Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 Utility.

This article explores the potential of using clove as a therapeutic treatment for COVID-19. Clove has been traditionally used for respiratory ailments and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. The authors discuss the scientific literature on the molecular constituents of clove and their effects on COVID-19. Clove may be a promising option for treating COVID-19 patients as a short-term solution while waiting for global immunization.

Vicidomini C, Roviello V and Roviello GN (2021).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules26071880

PubMed:

33810416

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) for COVID-19: A twenty-case series.

This study describes the use of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) to treat 20 COVID-19 outpatients. The patients were treated with Chelidonium majus 10% mother tincture, and symptoms were assessed during and after treatment. The patients had mild symptoms and complete or almost complete clinical improvement occurred within 1-9 days of treatment. No adverse events were reported. This small study suggests that greater celandine may have potential as a treatment for COVID-19 and may inspire further research in this area.

Gardin NE and Braga AJ (2021).

Phytother Res.

DOI:

10.1002/ptr.7085

PubMed:

33778996

In silico screening of therapeutic potentials from Strychnos nux-vomica against the dimeric main protease (M(pro)) structure of SARS-CoV-2.

Researchers have developed a natural product-based drug to combat COVID-19 by targeting the key component involved in viral replication, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M). Phytochemicals from natural products were screened for drug likeness analysis and binding site-specific consensus-based molecular docking studies were carried out. The top compounds were tested for ADME-Tox properties and antiviral activity. Further molecular dynamics simulations and binding affinity estimation revealed that two analogues, demethoxyguiaflavine and strychnoflavine, have potential against M and can be validated through clinical studies. This study offers a potential solution for COVID-19 treatment through the use of natural products.

Kumar B et al (2022).

J Biomol Struct Dyn.

DOI:

10.1080/07391102.2021.1902394

PubMed:

33759690

Phyto-Compounds from a Rather Poisonous Plant, Strychnos nuxvomica, Show High Potency Against SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase.

This study sought to identify small molecules that could inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Using a high-throughput screening approach, the researchers identified two compounds that were effective in stopping the virus from replicating in cells. Further experiments revealed that the compounds worked by targeting the virus's RNA polymerase, a key enzyme involved in replication. These findings provide promising leads for the development of new therapies to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection, and also highlight the potential of high-throughput screening as a tool for drug discovery.

Balkrishna A, Pokhrel S and Varshney A (2022).

Curr Mol Med.

DOI:

10.2174/1566524021666210218113409

PubMed:

33602083

Scutellaria baicalensis extract and baicalein inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its 3C-like protease in vitro.

Researchers investigated the effectiveness of using an herb extract and its component, baicalein, to inhibit the 3C protease of SARS-CoV-2, a preferred target for anti-coronavirus drug development. The ethanol extract and baicalein displayed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and inhibited viral replication in Vero cells. The herb extract also inhibited viral entry. Four baicalein analogues from other herbs were identified to also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CL activity. The study suggests that the herb extract and baicalein have the potential to be developed as broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs.

Liu H et al (2021).

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem.

DOI:

10.1080/14756366.2021.1873977

PubMed:

33491508

The Role of Justicia adhatoda as Prophylaxis for COVID-19 - Analysis Based on Docking.

Thangaraju P et al (2021).

Infect Disord Drug Targets.

DOI:

10.2174/1871526521666210119120643

PubMed:

33463480

Testing the efficacy and safety of BIO101, for the prevention of respiratory deterioration, in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (COVA study): a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Dioh W et al (2021).

Trials.

DOI:

10.1186/s13063-020-04998-5

PubMed:

33430924

Lycorine, a non-nucleoside RNA dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, as potential treatment for emerging coronavirus infections.

Scientists are searching for new ways to treat coronavirus infections, including COVID-19. They have discovered that the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is effective at targeting the virus. To this end, they have been studying lycorine, a compound found in the bulbs of Lycoris radiata (L'Hér.) Herb, which has antiviral properties. Lycorine has been shown to inhibit the replication of different types of viruses, making it a promising candidate for further research. By developing new treatments that target the RdRp protein, scientists aim to find a highly effective treatment against emerging coronavirus infections.

Jin YH et al (2021).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153440

PubMed:

33376043