Covid-19 Studies

Excavating phytochemicals from plants possessing antiviral activities for identifying SARS-CoV hemagglutinin-esterase inhibitors by diligent computational workflow.

Scientists are exploring the use of phytochemicals from medicinal plants as potential therapies against SARS CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. They created a library of 110 phytochemicals from different plants and found that ashwagandha and shatavari contained steroidal saponins and alkaloids that could potentially inhibit the virus's hemagglutinin-acetylesterase (HE) glycoprotein receptor. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggest that these phytochemicals could mask the active site of the receptor, preventing viral entry into host cells. This approach has potential for developing therapies against future deadly coronaviruses.

AntimicrobialCOVID-19 Allium sativumCurcuma longaWithania somnifera
Patel CN et al (2023).
J Biomol Struct Dyn.
DOI:
10.1080/07391102.2022.2033642
PubMed:
35098887

Artecanin of Laurus nobilis is a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with highly desirable druglikeness.

Researchers conducted a study to find natural compounds from medicinal plants that could inhibit the main protease (M) enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, which is critical for the virus's life cycle. They identified artecanin as the most potent compound with excellent safety and drug properties through virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. Artecanin has the potential to be used as a natural inhibitor to prevent or mitigate COVID-19.

COVID-19 Laurus nobilis
Al-Shuhaib MBS et al (2023).
J Biomol Struct Dyn.
DOI:
10.1080/07391102.2022.2030801
PubMed:
35067202

The Petasites hybridus CO(2) Extract (Ze 339) Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Replication In Vitro.

Researchers investigated the ability of the CO extract Ze 339, isopetasin, and neopetasin to inhibit the replication of the original Wuhan strain and the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. They found that pre-treatment with Ze 339 significantly inhibited virus replication in infected cells with IC values of 0.10 and 0.40 μg/mL, respectively. Isopetasin also showed antiviral activity with IC values ranging from 0.37 to 0.88 μM for both virus variants. In vitro results indicate the potential for Ze 339 and isopetasin as an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infections, but further clinical studies are needed.

COVID-19 Petasites hybridus
Urda L et al (2022).
Viruses.
DOI:
10.3390/v14010106
PubMed:
35062310

Virtual screening of natural products inspired in-house library to discover potential lead molecules against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Researchers have identified four potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Main protease, an important protein for viral replication. The ligands were evaluated based on docking scores, predicted binding energies, and in silico ADME analysis. One of the top ligands is a natural product from Andrographis nallamalayana, which exhibited a high binding energy close to clinical candidates Boceprevir and GC376. The lead molecules also showed stable interactions with the viral protease during replicated MD simulations. These findings provide a promising opportunity for developing drug candidates to combat COVID-19.

COVID-19 Cardiospermum halicacabum
Garg A et al (2023).
J Biomol Struct Dyn.
DOI:
10.1080/07391102.2022.2027271
PubMed:
35043750

COVID-19: General Strategies for Herbal Therapies.

Researchers are exploring the potential of natural products to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in several medicinal plants and compounds being identified for both prevention and treatment. The use of natural products can include mechanisms such as boosting the immune response, blocking virus entry, and inhibiting replication. Examples of effective compounds include aloin, glycyrrhizin, and terpenes. Recognizing these mechanisms can lead to a more systematic approach to finding natural products and medicinal plants for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Tanacetum parthenium
Soleymani S et al (2022).
J Evid Based Integr Med.
DOI:
10.1177/2515690X211053641
PubMed:
34985368

Phytochemical rich Himalayan Rhododendron arboreum petals inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro.

Scientists investigated the potential of phytochemicals found in Himalayan flower petals as adjunct therapeutics for COVID-19. They confirmed the extract's ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in infected cells and identified five molecules that showed promising binding affinity with the virus's main protease and human ACE2 protein. Molecular dynamics simulations also showed stable interactions. This study provides new insights into petals' antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2 and highlights the importance of exploring natural products in combating the pandemic.

COVID-19Phytochemistry Rhododendron arboreum
Lingwan M et al (2023).
J Biomol Struct Dyn.
DOI:
10.1080/07391102.2021.2021287
PubMed:
34961411

Efficient discovery of potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease from herbal extracts using a native MS-based affinity-selection method.

Scientists developed a method for quickly screening active compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) that may be effective against the 3C-like protease of SARS-CoV-2. Six common herbs were investigated, resulting in three potential noncovalent inhibitors: baicalein, scutellarein, and ganhuangenin, with IC values of 0.94, 3.02, and 0.84 μM, respectively. This study is promising for finding small molecule leads in TCMs to treat COVID-19.

COVID-19 Cirsium japonicum
Zhu D et al (2022).
J Pharm Biomed Anal.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114538
PubMed:
34929567

An Exploratory Review of Potential Adjunct Therapies for the Treatment of Coronavirus Infections.

This review examined various natural compounds such as vitamin D, zinc, garlic, and elderberry, which could potentially be used to treat coronavirus infections. The study was exploratory and did not provide conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of these adjunct therapies. However, the findings suggest that further research on these compounds could be beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Sambucus nigra
Martin BR and Richardson J (2021).
J Chiropr Med.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jcm.2021.12.005
PubMed:
34924893
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