Ketoamide compounds show inhibitory activity against coronavirus(CoV)，hepatitis C virus(HCV)，human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)，prion(Pr)，and other viruses.This article reviews the antiviral activity of ketoamide compounds and the natural sources of them.It was found that many Chinese medicinals for clearing heat and detoxification contain such ingredients.The result can serve as a reference for the development and application of ketoamide compounds in the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by viruses such as CoV.