Covid-19 Studies

The Computational Preventive Potential of the Rare Flavonoid, Patuletin, Isolated from Tagetes patula, against SARS-CoV-2.

Researchers investigated the rare flavonoid, patuletin, for its potential to prevent COVID-19. They used a computational approach to study its structural similarity to nine SARS-CoV-2 proteins and found that patuletin was similar to a ligand of the virus's RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Further studies confirmed that patuletin could bind correctly to the active pocket of the polymerase. The compound was also found to be safe and similar to other drugs. These findings suggest that patuletin may have therapeutic potential for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Tagetes patula
Metwaly AM et al (2022).
Plants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/plants11141886
PubMed:
35890520

Therapeutic and palliative role of a Unani herbal decoction in COVID-19 and similar respiratory viral illnesses: Phytochemical & pharmacological perspective.

Outbreaks of respiratory viruses like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 have been frequent over the last century, causing many deaths due to complications. Traditional medicines have been observed to offer palliative and therapeutic benefits, including for COVID-19. The Unani herbal decoction, comprising of three fruits/seeds, was originally prescribed for respiratory ailments in the early 1900s and was recently prescribed by the Indian government for mild COVID-19 patients in home isolation. Preliminary studies suggest that the decoction could reduce COVID-19 incidence and severity.

COVID-19Phytochemistry Cordia dichotomaCydonia oblonga
Fazil M and Nikhat S (2022).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2022.115526
PubMed:
35843408

1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloyl glucose of Pistacia lentiscus can inhibit the replication and transcription processes and viral pathogenesis of SARS-COV-2.

Researchers examined the effects of five active compounds from Pistacia sp. on key targets of the SARS-COV-2 virus. 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl glucose (PG) was found to be the most effective, with strong binding affinities to helicase, RdRp, E protein, and 3CLpro, and was able to inhibit the replication and transcription processes, making it a potential antiviral treatment. The study suggests PG could also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

COVID-19Genetics Pistacia lentiscus
Samandar F et al (2022).
Mol Cell Probes.
DOI:
10.1016/j.mcp.2022.101847
PubMed:
35843391

Eryngium creticum L.: Chemical Characterization, SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Activity, and In Silico Study.

A study investigated five compounds from L. plant and found four new ones. Compound /-rosmarinic acid is four times as active as the single -isomer in inhibiting the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Molecular docking and dynamics showed its higher binding affinity for 3CL than the single isomer. The study also revealed the stability of the compounds compared to a reference HIV-1 protease inhibitor. The findings suggest the potential of L. plant compounds as antiviral agents against COVID-19.

COVID-19 Eryngium creticum
Elsbaey M et al (2022).
ACS Omega.
DOI:
10.1021/acsomega.2c02237
PubMed:
35811931

In Silico Studies on Zinc Oxide Based Nanostructured Oil Carriers with Seed Extracts of Nigella sativa and Pimpinella anisum as Potential Inhibitors of 3CL Protease of SARS-CoV-2.

Scientists synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using olive and black seed essential oils and investigated 27 bioactive compounds, including ZnO, as potential inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The study optimized dithymoquinone, δ-hederin, oleuropein, and ZnO, which showed promising results in molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. Further experimental validation of these compounds is required before considering them for clinical trials as a potent inhibitor of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Pimpinella anisum
Hendi AA et al (2022).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules27134301
PubMed:
35807545

Structural interactions of phytoconstituent(s) from cinnamon, bay leaf, oregano, and parsley with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: A comparative assessment for development of potential antiviral nutraceuticals.

In a study, ten bioactive compounds were identified in four plants and assessed for their cytotoxic and antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. Apigenin, catechin, apiin, and cinnamic acid showed potential as prophylactic and therapeutic candidates in preventing or treating COVID-19. Using in silico biology tools, the researchers found that these compounds displayed a greater binding affinity to the N-terminal and C-terminal RNA binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein than remdesivir. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the ligand-protein complexes. These findings highlight the potential of naturally occurring compounds as novel drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2.

AntimicrobialCOVID-19 Cinnamomum tamalaPetroselinum crispum
Husain I et al (2022).
J Food Biochem.
DOI:
10.1111/jfbc.14262
PubMed:
35796388

Interactive deciphering electron-shuttling characteristics of agricultural wastes with potential bioenergy-steered anti-COVID-19 activity via microbial fuel cells.

In a new study, researchers investigated the potential of certain indigenous herbs from agricultural waste to stimulate bioenergy and biorefinery for developing anti-COVID-19 drugs. Their findings suggested that herbs rich in electron shuttle-steering and virus transmission-resisting compounds could be promising candidates. This study is a preliminary exploration of this topic and highlights potential avenues for further research in developing treatments for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Euphorbia hirta
Tsai PW et al (2022).
J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jtice.2022.104426
PubMed:
35756346

Medicinal Herbs in the Relief of Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection A Literature Review.

COVID-19 can cause neurological complications, including anxiety, depression, MAD, and irreversible dementia, which can harm respiratory, circulatory, and heart function. Clinical trials suggest that phytotherapy, using natural plant materials like valeranon and apigenin, can aid these conditions. The study presents plant materials and their active compounds that can reduce post-COVID-19 complications, particularly those impacting the nervous system.

COVID-19Cardiology Ballota nigraCrataegus monogynaHedera helixHumulus lupulusPassiflora incarnataPlantago lanceolataPolygala senega
Nawrot J et al (2022).
Cells.
DOI:
10.3390/cells11121897
PubMed:
35741026
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