the current literature with an update of recent findings. In conclusion, natural lichens and constituents promote the inhibitory effect on various infectious diseases especially for influenza virus infection, it, therefore, is promising as a biomaterial for anti-influenza virus drugs development.