Interaction of Laurusides 1 and 2 with the 3C-like Protease (M(pro)) from Wild-Type and Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

Laurusides, compounds found in bay laurel, have potential as COVID-19 treatments. Molecular simulations found they interact well with both SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variant, suggesting their usefulness as antiviral therapies.

Autiero I and Roviello GN (2023).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms24065511

PubMed:

36982585

Bio-guided chemical characterization and nano-formulation studies of selected edible volatile oils with potentials antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities.

Selected essential oils (EOs) with promising antibacterial and antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria were identified, along with suggested nano-emulsion dosage form. Mechanisms of antiviral activity were explored.

Refaey MS et al (2023).

Arab J Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104813

PubMed:

36969951

Pharmacological potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers on the experimental models of COVID-19, T cell differentiation, and neutrophil functions.

Researchers found that traditional Asian medicines, WS and TC, showed potential in combating COVID-19. Among the two, WS proved more effective in protecting against weight loss, viral load, and lung damage. WS also suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines without harming neutrophil activity, suggesting its potential for treating other acute viral infections.

Rizvi ZA et al (2023).

Front Immunol.

DOI:

10.3389/fimmu.2023.1138215

PubMed:

36960064

Sialylation status in placentas from pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Study finds no significant changes in placental sialic acid content or distribution in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2, but more research is needed to understand its impact on placental function.

Perna A et al (2023).

Tissue Cell.

DOI:

10.1016/j.tice.2023.102074

PubMed:

36948081

Bioactive Compositions of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) Extracts and Their Capacities in Suppressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding to ACE2, Inhibiting ACE2, and Scavenging Free Radicals.

Cinnamon extracts contain bioactive compounds that can inhibit the activity of the virus and increase antioxidant activity, potentially reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection. Ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and greater free radical scavenging activity compared to water extract, indicating cinnamon's preventive properties against SARS-CoV-2.

Xie Z et al (2023).

J Agric Food Chem.

DOI:

10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00285

PubMed:

36940448

Bioactive Azadirachta indica and Melia azedarach leaves extracts with anti-SARS-CoV-2 and antibacterial activities.

The leaves of Azadirachta indica L. and Melia azedarach L. were analyzed for their medicinal properties. Both extracts were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In vitro testing showed they had strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities with low IC50 values of 8.451 and 6.922 μg/mL, respectively. Both extracts also had significant antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and positive bacterial strains. The extracts were safe with high CC50 values of 446.2 and 351.4 μg/ml, respectively, and high selectivity indices. Further in vivo investigation is needed to confirm their potential as a treatment for COVID-19 and antimicrobial purposes.

Hemdan BA et al (2023).

PLoS One.

DOI:

10.1371/journal.pone.0282729

PubMed:

36888689

Establishment of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and cluster of differentiation 147 dual target cell membrane chromatography based on SNAP-tag technology for screening anti severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 active components.

Researchers have developed a screening system that uses dual-targeted cell membrane chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy to analyze receptors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This method was used to identify antiviral components in Citrus aurantium extracts, including hesperidin, neohesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin. In vitro experiments showed these components can inhibit virus entry into cells and interact with host-virus receptors. The study provides new insight into drug-receptor interactions and may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs.

Wang H et al (2023).

J Chromatogr A.

DOI:

10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463903

PubMed:

36870232

Melastoma malabathricum L. Suppresses Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation Induced by Synthetic Analog of Viral Double-Stranded RNA Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Huang TH et al (2023).

Pathogens.

DOI:

10.3390/pathogens12020341

PubMed:

36839613