A novel plant lectin, NTL-125, interferes with SARS-CoV-2 interaction with hACE2.

A new plant lectin called NTL-125 from Narcissus tazetta bulb has been identified as an effective inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 replication. The lectin has been shown in in silico docking studies to prevent the virus from attaching to the cellular entryway, hACE2 receptor, by binding strongly to the viral Spike RBD protein. Mutant variants of the protein also showed stronger affinity to NTL-125 than hACE2. This natural antiviral compound may serve as an important therapeutic for COVID-19 management despite the virus's tendency to mutate.

Sarkar A et al (2022).

Virus Res.

DOI:

10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198768

PubMed:

35398454

Antihypertensive and Vasorelaxant Effects of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis through Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2), and Ca2+ channels Pathways.

Amthaghri S et al (2022).

Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets.

DOI:

10.2174/1871529X22666220329190331

PubMed:

35352670

In-silico studies on wild orange (Citrus macroptera Mont.) compounds against COVID-19 pro-inflammation targets.

A study investigated phytochemicals from for their potential to inhibit inflammatory proteins that remain active in some COVID-19 survivors. Molecular docking analysis found promising inhibitory potential of the phytochemicals against COX-2, NMDAR, and VCAM-1, and MM-GBSA binding free energy estimation showed one candidate, Limonene, displayed the highest binding efficacy with VCAM-1. The study suggests that these natural compounds could be further validated in pre-clinical and clinical trials for potential use in treating post-COVID inflammation complications.

Lala M et al (2023).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2022.2051744

PubMed:

35297321

In silico and in vitro studies on inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins with dual herbal combination of Withania somnifera with five rasayana herbs.

A study investigated the potential of dual herbal extracts for their ability to bind to COVID-19 nonstructural proteins (nsp) and to counteract external stimulus. The combination of extracts W and P showed remarkable docking scores and high binding energy for nsp. The extracts also yielded levels of interferon alpha in cell lines to establish an antiviral state. The study suggests that nsp can be targeted with effective antiviral drugs to combat viral RNA synthesis and suppression of host immunity.

Bhargavi S, Madhan Shankar SR and Jemmy CH (2023).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2022.2046642

PubMed:

35257637

Physical Activity and Natural Products and Minerals in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Update.

COVID-19 affects the immune system, making those with compromised immune systems more susceptible. Lifestyle-related factors like physical activity and nutritional supplements can lower inflammation, improve the immune system, and prevent various infectious diseases including COVID-19. This review emphasizes the benefits of these factors in combating the virus.

Saeidi A et al (2021).

Ann Appl Sport Sci.

DOI:

10.29252/aassjournal.976

PubMed:

35237740

Phytochemicals of Euphorbia hirta L. and Their Inhibitory Potential Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease.

Scientists investigated the potential of a medicinal plant, used in Asia to treat respiratory disorders, to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, a drug target for COVID-19. They used phytochemical mining and virtual screening to assess the potential of 298 phytochemicals for therapeutic use against COVID-19. They found 170 phytochemicals to have comparable or better binding properties for the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro target than known inhibitors. The study reaffirms the potential of the plant and its phytochemicals for COVID-19 treatment and highlights the utility of phytochemical mining and virtual screening in drug discovery.

Cayona R and Creencia E (2022).

Front Mol Biosci.

DOI:

10.3389/fmolb.2021.801401

PubMed:

35187071

Efficacy and Safety of a Phytopharmaceutical Drug Derived from Cocculus hirsutus in Adults with Moderate COVID-19: a Phase 2, Open-label, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of purified aqueous extract of Cocculus hirsutus (AQCH) combined with standard care in hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19. AQCH has shown strong antiviral activity in laboratory studies. There is a critical need for a safe and effective oral therapy for COVID-19.

Joglekar S et al (2022).

Infect Dis Ther.

DOI:

10.1007/s40121-022-00604-0

PubMed:

35179709

In Silico Studies of Phytoconstituents from Piper longum and Ocimum sanctum as ACE2 and TMRSS2 Inhibitors: Strategies to Combat COVID-19.

The study examined the effects of natural compounds found in Piper longum and Ocimum sanctum on proteins important for SARS-CoV2 entry into host cells. Using computer tools to analyze protein interactions and drug properties, vicenin 2, rosmarinic acid, and orientin were identified as the most effective compounds. These findings suggest the potential for natural compounds to target ACE2 and TMPRSS2 as a strategy for developing future COVID-19 treatments.

Jindal D and Rani V (2023).

Appl Biochem Biotechnol.

DOI:

10.1007/s12010-022-03827-6

PubMed:

35157239