Essential oils block cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant.

Researchers tested 12 essential oils (EOs) to find ones that can block SARS-CoV-2 delta variant entry into cells without harming them. The EOs were tested on human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (HeLa ACE-2) cells using a pseudoviral entry assay and the XTT assay. Seven EOs, including Syzygium aromaticum, Cymbopogon citratus, Citrus limon, Pelargonium graveolens, Origanum vulgare, "Illicium verum", and Matricaria recutita showed promise in inhibiting the virus with potentially no harm to cells. The research suggests these EOs may be an alternative treatment for SARS-CoV-2 delta variant.

Torres Neto L et al (2022).

Sci Rep.

DOI:

10.1038/s41598-022-25342-8

PubMed:

36450916

In silico evaluation of flavonoids as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main nonstructural proteins (Nsps)-amentoflavone as a multitarget candidate.

Researchers explored the potential of flavonoids as COVID-19 treatment options. Through virtual screening, they identified amentoflavone, found in plants like Ginkgo biloba, as a potential multitarget inhibitor against essential non-structural proteins of the virus. Molecular docking calculations and structural analysis support this potential. Amentoflavone is widely available, low-cost, has no side effects, and a long history of use. Future experiments are needed to validate its effectiveness as an inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2.

Portilla-Martínez A et al (2022).

J Mol Model.

DOI:

10.1007/s00894-022-05391-6

PubMed:

36445575

Combined effect of traditional Chinese herbal-based formulations Jing Si herbal tea and Jing Si nasal drop inhibits adhesion and transmission of SARS-CoV2 in diabetic SKH-1 mice.

In this study, researchers tested the effectiveness of two herbal-based formulations, a pleiotropic herbal drink and a nasal drop, in preventing SARS-CoV2 infection. The formulations were tested on bronchial and colorectal cell lines as well as SKH-1 mouse models, including those with comorbidities such as diabetes. The results showed that a combination of the two formulations resulted in a rapid reduction in viral entry and reduced the viral load by 97-99% in infected mice within three days of treatment. Additionally, the combination also inhibited viral transmission among cage mates. The study suggests that this combined administration could potentially prevent SARS-CoV2 infection.

Chiang CY et al (2022).

Front Pharmacol.

DOI:

10.3389/fphar.2022.953438

PubMed:

36425575

Honey and Nigella sativa against COVID-19 in Pakistan (HNS-COVID-PK): A multicenter placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

In a clinical trial in Pakistan, honey and Nigella sativa (HNS) showed promising results as a treatment for COVID-19, reducing symptom alleviation time and expediting viral clearance, with no observed adverse effects. This suggests HNS could be a beneficial therapy for the disease.

Ashraf S et al (2023).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.7640

PubMed:

36420866

Plant lectins as versatile tools to fight coronavirus outbreaks.

Plant lectins could be used to combat COVID-19 pandemics by masking the non-glycosylated receptor binding domain of the virus and the corresponding region of the receptor. The ability of plant lectins to interact with the N- and O-glycans present on the spike proteins and their receptors have been analyzed, as well as the in vitro and in vivo anti-COVID-19 activity reported for them. Possible ways for delivery of lectins to block the spikes and/or their receptors are also discussed.

Simplicien M et al (2023).

Glycoconj J.

DOI:

10.1007/s10719-022-10094-4

PubMed:

36418811

Interactive deciphering electron-shuttling characteristics of Coffea arabica leaves and potential bioenergy-steered anti-SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitor via microbial fuel cells.

Researchers explored the antiviral potential of herbal medicine for COVID-19 using microbial fuel cells. Ethanol extracts from air-dried leaves showed the highest bioenergy-stimulating capabilities and exhibited promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Molecular docking analysis showed that chlorogenic acid had high binding affinity with RdRp of SARS-CoV-2. These findings suggest that leaves could be a potential medicinal herb for treating COVID-19.

Tsai PW et al (2023).

Ind Crops Prod.

DOI:

10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115944

PubMed:

36405420

Lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata: Studies on Antiviral Activity and Mechanism of Action against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants of Concern.

Scientists evaluated Codonopsis lanceolata as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and found that the plant extract and its active compound, lancemaside A (LA), effectively blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection by altering membrane cholesterol and blocking membrane fusion between the virus and host cells. LA also impeded the entry pathways of several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. Researchers suggest that LA has broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and may serve as a potential therapeutic option.

Kim TY et al (2022).

Antimicrob Agents Chemother.

DOI:

10.1128/aac.01201-22

PubMed:

36374087

Comprehensive in silico screening of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Moezzi MS et al (2023).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2022.2142297

PubMed:

36342071