Discovery of a “Cocktail” of Potential SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors through Virtual Screening of Known Chemical Components of Vitex negundo L. (“Lagundi”)

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruel Cayona ◽  
Evelyn Creencia
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Vitex Negundo ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Donor And Acceptor

Aim: The prevailing crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic demands the development of effective therapeutic agents that can be implemented with minimal to zero adverse effects. Background: Vitex negundo L. (VNL) is a medicinal plant with reported efficacy against respiratory diseases and some of the COVID-19 symptoms. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) is currently conducting clinical trials of VNL and other medicinal plants as adjuvant therapeutic agents against mild cases of COVID-19. The basis for the clinical trials is primarily the pharmacological efficacy of the medicinal plants against respiratory disorders and associated COVID-19 symptoms. Objective: This study assessed the in silico potential of VNL components against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an enzyme that plays an important role in COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Objective: This study assessed the in silico potential of VNL components against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an enzyme that plays an important role in COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Method: Phytochemical mining of VNL components from the literature was conducted. A database consisting of 250 known compounds from different parts of VNL was created and screened against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro using the PyRx virtual screening tool. The most promising components were further subjected to in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analyses using the SwissADME web server and Toxtree software. Results: Virtual screening revealed that 102 VNL components in the database had comparable to or better binding affinities toward SARS-COV-2 Mpro than known chemical inhibitors (e.g. N3 and carmofur). It was determined that the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro receptor consists of multiple H-donor and acceptor sites; hence, the most stable receptor-ligand complexes are generally formed by VNL ligands that establish effective H-bonding with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The promising components, representing a “cocktail” of potential inhibitors also revealed interesting ADMET properties. Conclusion: This in silico study identified VNL as a potential single source of a cocktail of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors and a promising adjuvant therapeutic agent against COVID-19 or its symptoms. Furthermore, the study offers a rationale on phytochemical mining from medicinal plants as a means that can be implemented in the early stage of a drug discovery and development program.

Virtual Screening, Molecular docking and in-silico ADME-Tox analysis for identification of potential main protease (Mpro) enzyme inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debadash Panigrahi ◽  
Ganesh Prasad Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Data Bank ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reference Compound ◽  
Unexpected Death ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
In Silico Admet

Objective:: Recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 described in Wuhan China in December-2019 spread widely almost all the countries of the world. Corona virus (COVID-19) is causing the unexpected death of many peoples and severe economic loss in several countries. Virtual screening based on molecular docking, drug-likeness prediction, and in silico ADMET study has become an effective tool for the identification of small molecules as novel antiviral drugs to treat diseases. Methods:: In the current study, virtual screening was performed through molecular docking for identifying potent inhibitors against Mpro enzyme from the ZINC library for the possible treatment of COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, some compounds are identified as possible anti-covid-19 agents for future research. 350 compounds were screened based on their similarity score with reference compound X77 from ZINC data bank and were subjected to docking with crystal structure available of Mpro enzyme. These compounds were then filtered by their in silico ADME-Tox and drug-likeness prediction values. Result:: Out of these 350 screened compounds, 10 compounds were selected based on their docking score and best docked pose in comparison to the reference compound X77. In silico ADME-Tox and drug likeliness predictions of the top compounds were performed and found to be excellent results. All the 10 screened compounds showed significant binding pose with the target enzyme main protease (Mpro) enzyme and satisfactory pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Conclusion:: Based on results we can suggest that the identified compounds may be considered for therapeutic development against the COVID-19 virus and can be further evaluated for in vitro activity, preclinical, clinical studies and formulated in a suitable dosage form to maximize their bioavailability.

scholarly journals Promising inhibitors against main protease of SARS CoV-2 from medicinal plants: In silico identification

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-169
Author(s):  
OLUWAKEMI EBENEZER ◽  
MICHAEL SHAPI
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Binding Affinity ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Complex Analysis ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Lipinski’S Rule ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Properties ◽  
Lipinski’S Rule Of Five ◽  
In Silico Identification

Abstract Some compounds reported as active against SARS CoV were selected, and docking studies were performed using the main protease of SARS CoV-2 as the receptor. The docked complex analysis shows that the ligands selectively bind with the target residues and binding affinity of amentoflavone (–10.1 kcal mol–1), isotheaflavin-3’-gallate (–9.8 kcal mol–1), tomentin A and D (–8.0 and –8.8 kcal mol–1), theaflavin-3,3’-digallate (–8.6 kcal mol–1), papyriflavonol A (–8.4 kcal mol–1), iguesterin (–8.0 kcal mol–1) and savinin (–8.3 kcal mol–1) were ranked above the binding affinity of the reference, co-crystal ligand, ML188, a furan-2-carboxamide-based compound. To pinpoint the drug-like compound among the top-ranked compounds, the Lipinski’s rule of five and pharmacokinetic properties of all the selected compounds were evaluated. The results detailed that savinin exhibits high gastrointestinal absorption and can penetrate through the blood-brain barrier. Also, modifying these natural scaffolds with excellent binding affinity may lead to discovering of anti-SARS CoV agents with promising safety profiles.

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 Identification of LASSBio-1945 as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPRO) through in silico screening supported by molecular docking and a fragment-based pharmacophore model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas S. Franco ◽  
Rodolfo C. Maia ◽  
Eliezer J. Barreiro
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Pharmacophore Model ◽  
In Silico Screening ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Screening Strategies

A SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPRO) inhibitor was discovered employing molecular docking and a fragment-based pharmacophore model as virtual screening strategies.

scholarly journals A Review on Some Indigenous Medicinal Plants and their Key Applications

2021 ◽  
pp. 160-166
Author(s):  
Rhydum Sharma ◽  
Ashutosh Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Molecular Similarity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Traditional Medicines

In India, 7,500 plant species out of 17,000 are officially integrated in ayurvedic pharmacopeia for over a millennium. There are many industrial uses of medicinal plants which include traditional medicines, phytopharmaceuticals, herbal teas, health food etc. Now days, in silico approaches have been developed which is used in virtual screening and analysis of medicinal plants to be used pharmacologically. It is a cost effective and efficient way for the production of new drugs which is done in three basic steps i.e. molecular docking, developing pharmacophores and determining molecular similarity in shape. WHO has also acknowledged the importance of medicinal plants and has created various guidelines and strategies to encourage its use. Agro industrial technologies also encourage the use of medicinal plants. India has wide variety of plant species in its ecosystem. Out of 17,000 species of plants 7,500 species are used as medicinal plants by the tribal groups, villagers and in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda. The aim of the review is to summarize the information on the recent development in the field of medicinal plants and their key applications.

scholarly journals Recent Developments in New Therapeutic Agents against Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases: In-Silico Approaches

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2193
Author(s):  
Pedro Cruz-Vicente ◽  
Luís A. Passarinha ◽  
Samuel Silvestre ◽  
Eugenia Gallardo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Symptomatic Relief ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Progressive Neurodegeneration ◽  
Novel Drug ◽  
Parkinson Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND), including Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), are becoming increasingly more common and are recognized as a social problem in modern societies. These disorders are characterized by a progressive neurodegeneration and are considered one of the main causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Currently, there is no existing cure for AD nor PD and the clinically used drugs aim only at symptomatic relief, and are not capable of stopping neurodegeneration. Over the last years, several drug candidates reached clinical trials phases, but they were suspended, mainly because of the unsatisfactory pharmacological benefits. Recently, the number of compounds developed using in silico approaches has been increasing at a promising rate, mainly evaluating the affinity for several macromolecular targets and applying filters to exclude compounds with potentially unfavorable pharmacokinetics. Thus, in this review, an overview of the current therapeutics in use for these two ND, the main targets in drug development, and the primary studies published in the last five years that used in silico approaches to design novel drug candidates for AD and PD treatment will be presented. In addition, future perspectives for the treatment of these ND will also be briefly discussed.

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