Antiviral potential of zinc ion: mechanisms and applications in viral infections

Zinc ion (Zn 2+ ) is essential bioactive constituent in food and plays a multifaceted role in modulating antiviral activities against various viruses including retroviruses, picornaviruses, herpesviruses, coronaviruses, and hepatitis viruses. This review synthesizes existing literature highlighting the diverse antiviral properties of Zn 2+ and its viable application as an adjunct rather than monotherapeutic agent in viral infections. We outline three principal mechanisms through which Zn 2+ exer