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

Author(s):  
Hongbo Liu ◽  
Fei Ye ◽  
Qi Sun ◽  
Hao Liang ◽  
Chunmei Li ◽  
...  

AbstractCOVID-19 has become a global pandemic that threatens millions of people worldwide. There is an urgent call for developing effective drugs against the virus (SARS-CoV-2) causing this disease. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2, 3C-like protease (3CLpro), is highly conserved across coronaviruses and is essential for the maturation process of viral polyprotein. Scutellariae radix (Huangqin in Chinese), the root of Scutellaria baicalensis has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat viral infection related symptoms. The extracts of S. baicalensis have exhibited broad spectrum antiviral activities. We studied the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of S. baicalensis and its ingredient compounds. We found that the ethanol extract of S. baicalensis inhibits SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro activity in vitro and the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells with an EC50 of 0.74 μg/ml. Among the major components of S. baicalensis, baicalein strongly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro activity with an IC50 of 0.39 μM. We further identified four baicalein analogue compounds from other herbs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro activity at microM concentration. Our study demonstrates that the extract of S. baicalensis has effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and baicalein and analogue compounds are strong SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1409
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Sardanelli ◽  
Camilla Isgrò ◽  
Luigi Leonardo Palese

In late 2019, a global pandemic occurred. The causative agent was identified as a member of the Coronaviridae family, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we present an analysis on the substances identified in the human metabolome capable of binding the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The substances present in the human metabolome have both endogenous and exogenous origins. The aim of this research was to find molecules whose biochemical and toxicological profile was known that could be the starting point for the development of antiviral therapies. Our analysis revealed numerous metabolites—including xenobiotics—that bind this protease, which are essential to the lifecycle of the virus. Among these substances, silybin, a flavolignan compound and the main active component of silymarin, is particularly noteworthy. Silymarin is a standardized extract of milk thistle, Silybum marianum, and has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antineoplastic, and antiviral activities. Our results—obtained in silico and in vitro—prove that silybin and silymarin, respectively, are able to inhibit Mpro, representing a possible food-derived natural compound that is useful as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Jainey James ◽  
Divya Jyothi ◽  
Sneh Priya

Aims: The present study aim was to analyse the molecular interactions of the phytoconstituents known for their antiviral activity with the SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins such as main protease (6LU7), Nsp12 polymerase (6M71), and Nsp13 helicase (6JYT). The applied in silico methodologies was molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling using Schrodinger software. Methods: The phytoconstituents were taken from PubChem, and SARS-CoV-2 proteins were downloaded from the protein data bank. The molecular interactions, binding energy, ADMET properties and pharmacophoric features were analysed by glide XP, prime MM-GBSA, qikprop and phase application of Schrodinger respectively. The antiviral activity of the selected phytoconstituents was carried out by PASS predictor, online tools. Results: The docking score analysis showed that quercetin 3-rhamnoside (-8.77 kcal/mol) and quercetin 3-rhamnoside (-7.89 kcal/mol) as excellent products to bind with their respective targets such as 6LU7, 6M71 and 6JYT. The generated pharmacophore hypothesis model validated the docking results, confirming the hydrogen bonding interactions of the amino acids. The PASS online tool predicted constituent's antiviral potentials. Conclusion: The docked phytoconstituents showed excellent interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, and on the outset, quercetin 3-rhamnoside and quercetin 7-rhamnoside have well-interacted with all the three proteins, and these belong to the plant Houttuynia cordata. The pharmacophore hypothesis has revealed the characteristic features responsible for their interactions, and PASS prediction data has supported their antiviral activities. Thus, these natural compounds could be developed as lead molecules for antiviral treatment against SARS-CoV-2. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies could be carried out to provide better drug therapy.


Author(s):  
Fabrício Freitas Fernandes ◽  
Amanda Latercia Tranches Dias ◽  
Cíntia Lacerda Ramos ◽  
Masaharu Ikegaki ◽  
Antonio Martins de Siqueira ◽  
...  

Cryptococcosis is a worldwide disease caused by the etiological agent Cryptococcus neoformans. It affects mainly immunocompromised humans. It is relatively rare in animals only affecting those that have received prolonged antibiotic therapy. The propolis is a resin that can present several biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. The standard strain C. neoformans ATTC 90112 was used to the antifungal evaluation. The tests were realized with propolis ethanol extract (PEE) G12 in concentrations from 0.1 to 1.6 mg mL-1. The evaluation of MIC and MFC were done according to DUARTE (2002)5. The inhibitory effect of PEE G12 on the fungal growing was seen at the concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1 and 1.6 mg mL-1 was considered a fungicidal one.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
abdirahman elmi ◽  
S. al jawad sayem ◽  
Mohamed Ahmed ◽  
fatouma mohamed

The new coronavirus type SARS-Cov 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which appeared in autumn 2019 in China, became a global pandemic in a few months. In this work, we looked for the potential anti SARS-Cov 2 of the compounds isolated from three Djiboutian medicinal plants namely Acacia seyal, Cymbopogon commutatus, and Indigofera caerulea. For this we carried out a docking with nine biomolecules, β-Sitosterol , Quercetin, Catechin, Lupeol, Rutin, Kaempferol, Gallic acid, Piperitone and Limonene on three target sites which are SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mp), SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and human furin protease. These targets are chosen because of their role in the process of penetration of the virus into human cells and its multiplication. The phenolic compounds have a very good afinity on these three target sites with binding energies of up to -9.098 kcal/mol for rutin on SARS-CoV-2 Mp, much better than the two reference drugs hydroxychloroquine (-5.816 kcal / mol) and remdesivir (-7.194 kcal/mol). These natural compounds do not present toxicities and can be used pending In vitro and In vivo evaluations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dafydd R Owen ◽  
Charlotte M N Allerton ◽  
Annaliesa S Anderson ◽  
Lisa Aschenbrenner ◽  
Melissa Avery ◽  
...  

The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an established global pandemic. Alongside vaccines, antiviral therapeutics are an important part of the healthcare response to counter the ongoing threat presented by COVID-19. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of PF-07321332, an orally bioavailable SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor with in vitro pan-human coronavirus antiviral activity, and excellent off-target selectivity and in vivo safety profiles. PF-07321332 has demonstrated oral activity in a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 model and has achieved oral plasma concentrations exceeding the in vitro antiviral cell potency, in a phase I clinical trial in healthy human participants. Clinical Trial Registration ID #: NCT04756531


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikolaj Zmudzinski ◽  
Wioletta Rut ◽  
Kamila Olech ◽  
Jarosław Granda ◽  
Mirosław Giurg ◽  
...  

AbstractProteases encoded by SARS-CoV-2 constitute a promising target for new therapies against COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are responsible for viral polyprotein cleavage - a process crucial for viral survival and replication. Recently it was shown that 2-phenylbenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one (ebselen), an organoselenium anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug, is a potent, covalent inhibitor of both the proteases and its potency was evaluated in enzymatic and anti-viral assays. In this study, we screened a collection of 23 ebselen derivatives for SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and Mpro inhibitors. Our studies revealed that ebselen derivatives are potent inhibitors of both the proteases. We identified three PLpro and four Mpro inhibitors superior to ebselen. Our work shows that ebselen constitutes a promising platform for development of new antiviral agents targeting both SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and Mpro.


Author(s):  
ABDIRAHMAN ELMI ◽  
S. AL-JAWAD SAYEM ◽  
MOHAMED AHMED ◽  
FATOUMA ABDOUL-LATIF

Objective: The new coronavirus type SARS-Cov 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which appeared in autumn 2019 in China, became a global pandemic in a few months. In this work, we looked for the potential anti SARS-Cov 2 of the compounds isolated from three Djiboutian medicinal plants, namely Acacia seyal, Cymbopogon commutatus, and Indigofera caerulea. Methods: We carried out a molecular docking with nine biomolecules, β-Sitosterol, Quercetin, Catechin, Lupeol, Rutin, Kaempferol, Gallic acid, Piperitone and Limonene on three target sites which are SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mp), SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and human furin protease. These targets are chosen because of their role in the process of penetration of the virus into human cells and its multiplication. Moreover, the predictions of pharmacokinetic parameters as well as toxicological properties have been determined using an online bioinformatics tool named SwissADME and AdmetSAR respectively. Results: The phenolic compounds have a very good affinity on these three target sites with binding energies of up to-9.098 kcal/mol for rutin on SARS-CoV-2 Mp, much better than the two reference drugs hydroxychloroquine (-5.816 kcal/mol) and remdesivir (-7.194 kcal/mol). Except for β-Sitosterol, the tested biomolecules have weak toxicity. Conclusion: These natural compounds can be used against covid 19 pending In vitro and In vivo evaluations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristote Matondo ◽  
Washington Dendera ◽  
Bienfait K. Isamura ◽  
Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua ◽  
Hilaire V.S. Mambo ◽  
...  

The pressing need to find effective drugs against the current deadly COVID-19 disease has recently motivated numerous studies using different approaches to address the problem. One time-saving and less costly strategy is the drug repurposing, which consists in finding new therapeutic uses for approved drugs. Following the same trend, this study has investigated the potential inhibitory activity of 5-FU and its analogues against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease as well as their profile of druggability using molecular docking and ADMET methods. From the calculations performed, four candidates showed promising results with respect to the binding affinity to the target protease, 3CLpro, the therapeutic profile of druggability and safety. Further in-vitro and in-vivo investigations are needed that may clarify their possible mechanism of the pharmacological action to combat COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuanhui Xiang ◽  
Xinyuan Lai ◽  
Yanying Yu ◽  
Wei Xian ◽  
Fei Ye ◽  
...  

The global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection confers great threat to the public health. Human breastmilk is an extremely complex with nutritional composition to nourish infants and protect them from different kinds of infection diseases and also SARS-CoV-2 infection. Previous studies have found that breastmilk exhibited potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it is still unknown which component(s) in the breastmilk is responsible for its antiviral activity. Here, we identified Lactoferrin (LF), MUC1 and α-Lactalbumin (α-LA) from human breastmilk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and in vitro confirmation that inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection and analyzed their antiviral activity using the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus system and transcription and replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 virus-like-particles (trVLP) in the Huh7.5, Vero E6 and Caco-2-N cell lines. Additionally, we found that LF and MUC1 could inhibit viral attachment, entry and post-entry replication, while α-LA just inhibit viral attachment and entry. Importantly, LF, MUC1 and α-LA possess potent antiviral activities towards not only wild-type but also variants such as B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), P.1 (gamma) and B.1.617.1 (kappa). Moreover, LF from other species (e.g., bovine and goat) is still capable of blocking viral attachment to cellular heparan sulfate. Taken together, our study provided the first line of evidence that human breastmilk components (LF, MUC1 and α-LA) are promising therapeutic candidates warranting further development or treatingVID-19 given their exceedingly safety levels.


Author(s):  
Nir Drayman ◽  
Krysten A. Jones ◽  
Saara-Anne Azizi ◽  
Heather M. Froggatt ◽  
Kemin Tan ◽  
...  

AbstractThere is an urgent need for anti-viral agents that treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The shortest path to clinical use is repurposing of drugs that have an established safety profile in humans. Here, we first screened a library of 1,900 clinically safe drugs for inhibiting replication of OC43, a human beta-coronavirus that causes the common-cold and is a relative of SARS-CoV-2, and identified 108 effective drugs. We further evaluated the top 26 hits and determined their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, as well as other pathogenic RNA viruses. 20 of the 26 drugs significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells (A549 epithelial cell line), with EC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 8 micromolar. We investigated the mechanism of action for these and found that masitinib, a drug originally developed as a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment, strongly inhibited the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease 3CLpro. X-ray crystallography revealed that masitinib directly binds to the active site of 3CLpro, thereby blocking its enzymatic activity. Mastinib also inhibited the related viral protease of picornaviruses and blocked picornaviruses replication. Thus, our results show that masitinib has broad anti-viral activity against two distinct beta-coronaviruses and multiple picornaviruses that cause human disease and is a strong candidate for clinical trials to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.


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