Review from host and guest approach to new frontiers nutraceuticals in the era of COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to claim victims in the world, especially among elderly subjects and people suffering from chronic-degenerative pathologies, like cardiovascular diseases. Several vaccines and drugs have been developed to mitigate the infection spread and its deleterious consequences. However, the emergence of new variants requires the identification of solutions to deal with the challenging mutations. In this context, the investigation of phytocomplexes and related compounds used in folk medicine and culinary purposes may lead to unfold nutraceuticals endowed with antiviral, and cardioprotective properties. We have described several vegetal extracts and secondary metabolites that hit the most important viral and host targets and bind them. The connection between SARS-CoV-2 and cardiovascular diseases were also outlined, as well as phytocomplexes with potentials for their mitigation. The review provides both an entry point for new researchers in this area, and a comprehensive overview for further investigation of the natural products presented.