Recombinant pebulin protein, a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein isolated from dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) shows anticancer and antifungal activities in vitro.
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- Int J Biol Macromol.
- PubMed:
- 33497693
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.