All Studies

Scutellaria baicalensis extract and baicalein inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its 3C-like protease in vitro.

Researchers investigated the effectiveness of using an herb extract and its component, baicalein, to inhibit the 3C protease of SARS-CoV-2, a preferred target for anti-coronavirus drug development. The ethanol extract and baicalein displayed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and inhibited viral replication in Vero cells. The herb extract also inhibited viral entry. Four baicalein analogues from other herbs were identified to also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CL activity. The study suggests that the herb extract and baicalein have the potential to be developed as broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs.

Liu H et al (2021).
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem.
PubMed:
33491508