Etrog Citron (Citrus medica) as a Novel Source of Antiviral Agents: Overview of Its Bioactive Phytochemicals and Delivery Approaches

The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant challenge of insufficient antiviral pharmacological options. Edible plants offer a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral drugs. Etrog citron (Citrus medica L.), which is a valuable edible and medicinal plant, contains various antiviral phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenes. However, the therapeutic application of these compounds remains limited by factors such as poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms of action. The aim of the present article is to offer a comprehensive analysis of the antiviral phytochemicals extracted from various parts of Citrus medica, emphasizing their mode of action and delivery strategies that may allow turning these compounds into new antiviral drugs.