question: BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are extremely infective and frequently cause severe respiratory issues (acute respiratory syndrome). These emerging viruses represent huge challenges to worldwide health. Reliable and systematic examination of SARS-CoV and COVID-19 will assist in identifying infectious persons accurately. Based on the biological, chemical, and genetic link of SARS CoV-2 towards SARS-CoV, the recurrence of different anti-SARS-CoV natural drug molecules may be beneficial in the advancement of anti COVID-19 herbal drug molecules. Here, we reviewed published literature on SAR, and molecular docking study of previously synthesized derivatives, which targeted SARS-CoV along with future prospects on SARS-CoV-2 have been reviewed. This study would assist researchers in developing newer/novel potential molecules that would target SAR-CoV-2. OBJECTIVES: The review highlights the inhibition potential of heterocyclic inhibitors for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The structure-activity relationship of potential compounds has been discussed. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We carried out a thorough literature assessment employing electronic databases for scientific articles highlighting potential heterocyclic inhibitors for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, published from 2010 to 2021. We recovered 415 articles, but only 220 were involved and conversed in this manuscript. The article apprehended appropriate research considering three areas: 1) SAR activity, 2) Molecular docking, and 3) Biological activity and future prospects on SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The potential compounds with good inhibition are discussed, and their inhibition is expressed in terms of IC50. RESULTS: Heterocyclic scaffolds reflected an extensive range of therapeutic activity and may act as an initiating idea for designing and discovering potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 treatment. CONCLUSION: The points highlighted here may prove to be a vital tool for medicinal chemists working/investigating more potent and efficacious scaffolds in treating SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.