scholarly journals Zingiber officinale: Ayurvedic Uses of the Plant and In Silico Binding Studies of Selected Phytochemicals With Mpro of SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110317
Author(s):  
Rownak Jahan ◽  
Alok K. Paul ◽  
Tohmina A. Bondhon ◽  
Anamul Hasan ◽  
Khoshnur Jannat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlorogenic Acid ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Binding Studies ◽  
High Binding ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
In Silico Studies

Among the large number of plants that are part of the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India and Bangladesh, Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), or ginger in English, holds a special place and is often referred to as “Mahaushadha” (great medicine) and “Vishvabhesaja” (worldwide or universal herb) to signify its special status. The plant and particularly its rhizomes are used both in the raw and dry form for the relief of a multitude of disorders. Since a number of these disorders occur in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it was of interest to perform in silico studies (molecular docking) to evaluate the binding affinities of a number of constituents of Zingiber officinale with the 3C-like protease or main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which plays an essential role in the cleavage of viral polyproteins and subsequent viral replication. Our studies indicated that 2 of the compounds present in ginger, namely, chlorogenic acid and hesperidin, had high binding affinities for Mpro with predicted binding energies of −7.5 and −8.3 kcal/mol. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional interactions also showed that, while chlorogenic acid interacts with one of the His41 amino acids of the catalytic dyad of Mpro, hesperidin interacts with the other amino acid Cys145, which can account for their predicted high binding energies and, therefore, possibly can inhibit Mpro activity. Taken together, our findings indicate that ginger, besides alleviating the symptoms induced by SARS-CoV-2, may also play a role in inhibiting the virus.

scholarly journals In Silico Investigation on the Interaction of Chiral Phytochemicals from Opuntia ficus-indica with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1041
Author(s):  
Caterina Vicidomini ◽  
Valentina Roviello ◽  
Giovanni N. Roviello
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Quinic Acid ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Opuntia Ficus Indica ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
In Silico Studies

Opuntia ficus-indica is a cactaceous plant native to America but, nowadays, widely found worldwide, having been the most common domesticated species of cactus grown as a crop plant in semiarid and arid parts of the globe, including several Mediterranean basin countries. Opuntia ficus-indica can be regarded as a medicinal plant, being source of numerous bioactive phytochemicals such as vitamins, polyphenols, and amino acids. The urgent need for therapeutic treatments for the COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus (CoV)-2, justifies the great attention currently being paid not only to repurposed antiviral drugs, but also to natural products and herbal medications. In this context, the anti-COVID-19 utility of Opuntia ficus-indica as source of potential antiviral drugs was investigated in this work on the basis of the activity of some of its phytochemical constituents. The antiviral potential was evaluated in silico in docking experiments with Mpro, i.e., the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, that is one of the most investigated protein targets of therapeutic strategies for COVID-19. By using two web-based molecular docking programs (1-Click Mcule and COVID-19 Docking Server), we found, for several flavonols and flavonol glucosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica, good binding affinities for Mpro, and in particular, binding energies lower than −7.0 kcal/mol were predicted for astragalin, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside, 3-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, and quercetin 5,4′-dimethyl ether. Among these compounds, the chiral compound astragalin showed in our in silico studies the highest affinity for Mpro (−8.7 kcal/mol) and also a low toxicity profile, emerging, thus, as an interesting protease inhibitor candidate for anti-COVID-19 strategies.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Phytochemicals of Cassia occidentalis L. for their Binding Affinities to SARS-CoV-2 3C-Like Protease: An in Silico Approach

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-14
Author(s):  
Tohmina Afroze Bondhon ◽  
Md. Aynal Haque Rana ◽  
Anamul Hasan ◽  
Rownak Jahan ◽  
Khoshnur Jannat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Autodock Vina ◽  
Cassia Occidentalis ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
The World ◽  
Docking Approach

Aims: Corona virus SARS-CoV-2, otherwise known as COVID-19 has created a pandemic resulting in social and financial crisis throughout the world. The virus has no known drugs or vaccines for preventive or therapeutic purposes. The objective of the present study was to screen phytochemicals from Cassia occidentalis L. in virtual screening (in silico) studies to evaluate their potential of binding to the main 3C-like protease of the virus and so stop its replication. Study Design: Molecular docking approach was used for virtual screening studies. Place and Duration of Study: University of Development Alternative between April and July 2020. Methodology: Molecular docking (blind) were done with the help of Autodock Vina. We have used the pdb file (6LU7) of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease or SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro (monomeric form) to study binding of the phytochemicals. Results: Of the nine phytochemicals studied, the C-glycosidic flavonoids, cassiaoccidentalins A-C demonstrated excellent binding affinities to the protease. The compounds bound to the active site of the protease with binding energy values of -8.2 to-8.4 kcal/mol. Conclusion: The in silico studies suggest that the compounds merit actual COVID-19 inhibitory tests and have potential for anti-COVID-19 use.

scholarly journals Natural compounds as potential inhibitors of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) main protease: An in silico study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaresh Mishra ◽  
Yamini Pathak ◽  
Vishwas Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Maslinic Acid ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
Gallocatechin Gallate ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Potential Inhibitors

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic, a novel coronavirus disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first reported in Wuhan, China and has now expanded to more than 190 countries across the world. Till date, there is no specific medication available to prevent or target SARS CoV-2 infection. Very recently, the crystal structure of COVID- 19 main protease (Mpro) was revealed by Liu et al. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a key enzyme that plays a crucial role in viral replication and transcription. Thus, Mpro could be a promising target to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Natural compounds due to their structural diversity and safety are considered as an excellent source of antiviral drugs. In this study, we selected Herbacetin, Rhoifolin, Pectolinarin, Apigenin, Luteolin, Amentoflavone, Daidzein, Puerarin, Epigallocatechin, Gallocatechin gallate, Resveratrol, Maslinic acid, Piperine and Ganomycin B to target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) using in silico tools. These compounds were examined based on ADME, drug likeness, docking studies, MD simulations using CABS-flex 2.0, and prediction of major toxicity parameters (hepatotoxicity & cytotoxicity) to check the safety aspects of the selected compounds. We also investigated the similarity of these compounds, if any, with FDA approved drugs using Swiss similarity. The docking results were found in the order of Amentoflavone (-9.13 kcal/mol), Ritonavir (-8.52 kcal/mol), Lopinavir (-8.5 kcal/mol), Puerarin (-7.97 kcal/mol), Maslinic acid (-7.97 kcal/mol), Piperine (-7.65 kcal/mol), Gallocatechin gallate (-7.59 kcal/mol), Luteolin (-7.58 kcal/mol), Apigenin (-7.42 kcal/mol), Resveratrol (-7.41 kcal/mol), Herbacetin (-7.4 kcal/mol), Daidzein (-7.32 kcal/mol), Rhoifolin (-6.71 kcal/mol), Ganomycin B (-6.46 kcal/mol), Epigallocatechin (-6.13 kcal/mol), and Pectolinarin (-5.88 kcal/mol). Among these selected natural compounds, Amentoflavone and Puerarin were the two top leads which showed the lowest binding energies. Interestingly, Amentoflavone showed highest binding affinity among all the selected compounds. Our promising findings based on in-silico studies warrants further clinical trial in order to use these compounds as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protease.

Can Antimalarial Phytochemicals be a Possible Cure for COVID-19? Molecular Docking Studies of Some Phytochemicals to SARS-CoV-2 3C-like Protease

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anamul Hasan ◽  
Khoshnur Jannat ◽  
Tohmina Afroze Bondhon ◽  
Rownak Jahan ◽  
Md Shahadat Hossan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Lead Compounds ◽  
High Binding ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Acridone Alkaloid ◽  
First Time

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of reported anti-malarial phytochemicals as lead compounds for possible drug development against COVID-19. Methods: An in silico approach was used in this study to determine through molecular docking the binding affinities and site of binding of these phytochemicals to the 3C-like protease of COVID-19 which is considered as the main protease of the virus. Results: A number of anti-malarial phytochemicals like apigenin-7-O-glucoside, decurvisine, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, sargabolide J, and shizukaols A, B, F, and G showed predicted high binding energies with G values of -8.0 kcal/mol or higher. Shizukaols F and B demonstrated the best binding energies of -9.5 and -9.8, respectively. The acridone alkaloid 5-hydroxynoracronycine also gave a predicted high binding energy of -7.9 kcal/mol. Conclusion: This is for the first time that decursivine and several shizukaols were reported as potential anti-viral agents. These compounds merit further studies to determine whether they can be effective drug candidates against COVID-19.

scholarly journals Virtual Screening of Phytochemicals Targeting the Main Protease and Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2: An In silico Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 1121-1131
Author(s):  
Pallavi Gulati ◽  
Aarti Yadav ◽  
Jatin Chadha ◽  
Sandeepa Singh
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Ligand Complex ◽  
S Protein ◽  
High Binding ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Pharmacologically Active

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging virus responsible for the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, pandemic fatigue is still escalating as new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge and vaccine shortages hit globally. Hence, drug repurposing remains an alternative strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2. For centuries, plants have served as natural reservoirs of pharmacologically active compounds with minimal cytotoxicity and promising antimicrobial and antiviral activities. In this light, the present study was undertaken to virtually screen 33 phytochemicals across various cultivars against the main protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 using ADME analysis. 31 phytochemicals obeying Lipinski’s rules were subjected to molecular docking using AutoDock Vina. Docking scores were determined by selecting the best conformation of the protein-ligand complex that exhibited the highest affinity. The study identified withanone, licoflavone A, and silibinin to interact with the S protein at the hACE2-binding site with high binding energies. Similarly, myricitrin, withanone, naringenin, licoflavone A, and silibinin exhibited high binding affinities with the substrate-binding pocket of Mpro between the domains I and II. Interestingly, licoflavone A, silibinin, and withanone interacted with both Mpro and S proteins in silico. Further, drug-likeness studies indicated withanone to be the most readily bioavailable phytochemicals among the three shortlisted ligands. Therefore, phytochemicals can be regarded as potential leads for developing inhibitors against this mysterious virus. In vitro investigations are further warranted to prove their antiviral efficacy.

In Silico Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Potential Inhibitors of 3C-like Main Proteinase (3CLpro) from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Using Selected African Medicinal Plants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Qazi ◽  
Mustafa Alhaji Isa ◽  
Adam Mustapha ◽  
Khalid Raza ◽  
Ibrahim Alkali Allamin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Md Simulation ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Anacardium Occidentale ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Ligand Complex ◽  
In Silico Docking ◽  
Main Protease

<p>The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an infectious virus that causes mild to severe life-threatening upper respiratory tract infection. The virus emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019, and later spread across the globe. Its genome has been completely sequenced and based on the genomic information, the virus possessed 3C-Like Main Protease (3CLpro), an essential multifunctional enzyme that plays a vital role in the replication and transcription of the virus by cleaving polyprotein at eleven various sites to produce different non-structural proteins. This makes the protein an important target for drug design and discovery. Herein, we analyzed the interaction between the 3CLpro and potential inhibitory compounds identified from the extracts of <i>Zingiber offinale</i> and <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> using in silico docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation. The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 main protease in complex with 02J (5-Methylisoxazole-3-carboxylic acid) and PEJ (composite ligand) (PDB Code: 6LU7,2.16Å) retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) and subject to structure optimization and energy minimization. A total of twenty-nine compounds were obtained from the extracts of <i>Zingiber offinale </i>and the leaves of <i>Anacardium occidentale. </i>These compounds were screened for physicochemical (Lipinski rule of five, Veber rule, and Egan filter), <i>Pan</i>-Assay Interference Structure (PAINS), and pharmacokinetic properties to determine the Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients (PAIs). Of the 29 compounds, only nineteen (19) possessed drug-likeness properties with efficient oral bioavailability and less toxicity. These compounds subjected to molecular docking analysis to determine their binding energies with the 3CLpro. The result of the analysis indicated that the free binding energies of the compounds ranged between ˗5.08 and -10.24kcal/mol, better than the binding energies of 02j (-4.10kcal/mol) and PJE (-5.07kcal.mol). Six compounds (CID_99615 = -10.24kcal/mol, CID_3981360 = 9.75kcal/mol, CID_9910474 = -9.14kcal/mol, CID_11697907 = -9.10kcal/mol, CID_10503282 = -9.09kcal/mol and CID_620012 = -8.53kcal/mol) with good binding energies further selected and subjected to MD Simulation to determine the stability of the protein-ligand complex. The results of the analysis indicated that all the ligands form stable complexes with the protein, although, CID_9910474 and CID_10503282 had a better stability when compared to other selected phytochemicals (CID_99615, CID_3981360, CID_620012, and CID_11697907). </p>

In Silico Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Potential Inhibitors of 3C-like Main Proteinase (3CLpro) from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Using Selected African Medicinal Plants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Qazi ◽  
Mustafa Alhaji Isa ◽  
Adam Mustapha ◽  
Khalid Raza ◽  
Ibrahim Alkali Allamin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Md Simulation ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Anacardium Occidentale ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Ligand Complex ◽  
In Silico Docking ◽  
Main Protease

<p>The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an infectious virus that causes mild to severe life-threatening upper respiratory tract infection. The virus emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019, and later spread across the globe. Its genome has been completely sequenced and based on the genomic information, the virus possessed 3C-Like Main Protease (3CLpro), an essential multifunctional enzyme that plays a vital role in the replication and transcription of the virus by cleaving polyprotein at eleven various sites to produce different non-structural proteins. This makes the protein an important target for drug design and discovery. Herein, we analyzed the interaction between the 3CLpro and potential inhibitory compounds identified from the extracts of <i>Zingiber offinale</i> and <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> using in silico docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation. The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 main protease in complex with 02J (5-Methylisoxazole-3-carboxylic acid) and PEJ (composite ligand) (PDB Code: 6LU7,2.16Å) retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) and subject to structure optimization and energy minimization. A total of twenty-nine compounds were obtained from the extracts of <i>Zingiber offinale </i>and the leaves of <i>Anacardium occidentale. </i>These compounds were screened for physicochemical (Lipinski rule of five, Veber rule, and Egan filter), <i>Pan</i>-Assay Interference Structure (PAINS), and pharmacokinetic properties to determine the Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients (PAIs). Of the 29 compounds, only nineteen (19) possessed drug-likeness properties with efficient oral bioavailability and less toxicity. These compounds subjected to molecular docking analysis to determine their binding energies with the 3CLpro. The result of the analysis indicated that the free binding energies of the compounds ranged between ˗5.08 and -10.24kcal/mol, better than the binding energies of 02j (-4.10kcal/mol) and PJE (-5.07kcal.mol). Six compounds (CID_99615 = -10.24kcal/mol, CID_3981360 = 9.75kcal/mol, CID_9910474 = -9.14kcal/mol, CID_11697907 = -9.10kcal/mol, CID_10503282 = -9.09kcal/mol and CID_620012 = -8.53kcal/mol) with good binding energies further selected and subjected to MD Simulation to determine the stability of the protein-ligand complex. The results of the analysis indicated that all the ligands form stable complexes with the protein, although, CID_9910474 and CID_10503282 had a better stability when compared to other selected phytochemicals (CID_99615, CID_3981360, CID_620012, and CID_11697907). </p>

scholarly journals Comprehensive Virtual Screening of the Antiviral Potentialities of Marine Polycyclic Guanidine Alkaloids against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Amr El-Demerdash ◽  
Ahmed M. Metwaly ◽  
Afnan Hassan ◽  
Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz ◽  
Eslam B. Elkaeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Aqueous Solubility ◽  
Maximum Tolerated Dose ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Log P ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Guanidine Alkaloids

The huge global expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-corona virus-2 is an extraordinary public health emergency. The unavailability of specific treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection necessitates the focus of all scientists in this direction. The reported antiviral activities of guanidine alkaloids encouraged us to run a comprehensive in silico binding affinity of fifteen guanidine alkaloids against five different proteins of SARS-CoV-2, which we investigated. The investigated proteins are COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) (PDB ID: 6lu7), spike glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6VYB), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (PDB ID: 6VYO), membrane glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6M17), and a non-structural protein (nsp10) (PDB ID: 6W4H). The binding energies for all tested compounds indicated promising binding affinities. A noticeable superiority for the pentacyclic alkaloids particularly, crambescidin 786 (5) and crambescidin 826 (13) has been observed. Compound 5 exhibited very good binding affinities against Mpro (ΔG = −8.05 kcal/mol), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (ΔG = −6.49 kcal/mol), and nsp10 (ΔG = −9.06 kcal/mol). Compound 13 showed promising binding affinities against Mpro (ΔG = −7.99 kcal/mol), spike glycoproteins (ΔG = −6.95 kcal/mol), and nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (ΔG = −8.01 kcal/mol). Such promising activities might be attributed to the long ω-fatty acid chain, which may play a vital role in binding within the active sites. The correlation of c Log P with free binding energies has been calculated. Furthermore, the SAR of the active compounds has been clarified. The Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) studies were carried out in silico for the 15 compounds; most examined compounds showed optimal to good range levels of ADMET aqueous solubility, intestinal absorption and being unable to pass blood brain barrier (BBB), non-inhibitors of CYP2D6, non-hepatotoxic, and bind plasma protein with a percentage less than 90%. The toxicity of the tested compounds was screened in silico against five models (FDA rodent carcinogenicity, carcinogenic potency TD50, rat maximum tolerated dose, rat oral LD50, and rat chronic lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL)). All compounds showed expected low toxicity against the tested models. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were also carried out to confirm the stable binding interactions of the most promising compounds, 5 and 13, with their targets. In conclusion, the examined 15 alkaloids specially 5 and 13 showed promising docking, ADMET, toxicity and MD results which open the door for further investigations for them against SARS-CoV-2.

Phytochemicals as Therapeutics Against COVID-19: An In-Silico Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debraj Koiri ◽  
Ditam Chakraborty ◽  
Pranotosh Das ◽  
Rajkumar Rana ◽  
Soumyanil Chatterjee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Lab Experiments ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
In Silico Study ◽  
The World ◽  
Wet Lab ◽  
Low Costs

Since December 2019, the worldwide spread of COVID-19 has brought the majority of the world to a standstill, affecting daily lives as well as economy. Under these conditions, it is imperative to develop a cure as soon as possible. On account of some of the adverse side effects of the existing conventional drugs, researchers all around the world are screening natural antiviral phytochemicals as potential therapeutic agents against COVID-19. This paper aims to review interactions of some specific phytochemicals with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and suggest their possible therapeutic applications. Literature search was done based on the wide array of in-silico studies conducted using broad spectrum phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. We shortlisted 26 such phytochemicals specifically targeting the S protein and its interactions with host receptors. To validate the previously published results, we also conducted molecular docking using the AutoDockVina application and identified 6 high potential phytochemicals for therapeutic use based on their binding energies. Besides this, availability of these compounds, their mode of action, toxicity data and cost-effectiveness were also taken into consideration. Our review specifically identifies 6 phytochemicals that can be used as potential treatments for COVID-19 based on their availability, toxicology results and low costs of production. However, all these compounds need to be further validated by wet lab experiments and should be approved for clinical use only after appropriate trials.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document