molecules Review Antiviral Potential of Plants against Noroviruses Jolanta Sarowska 1, Dorota Wojnicz 2,* , Agnieszka Jama-Kmiecik 1, Magdalena Frej-M ˛adrzak 1 and Irena Choroszy-Król 1 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 4, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
[email protected] (J.S.);
[email protected] (A.J.-K.);
[email protected] (M.F.-M.);
[email protected] (I.C.-K.) 2 Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +48-717-841-512 Abstract: Human noroviruses, which belong to the enterovirus family, are one of the most common etiological agents of food-borne diseases. In recent years, intensive research has been carried out regarding the antiviral activity of plant metabolites that could be used for the preservation of fresh food, because they are safer for consumption when compared to synthetic chemicals. Plant prepara- tions with proven antimicrobial activity differ in their chemical compositions, which significantly affects their biological activity. Our review aimed to present the results of research related to the characteristics, applicability, and mechanisms of the action of various plant-based preparations and metabolites against norovirus. New strategies to combat intestinal viruses are necessary, not only to ensure food safety and reduce infections in humans but also to lower the direct health costs associated with them. Citation: Sarowska, J.; Wojnicz, D.; Keywords: plant secondary metabolites; antiviral activity; food; noroviruses; MNV; FCV Jama-Kmiecik, A.; Frej-M ˛adrzak,M.; Choroszy-Król, I.