Natural Compounds against Mpox: Mapping Evidence and Identifying Gaps.

Abstract

The global spread of Mpox necessitates exploration of novel treatment options. Considering the established history of herbal medicine in managing infectious diseases, this study reviewed the literature on phytotherapy for Mpox, addressing gaps in evidence-based herbal interventions. A thorough search was conducted across the Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases, as well as grey literature, up to August 2024 to retrieve studies on natural compounds with potential efficacy against Mpox and its associated symptoms. Data were analysed for publication characteristics, the compounds or herbal plants investigated, and their effects on the virus. A total of 37 articles with 242 citations were identified, demonstrating a steady increase in research activity since the first study in 2011, peaking in 2023 with 21 publications and 114 citations. The majority of studies originated from South-East Asian countries. In terms of study design, most investigations were in silico (n=31, 84%), followed by in vitro studies (n=4, 11%), with no in vivo or clinical interventions reported. The primary focus was on the antiviral activities of natural products, with polyphenols identified as the most prevalent lead compounds. Whilst these findings highlight the growing interest in phytotherapy for Mpox, they also underscore the predominance of computational studies. To build upon this foundation of in silico evidence, further laboratory and animal studies are imperative for translating these insights into clinical applications. The comprehensive library of compounds gathered through this research provides a valuable resource to facilitate this crucial next step in the development of herbal interventions against Mpox.