The present disclosure relates to a composition for preventing, inhibiting or treating coronavirus infection, including an effective amount of camellia saponin. The camellia saponin may be extracted from oil press cake of camellia, and the coronavirus may be severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The composition according to the present disclosure can effectively prevent or inhibit or treat the coronavirus infection by inhibiting the activity of coronavirus without side effects. In addition, the composition according to the present disclosure can inhibit the penetration of the coronavirus into the human body by eliminating the coronavirus remaining on the skin.

The composition inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via competitive binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The composition includes a plurality of sulfated glycosaminoglycans which bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing binding to and uptake by host cells. The sulfated glycosaminoglycans, including N-, 2-O, 3-O, or 6-O sulfate groups, or combinations thereof, include heparins and fucoidans, such as those isolated from brown seaweed. The compositions show antiviral activity, with EC₅₀ as low as 0.08 μM, and low cytotoxicity, making it promising for clinical use. While established SARS-CoV-2 treatments such as remdesivir need to be administered intravenously, the compositions discussed herein are advantageously capable to being delivered as a nasal spray, metered dose inhaler, oral delivery, etc.