Scientists find natural compounds that hit COVID-19 from every angle

A little-known tree from Brazil’s Atlantic Forest may hold a surprising weapon against COVID-19. Researchers discovered that compounds called galloylquinic acids, extracted from its leaves, can attack SARS-CoV-2 on multiple fronts—blocking the virus from entering cells, disrupting its replication, and even dampening harmful inflammation. Unlike many antivirals that target just one part of the virus, these natural compounds act in several ways at once, potentially making it harder for resistance to develop.