Advances in natural products targeting porcine epidemic diarrhea virus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) remains a major threat to the global swine industry, causing severe enteric disease with high morbidity and mortality in piglets and resulting in substantial economic losses. In recent years, natural products have attracted increasing interest as sustainable and safe alternatives to conventional antiviral strategies. These compounds exert anti-PEDV effects through multiple mechanisms, including direct inhibition of viral enzymes, blockade of viral entry, and modulation of host signaling pathways. In particular, we highlight flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids as the most extensively studied and promising classes, with several candidates demonstrating in vivo efficacy in piglet models. Additionally, we discuss key challenges associated with the lack of standardization in preclinical studies, limited pharmacokinetic and toxicological data, regulatory hurdles, and formulation difficulties, while proposing future research directions to facilitate the commercialization of these natural products into practical veterinary applications. By providing a comprehensive theoretical foundation and actionable insights, this review aims to advance the development of effective anti-PEDV natural products and contribute to the sustainable control of this devastating pathogen within global livestock operations.