Leonurine attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac injury and dysfunction via inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB pathway.

Researchers investigated the effects of leonurine on hypertensive cardiac injury caused by angiotensin II (Ang II). Leonurine, an active compound found in the traditional Chinese herb Leonurus japonicus Houtt, has potential in treating hypertensive cardiac alterations such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction. Results suggest that leonurine significantly attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac injury, reducing fibrosis and inflammation. These findings indicate that leonurine may have cardioprotective effects and potential as a therapeutic agent for hypertensive heart disease.

Shen S et al (2023).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154519

PubMed:

36332391

Homeopathic Eupatorium perfoliatum in the Treatment of COVID-19.

Tomassone D et al (2023).

Homeopathy.

DOI:

10.1055/s-0042-1755363

PubMed:

36318968

Screening and evaluation of cytotoxicity and antiviral effects of secondary metabolites from water extracts of Bersama abyssinica against SARS-CoV-2 Delta.

Researchers conducted a study to test the antiviral capabilities of bioactive compounds found in the widely-used African herb, Bersama abyssinica, against the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Although the plant is used in Tanzania to treat respiratory conditions, it has not been scientifically tested for its antiviral properties. The study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity and antiviral effects of the plant's extract against the coronavirus. The results of the study could lead to a better understanding of the potential use of the herb in treating COVID-19 and respiratory infections.

Zekeya N et al (2022).

BMC Complement Med Ther.

DOI:

10.1186/s12906-022-03754-3

PubMed:

36289484

ACE2 and LOX Enzyme Inhibitions of Different Lavender Essential Oils and Major Components Linalool and Camphor.

Essential oils (EOs) and their compounds linalool and camphor were studied for their effectiveness in inhibiting two enzymes, LOX and ACE2. Gas chromatography was used to confirm the chemical composition of three EOs, each containing varying amounts of linalool and camphor. At 20 μg/mL, the EOs inhibited ACE2 by 25.4-34.1%, and LOX by 49.1-86.7%. Linalool and camphor showed remarkable ACE2 inhibition (77.1-85.1%) and LOX inhibition (67.2-92%) at 5 μg/mL. Further studies are needed to confirm safe use.

Biltekin SN et al (2022).

ACS Omega.

DOI:

10.1021/acsomega.2c04518

PubMed:

36278093

Potential of Azadirachta indica as a Capping Agent for Antiviral Nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID-19 virus, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic with new strains emerging rapidly. While vaccine candidates are being rapidly developed, medicinal plant extracts show potential for developing effective antiviral nanoparticles. This systematic review focuses on the neem plant as a suitable candidate for biosynthesis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticles. 98 studies were screened and discussed the biomedical and antiviral properties of neem extracts that could be important in the design of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 nanoformulations.

Foka FET et al (2022).

Biomed Res Int.

DOI:

10.1155/2022/5714035

PubMed:

36158879

Phytochemicals of Cocculus hirsutus deciphered SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by targeting main proteases in molecular docking, simulation, and pharmacological analyses.

Researchers aimed to discover natural compounds with anti-COVID-19 properties by testing phytochemicals from a traditional medicine plant against the main proteases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which play a key role in replication and transcription. They used computer tools to identify the most promising compounds, and identified betulin, coclaurine, and quinic acid from the plant as showing significant binding affinity to the SARS-CoV-2 main proteases. These compounds could potentially serve as leads for developing specific anti-COVID-19 treatments.

Rajan M et al (2022).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2022.2121758

PubMed:

36099182

Analysis of medicinal and therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera derivatives against COVID-19.

Researchers investigated thirty-nine natural compounds found in Ashwagandha, a medicinal plant. They found that Withanoside II is the most effective compound against COVID-19, and Withanoside III, IV, V, X, and XI also have favorable binding affinities. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stable interactions between the compounds and the virus enzymes. The complexes formed between TMPRSS2-Withanolide Q and Mpro-Withanoside IV were the most stable. This research suggests that Ashwagandha compounds may have potential in treating COVID-19.

Gheshlaghi SZ et al (2023).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2022.2112977

PubMed:

35993530

Test of a Homeopathic Algorithm for COVID-19: the Importance of a Broad Perspective.

Researchers developed a COVID-19 mini-repertory/app based on various data collections and tested it. This involved combining information on the disease's symptoms and proposed remedies, using a Bayesian approach. The app aims to assist in treatment decisions for COVID-19 patients.

Miglani A et al (2023).

Homeopathy.

DOI:

10.1055/s-0042-1746196

PubMed:

35988581