Common Names: red spider lily
Lycorine from Amaryllidaceae plants shows potential in inhibiting breast cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and M phase cell cycle arrest. Further research needed for potential drug development.
Lycorine, a compound from Lycoris radiata herb, inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth and reduces migration, invasion, neovascularization, and drug resistance, potentially serving as a treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Scientists are searching for new ways to treat coronavirus infections, including COVID-19. They have discovered that the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is effective at targeting the virus. To this end, they have been studying lycorine, a compound found in the bulbs of Lycoris radiata (L'Hér.) Herb, which has antiviral properties. Lycorine has been shown to inhibit the replication of different types of viruses, making it a promising candidate for further research. By developing new treatments that target the RdRp protein, scientists aim to find a highly effective treatment against emerging coronavirus infections.
Despite global efforts, a specific therapy or vaccine against COVID-19 remains elusive. Prevention and intervention through isolation, hygiene measures, diagnosis, and treatment are the most effective ways to combat the virus. Health organizations and global care systems have screened available resources and recommended approved and proposed medications. The search for a targeted therapy or vaccine continues as the world battles this unprecedented enemy.
Scientists have identified 93 potential drug candidates from natural products such as medicinal plants and herbs that could effectively inhibit the coronavirus, including COVID-19. These candidates include pure compounds like Blancoxanthone and herbacetin, and extracts from plants like Artemisia annua and Tinospora cordifolia. The study suggests that natural products can be used as a source for potential drug discovery against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, including SARS and MERS-CoV. This provides a promising avenue for future research to develop effective treatments for the ongoing pandemic.