Researchers have identified a group of natural compounds from a Brazilian tree that show promising activity against the virus responsible for COVID-19. The compounds, known as galloylquinic acids, were extracted from the leaves of Copaifera lucens Dwyer, a species native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Laboratory findings suggest these molecules can interfere with the virus in several different ways, offering a broader approach than many existing antiviral strategies.

The research focused on Copaifera lucens because the team, led by Jairo Kenupp Bastos from the Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), has long studied the chemistry and medicinal properties of plants in the Copaifera genus. Their prior experience helped guide the selection of this species for detailed investigation.

Galloylquinic acids are not new to science.…