Thymoquinone: A Review of Pharmacological Importance, Oxidative Stress, COVID-19, and Radiotherapy

Author(s):  
Seyithan Taysi ◽  
Firas Shawqi Algburi ◽  
Zaid Mohammed ◽  
Omeed Akbar Ali ◽  
Muhammed Enes Taysi

Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer anti-proliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and treatment of other diseases.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-675
Author(s):  
Mohamed F. Zayed ◽  
Sabrin R.M. Ibrahim ◽  
EL-Sayed E. Habib ◽  
Memy H. Hassan ◽  
Sahar Ahmed ◽  
...  

Background: Quinazolines and quinazolinones derivatives are well known for their important range of therapeutic activities. Objective: The study aims to carry out the synthesis of some derivatives of substituted fluoroquinazolinones based on structure-based design and evaluation of their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-biofilm activities. Methods: Compounds were chemically synthesized by conventional methods. Structures were established on the basis of spectral and elemental analyses. The antimicrobial potential was tested against various microorganisms using the agar disc-diffusion method. MIC and MBC as well as anti-biofilm activity for the highly active compounds were assessed. Moreover, the computational studies were performed using Auto dock free software package (version 4.0) to explain the predicted mode of binding. Results: All derivatives (5-8), (10a-g), and (A-H) were biologically tested and showed significant antimicrobial activity comparable to the reference compounds. Compounds 10b, 10c, and 10d had a good MIC and MBC against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas 10b and 10d showed significant MIC and MBC against Gram-negative bacteria. However, compounds E and F exhibited good MIC and MBC against fungi. Compound 10c and 8 exhibited significant anti-biofilm activity towards S. aureus and M. luteus. Molecular docking study revealed a strong binding of these derivatives with their receptor-site and detected their predicted mode of binding. Conclusion: The synthesized derivatives showed promising antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm activities. Modeling study explained their binding mode and showed strong binding affinity with their receptor-site. The highly active compounds 5 and 10c could be subjected to future optimization and investigation to be effective antimicrobial agents.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
Sagarika Biswas

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder of symmetric synovial joints which is characterized by the chronic inflammation with 0.5-1% prevalence in developed countries. Presence of persistent inflammation is attributed to the major contribution of key inflammatory cytokine and tumour necrosis factor- alpha (TNF- &#945;). Recent drug designing studies are developing TNF-&#945; blockers to provide relief from the symptoms of the disease such as pain and inflammation. Available blockers are showing certain limitations such as it may enhance the rate of tuberculosis (TB) occurrence, lymphoma risk, cost issues and certain infections are major concern. Discussed limitations implicated a need of development of some alternative drugs which exhibit fewer side effects with low cost. Therefore, we have identified anti-inflammatory compounds in an underutilized fruit of Baccaurea sapida (B.sapida) in our previous studies. Among them quercetin have been identified as the most potent lead compound for drug designing studies of RA. </P><P> Methods: In the present article, characterization of quercetin has been carried out to check its drug likeliness and molecular docking study has been carried out between TNF- &#945; and quercetin by using AutoDock 4.2.1 software. Further, inhibitory effect of B. sapida fruit extract on RA plasma has been analysed through immunological assay ELISA. </P><P> Results: Our in-silico analysis indicated that quercetin showed non carcinogenic reaction in animal model and it may also cross the membrane barrier easily. We have studied the ten different binding poses and best binding pose of TNF-&#945; and quercetin showed -6.3 kcal/mol minimum binding energy and 23.94 &#181;M inhibitory constant. In addition to this, ELISA indicated 2.2 down regulated expression of TNF-&#945; in RA compared to control. </P><P> Conclusion: This study may further be utilized for the drug designing studies to reduce TNF-&#945; mediated inflammation in near future. This attempt may also enhance the utilization of this plant worldwide.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 685
Author(s):  
Sandra Amanda Kozieł ◽  
Monika Katarzyna Lesiów ◽  
Daria Wojtala ◽  
Edyta Dyguda-Kazimierowicz ◽  
Dariusz Bieńko ◽  
...  

A group of cytotoxic half-sandwich iridium(III) complexes with aminomethyl(diphenyl)phosphine derived from fluoroquinolone antibiotics exhibit the ability to (i) accumulate in the nucleus, (ii) induce apoptosis, (iii) activate caspase-3/7 activity, (iv) induce the changes in cell cycle leading to G2/M phase arrest, and (v) radicals generation. Herein, to elucidate the cytotoxic effects, we investigated the interaction of these complexes with DNA and serum proteins by gel electrophoresis, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and molecular docking studies. DNA binding experiments established that the complexes interact with DNA by moderate intercalation and predominance of minor groove binding without the capability to cause a double-strand cleavage. The molecular docking study confirmed two binding modes: minor groove binding and threading intercalation with the fluoroquinolone part of the molecule involved in pi stacking interactions and the Ir(III)-containing region positioned within the major or minor groove. Fluorescence spectroscopic data (HSA and apo-Tf titration), together with molecular docking, provided evidence that Ir(III) complexes can bind to the proteins in order to be transferred. All the compounds considered herein were found to bind to the tryptophan residues of HSA within site I (subdomain II A). Furthermore, Ir(III) complexes were found to dock within the apo-Tf binding site, including nearby tyrosine residues.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Oluwasegun Bamidele ◽  
George Oche Ambrose ◽  
Oluwaseun Suleiman Alakanse

AbstractHSP90 is observed as one of the copious molecular chaperones that play a key role in mediating appropriate folding, maturation, and firmness of many client proteins in cells. The expression rate of HSP90 in cancer cells is at a level of 2- to 10-fold higher than the 1- to 2-fold of its unstressed and healthy ones. To combat this, several inhibitors to HSP90 protein have been studied (such as geldanamycin and its derivative 17-AAG and 17-DMAG) and have shown some primary side effects including plague, nausea, vomiting, and liver toxicity, hence the search for the best-in-class inhibitor for this protein through in silico. This study is aimed at analyzing the inhibitory potency of oxypeucedanin-a furocoumarin derivations, which have been reported to have antipoliferative activity in human prostrate carcinoma DN145 cells, and three other drug candidates retrieved from the literature via computational docking studies. The results showed oxypeucedanin as the compound with the highest binding energy of −9.2 kcal/mol. The molecular docking study was carried out using PyRx, Auto Dock Vina option, and the target was validated to confirm the proper target and the docking procedure employed for this study.


Plants ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
Ahlam Elwekeel ◽  
Dalia El Amir ◽  
Enas I. A. Mohamed ◽  
Elham Amin ◽  
Marwa H. A. Hassan ◽  
...  

The current study accentuates the significance of performing the multiplex approach of LC-HRESIMS, biological activity, and docking studies in drug discovery, taking into consideration a review of the literature. In this regard, the investigation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Trigonella stellata collected from the Egyptian desert revealed a significant antioxidant capacity using DPPH with IC50 = 656.9 µg/mL and a moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2, MCF7, and CACO2, with IC50 values of 53.3, 48.3, and 55.8 µg/mL, respectively. The evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents resulted in 32.8 mg GAE/g calculated as gallic acid equivalent and 5.6 mg RE/g calculated as rutin equivalent, respectively. Chemical profiling of T. stellata extract, using LC-HRESIMS analysis, revealed the presence of 15 metabolites, among which eleven compounds were detected for the first time in this species. Interestingly, in vitro testing of the antidiabetic activity of the alcoholic extract noted an α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 559.4 µg/mL) better than that of the standard Acarbose (IC50 = 799.9 µg/mL), in addition to a moderate inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 = 0.77 µg/mL) compared to Acarbose (IC50 = 0.21 µg/mL). α-Glucosidase inhibition was also virtualized by binding interactions through the molecular docking study, presenting a high binding activity of six flavonoid glycosides, as well as the diterpenoid compound graecumoside A and the alkaloid fenugreekine. Taken together, the conglomeration of LC-HRESIMS, antidiabetic activity, and molecular docking studies shed light on T. stellata as a promising antidiabetic herb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1482-1490
Author(s):  
Manju Mathew ◽  
Raja Chinnamanayakar ◽  
Ezhilarasi Muthuvel Ramanathan

A series of 1-(5-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)furan-2-yl)-4,5-dihyropyrazol-1-yl ethanone (5a-h) was synthesized through E-(3-(5-(4-chloro-phenyl)furan-2-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (3a-h) with hydrazine monohydrate and sodium acetate. Totally, eight compounds were synthesized and their structures were elucidated by infrared, 1H & 13C NMR, elemental analysis, antimicrobial studies, in silico molecular docking studies and also in silico ADME prediction. Antimicrobial studies of the synthesized compounds showed good to moderate activity against the all the stains compared with standard drugs. in silico Molecular docking study was carried out using bacterial protein and BC protein. Synthesized compounds (5a-h) showed good docking score compared with ciprofloxacin. Antimicrobial study was carried out for 4-chlorophenyl furfuran pyrazole derivatives (5a-h). The results of assessment of toxicities, drug likeness and drug score profiles of compounds (5a-j) are promising


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 2453-2456
Author(s):  
J. Brindha ◽  
T.F. Abbs Fen Reji

A series of 2-alkylamino-4-(3-coumarinyl)thiazoles were synthesized, characterized and evaluated their anticancer activity through molecular docking studies. Cell division protein kinase 2 (PDB code: 1KE9) is selected as a target and the compounds which obeys Lipinski rule of five is selected as a ligand. Molecular docking study is carried out using AutoDock Vina in PyRx virtual screening tool. This study revealed that all the compounds are active against the molecular target and compounds 5a and 5c have the highest docking score.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor Almandil ◽  
Muhammad Taha ◽  
Rai Farooq ◽  
Amani Alhibshi ◽  
Mohamed Ibrahim ◽  
...  

We have synthesized quinoxaline analogs (1–25), characterized by 1H-NMR and HREI-MS and evaluated for thymidine phosphorylase inhibition. Among the series, nineteen analogs showed better inhibition when compared with the standard inhibitor 7-Deazaxanthine (IC50 = 38.68 ± 4.42 µM). The most potent compound among the series is analog 25 with IC50 value 3.20 ± 0.10 µM. Sixteen analogs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 24 showed outstanding inhibition which is many folds better than the standard 7-Deazaxanthine. Two analogs 8 and 9 showed moderate inhibition. A structure-activity relationship has been established mainly based upon the substitution pattern on the phenyl ring. The binding interactions of the active compounds were confirmed through molecular docking studies.


Author(s):  
Salim Bouchentouf ◽  
Noureddine Missoum

<p>The spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of specific treatment and the urgent situation requires use of all resources to remedy this scourge. In the present study, using molecular docking, we identify new probable inhibitors of COVID-19 by molecules from <i>Nigella sativa L</i>, which is highly reputed healing herb in North African societies and both Islamic and Christian traditions. The discovery of the M<sup>pro</sup> protease structure in COVID-19 provides a great opportunity to identify potential drug candidates for treatment. Focusing on the main proteases in CoVs (3CL<sup>pro</sup>/M<sup>pro</sup>) (PDB ID 6LU7 and 2GTB); docking of compounds from <i>Nigella Sativa</i> and drugs under clinical test was performed using Molecular Operating Environment software (MOE). Nigelledine docked into 6LU7 active site gives energy complex about -6.29734373 Kcal/mol which is close to the energy score given by chloroquine (-6.2930522 Kcal/mol) and better than energy score given by hydroxychloroquine (-5.57386112 Kcal/mol) and favipiravir (-4.23310471 kcal/mol). Docking into 2GTB active site showed that α- Hederin gives energy score about-6.50204802 kcal/mol whcih is better energy score given by chloroquine (-6.20844936 kcal/mol), hydroxychloroquine (-5.51465893 kcal/mol)) and favipiravir (-4.12183571kcal/mol). Nigellidine and α- Hederin appeared to have the best potential to act as COVID-19 treatment. Further, researches are necessary to testify medicinal use of identified and to encourage preventive use of <i>Nigella Sativa </i>against coronavirus infection.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1385-1396

Currently, the entire globe is under the deadliest pandemic of Covid-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). At present, no specific treatment is available to combat COVID-19 infection. Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiaceae) have been reported for a variety of biological activities, including antiviral. The present investigation aimed to identify potential phytoconstituents of the plant E. hirta from the category flavonoids and coumarins against the SARS-CoV-2 using in silico approach. The molecular docking studies were performed using two different targets of SARS-CoV-2, namely Main protease (Mpro; PDB ID: 6M2N) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp; PDB ID: 7BW4). Based on the molecular docking study in comparison with standard drug, four compounds, namely Euphrobianin, Quercetin, 3-o-alpha-rhamnoside, Isoquercitrin, and rutin, were screened against the target Mpro. Three phytoconstituents, euphorbianin, myricetin, and rutin, were screened against the target RdRp. In the in silico toxicity studies of screened phytoconstituents, except myrectin all were predicted safe. Results of euphorbianin and rutin were found more interesting as both compounds had high binding affinity against both targets. Finally, we want to conclude that euphrobianin, quercetin 3-o-alpha-rhamnoside, isoquercitrin, and rutin could be further explored rapidly as they may have the potential to fight against COVID-19.


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