Covid-19 Studies

An overview of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of Artemisia annua, its antiviral action, protein-associated mechanisms, and repurposing for COVID-19 treatment.

Studies suggest that compounds from Artemisia annua, a plant historically used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and other illnesses, could have anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) properties. In a search for peer-reviewed articles, 19 studies were examined and found that artemisinins demonstrated inhibitory properties against coronavirus-host proteins. The combination of A. annua's biological properties, action on different signaling pathways, and a multi-drug combined-therapy approach may help inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and assist in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

AntimicrobialCOVID-19 Artemisia annua
Fuzimoto AD et al (2021).
J Integr Med.
DOI:
10.1016/j.joim.2021.07.003
PubMed:
34479848

Nigella sativa for the treatment of COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled clinical trial.

Researchers investigated the effectiveness of using Nigella sativa oil (NSO) as a treatment for COVID-19. NSO is a herbal medicine known for its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. The study aimed to evaluate NSO's efficacy in treating patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Nigella sativa
Koshak AE et al (2021).
Complement Ther Med.
DOI:
10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102769
PubMed:
34407441

Flavonoids in Ampelopsis grossedentata as covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL(pro): Inhibition potentials, covalent binding sites and inhibitory mechanisms.

Researchers identified the key constituents in Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (AGE) responsible for inhibiting coronavirus 3C-like protease (3CL), a target for treating COVID-19. Flavonoid-rich fractions from AGE were found to strongly inhibit SARS-CoV-2-3CL, with dihydromyricetin, isodihydromyricetin, and myricetin identified as the most effective compounds. The researchers found that myricetin covalently binds to SARS-CoV-2-3CL at Cys300 and Cys44, while dihydromyricetin and isodihydromyricetin covalently bind at Cys300, suggesting that these compounds could be used to develop new antiviral agents.

COVID-19Phytochemistry Ampelopsis grossedentata
Xiong Y et al (2021).
Int J Biol Macromol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.167
PubMed:
34333006

Phytocompounds of Rheum emodi, Thymus serpyllum, and Artemisia annua Inhibit Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Binding to ACE2 Receptor: In Silico Approach.

Scientists studied the potential of plant compounds to bind to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, as well as to the host receptors the virus uses to enter cells. They performed computer simulations and found that artemisinin had the strongest binding affinity with the spike proteins and was stable in simulations. Emodin had the best interactions with the host receptors. Both compounds were non-toxic. These results suggest that these plant compounds could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and warrant further investigation as potential COVID-19 therapies.

COVID-19 Rheum emodiThymus serpyllum
Rolta R et al (2021).
Curr Pharmacol Rep.
DOI:
10.1007/s40495-021-00259-4
PubMed:
34306988

Antiviral Activity of Vitis vinifera Leaf Extract against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1.

Vine leaves contain bioactive compounds with antiviral properties against human pathogens. Researchers evaluated the phenolic composition and antiviral activity of leaf extract against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). HPLC-MS/MS analysis identified 40 phenolic compounds in the extract, including quercetin derivatives, luteolin, kaempferol, and apigenin. The extract inhibited both viruses at a low concentration of 10 μg/mL. These findings suggest natural extracts could be used in antiviral drugs and future vaccines.

AntimicrobialCOVID-19 Vitis vinifera
Zannella C et al (2021).
Viruses.
DOI:
10.3390/v13071263
PubMed:
34209556

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extract inhibits SARS-CoV-2 via direct virus inactivation.

A study looked at the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to find new anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. While most cases of COVID-19 are mild, some become critical. Remdesivir has been approved, but as a mono-therapy it hasn't lowered mortality rates significantly. TCM has been successful in treating other diseases, leading to this investigation.

COVID-19 Perilla frutescens
Tang WF et al (2021).
Biomed J.
DOI:
10.1016/j.bj.2021.01.005
PubMed:
34119448
1 23 32 33 34 38