scholarly journals A Brief Overview of Potential Treatments for Viral Diseases Using Natural Plant Compounds: The Case of SARS-Cov

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3868
Author(s):  
Rambod Abiri ◽  
Hazandy Abdul-Hamid ◽  
Oksana Sytar ◽  
Ramin Abiri ◽  
Eduardo Bezerra de Almeida ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the more general global increase in viral diseases, has led researchers to look to the plant kingdom as a potential source for antiviral compounds. Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been extensively applied in the treatment and prevention of various infectious diseases in different traditional systems. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential antiviral activity of plant compounds as effective and reliable agents against viral infections, especially by viruses from the coronavirus group. Various antiviral mechanisms shown by crude plant extracts and plant-derived bioactive compounds are discussed. The understanding of the action mechanisms of complex plant extract and isolated plant-derived compounds will help pave the way towards the combat of this life-threatening disease. Further, molecular docking studies, in silico analyses of extracted compounds, and future prospects are included. The in vitro production of antiviral chemical compounds from plants using molecular pharming is also considered. Notably, hairy root cultures represent a promising and sustainable way to obtain a range of biologically active compounds that may be applied in the development of novel antiviral agents.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madiha Haider ◽  
Vivek Anand ◽  
Dhwani Dholakia ◽  
M Ghalib Enayathullah ◽  
Yash Parekh ◽  
...  

Background: Viral infections have a history of abrupt and severe eruptions through the years in the form of pandemics. And yet, definitive therapies or preventive measures are not present. Purpose: Herbal medicines have been a source of various antiviral compounds. An accelerated repurposing potential of antiviral herbs can provide usable drugs and identify druggable targets. In this study, we dissect the anti-coronavirus activity of Cissampelos pareira L (Cipa). using an integrative approach. Methods: We analyzed the signature similarities between predicted antiviral agents and Cipa using the connectivity map (https://clue.io/). Next, we tested the anti-SARS-COV-2 activity of Cipa in vitro. A three-way comparative analysis of Cipa transcriptome, COVID-19 BALF transcriptome and CMAP signatures of small compounds was also performed. Results: Several predicted antivirals showed a high positive connectivity score with Cipa such as apcidin, emetine, homoharringtonine etc. We also observed 98% inhibition of SARS-COV-2 replication in infected Vero cell cultures with the whole extract. Some of its prominent pure constituents e.g pareirarine, cissamine, magnoflorine exhibited 40-80% inhibition. Comparison of genes between BALF and Cipa showed an enrichment of biological processes like transcription regulation and response to lipids, to be downregulated in Cipa while being upregulated in COVID-19. CMAP also showed that Triciribine, torin-1 and VU-0365114-2 had positive connectivity with BALF 1 and 2, and negative connectivity with Cipa.


Author(s):  
Bogna Grygiel-Górniak

AbstractThe majority of the medical fraternity is continuously involved in finding new therapeutic schemes, including antimalarial medications (AMDs), which can be useful in combating the 2019-nCoV: coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For many decades, AMDs have been widely used in the treatment of malaria and various other anti-inflammatory diseases, particularly to treat autoimmune disorders of the connective tissue. The review comprises in vitro and in vivo studies, original studies, clinical trials, and consensus reports for the analysis, which were available in medical databases (e.g., PubMed). This manuscript summarizes the current knowledge about chloroquine (CQ)/hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and shows the difference between their use, activity, recommendation, doses, and adverse effects on two groups of patients: those with rheumatic and viral diseases (including COVID-19). In the case of connective tissue disorders, AMDs are prescribed for a prolonged duration in small doses, and their effect is observed after few weeks, whereas in the case of viral infections, they are prescribed in larger doses for a short duration to achieve a quick saturation effect. In rheumatic diseases, AMDs are well tolerated, and their side effects are rare. However, in some viral diseases, the effect of AMDs is questionable or not so noticeable as suggested during the initial prognosis. They are mainly used as an additive therapy to antiviral drugs, but recent studies have shown that AMDs can diminish the efficacy of some antiviral drugs and may cause respiratory, kidney, liver, and cardiac complications.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bestha Lakshmi ◽  
Buddolla Viswanath ◽  
D. V. R. Sai Gopal

Shrimp farming is an aquaculture business for the cultivation of marine shrimps or prawns for human consumption and is now considered as a major economic and food production sector as it is an increasingly important source of protein available for human consumption. Intensification of shrimp farming had led to the development of a number of diseases, which resulted in the excessive use of antimicrobial agents, which is finally responsible for many adverse effects. Currently, probiotics are chosen as the best alternatives to these antimicrobial agents and they act as natural immune enhancers, which provoke the disease resistance in shrimp farm. Viral diseases stand as the major constraint causing an enormous loss in the production in shrimp farms. Probiotics besides being beneficial bacteria also possess antiviral activity. Exploitation of these probiotics in treatment and prevention of viral diseases in shrimp aquaculture is a novel and efficient method. This review discusses the benefits of probiotics and their criteria for selection in shrimp aquaculture and their role in immune power enhancement towards viral diseases.


Author(s):  
O. M. Sharan ◽  
V. Yu. Stefanyk ◽  
S. G. Shalovylo

New literature data on research aimed at improving the in vitro production of sheep embryos presents in the article. An analysis of the achievements of scientists from different countries to increase the efficiency of the main stages of embryo production in vitro: maturation of oocytes in vitro, their in vitro fertilization and in vitro embryo culture. In the literature experience has shown that the efficiency of oocyte maturation in vitro is significantly influenced by the experience and qualifications of scientists, the age of the egg donor, the improvement of the environment by adding roscovitin to inhibit meiosis, α-linolenic acid, cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and sericin to accelerate nuclear maturation and increase the number of oocytes of the second meiotic metaphase (MII). The main factors influencing the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization have been identified, and the parameters of the limited time of fertilization ability of sperm and the ability of oocytes to fertilize, which is called the “fertile span”, have been determined. The main effective medium that increases the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization – synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) with the addition of heparin and serum of cattle or sheep. The main parameters of sheep embryo culture in vitro are presented with the definition of the most commonly used media and their influence on embryonic development. Potential ways to improve the production of sheep embryos in vitro with the determination of morphological evaluation of categories of oocytes, methods of synchronization of their maturation in vitro are also highlighted. At the same time, literature data on the synchronization of oocyte-cumulus complexes with the use of a large number of inhibitors of meiotic division are presented, which according to many scientists may be a key factor in improving the efficiency of sheep embryo production in vitro. In addition, the results of studies of many scientists on the expansion of the fertile gap of oocytes of sheep cultured in vitro using certain biologically active substances were analyzed. In conclusion, the prospect of using the technology of in vitro production of sheep embryos in biomedical research is highlighted.


Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanza Cárdenas ◽  
Fanny Guzmán ◽  
Marisela Carmona ◽  
Cristian Muñoz ◽  
Luis Nilo ◽  
...  

Viral infections in salmonids represent an ongoing challenge for the aquaculture industry. Two RNA viruses, the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), have become a latent risk without healing therapies available for either. In this context, antiviral peptides emerge as effective and relatively safe therapeutic molecules. Based on in silico analysis of VP2 protein from IPNV and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from ISAV, a set of peptides was designed and were chemically synthesized to block selected key events in their corresponding infectivity processes. The peptides were tested in fish cell lines in vitro, and four were selected for decreasing the viral load: peptide GIM182 for IPNV, and peptides GIM535, GIM538 and GIM539 for ISAV. In vivo tests with the IPNV GIM 182 peptide were carried out using Salmo salar fish, showing a significant decrease of viral load, and proving the safety of the peptide for fish. The results indicate that the use of peptides as antiviral agents in disease control might be a viable alternative to explore in aquaculture.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuf Abba ◽  
Hasliza Hassim ◽  
Hazilawati Hamzah ◽  
Mohamed Mustapha Noordin

Resveratrol is a potent polyphenolic compound that is being extensively studied in the amelioration of viral infections bothin vitroandin vivo. Its antioxidant effect is mainly elicited through inhibition of important gene pathways like the NF-κβpathway, while its antiviral effects are associated with inhibitions of viral replication, protein synthesis, gene expression, and nucleic acid synthesis. Although the beneficial roles of resveratrol in several viral diseases have been well documented, a few adverse effects have been reported as well. This review highlights the antiviral mechanisms of resveratrol in human and animal viral infections and how some of these effects are associated with the antioxidant properties of the compound.


1989 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Migliore-Samour ◽  
F. Floc'h ◽  
P. Jollès

SummaryMaternal milk should not only be considered as a nutrient, but also as a protecting agent against aggressions from the neonate's new environment. Breastfeeding facilitates transmission of a passive immunity by multifunctional factors which have a direct effect on the neonate's resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Among these factors are the main milk proteins, the caseins: during enzymic digestion of human and bovine caseins, immunomodulating peptides are released. Corresponding synthetic peptides stimulated in vitro phagocytic activity of murine and of human macrophages and exerted in vivo a protective effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae infection of mice. These data suggest that casein peptides may exert a stimulating function on the immune system of the newborn.


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-323
Author(s):  
T.V. Sirota

The superoxide-generating reaction of adrenaline autoxidation in an alkaline medium, used in vitro to identify the antioxidant properties of various compounds, simulates the complex multistep process of quinoid oxidation of catecholamines (CA) in the body. Sulfur-containing cysteine (Cys) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as oxidized glutathione (GSSG), have been shown to inhibit this process. The studied substances were considered as inhibitors of quinoid oxidation and are evaluated as antioxidants. The IC50 values for Cys and GSH were close to 7.5 mM. Inhibition by GSSG was weaker; represented approximately 50-70% of Cys and GSH. Other sulfur-containing compounds that differ in chemical structure, the amino acids taurine and methionine were ineffective. The interest in this model and the search for effective compounds acting on this reaction is associated with one of the mechanisms of the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) discussed in the literature, which occurs when the biochemical transformations of dopamine CA and its quinoid oxidation process are violated. Cys, GSH and GSSG in the model system inhibit quinoid oxidation of adrenaline, as a result of which the formation of superoxide (O2 ·-) is also inhibited. Experiments with the superoxide-generating enzymatic reaction xanthine xanthioxidase, the chemistry of which is different and not related to formation of quinoid metabolites, showed that the studied substances did not inhibit O2 ·- formation in this model. Thus, it was established that the biologically active sulfur-containing compounds Cys, GSH and GSSG are specific inhibitors of quinoid oxidation of CA, and are likely to be able to play the role of a neuroprotector. It is proposed to use these compounds in the treatment and prevention of PD by activating their biosynthesis in the body.


Author(s):  
Yogesh Kumar ◽  
Harvijay Singh

<div>The rapidly enlarging COVID-19 pandemic caused by novel SARS-coronavirus 2 is a global</div><div>public health emergency of unprecedented level. Therefore the need of a drug or vaccine that</div><div>counter SARS-CoV-2 is an utmost requirement at this time. Upon infection the ssRNA genome</div><div>of SARS-CoV-2 is translated into large polyprotein which further processed into different</div><div>nonstructural proteins to form viral replication complex by virtue of virus specific proteases:</div><div>main protease (3-CL protease) and papain protease. This indispensable function of main protease</div><div>in virus replication makes this enzyme a promising target for the development of inhibitors and</div><div>potential treatment therapy for novel coronavirus infection. The recently concluded α-ketoamide</div><div>ligand bound X-ray crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (PDB ID: 6Y2F) from Zhang et al.</div><div>has revealed the potential inhibitor binding mechanism and the determinants responsible for</div><div>involved molecular interactions. Here, we have carried out a virtual screening and molecular</div><div>docking study of FDA approved drugs primarily targeted for other viral infections, to investigate</div><div>their binding affinity in Mpro active site. Virtual screening has identified a number of antiviral</div><div>drugs, top ten of which on the basis of their bending energy score are further examined through </div><div>molecular docking with Mpro. Docking studies revealed that drug Lopinavir-Ritonavir, Tipranavir</div><div>and Raltegravir among others binds in the active site of the protease with similar or higher</div><div>affinity than the crystal bound inhibitor α-ketoamide. However, the in-vitro efficacies of the drug</div><div>molecules tested in this study, further needs to be corroborated by carrying out biochemical and</div><div>structural investigation. Moreover, this study advances the potential use of existing drugs to be</div><div>investigated and used to contain the rapidly expanding SARS-CoV-2 infection.</div>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naruka Solomon Yakubu ◽  
Olanike Catherine Poyi ◽  
Ezikiel Olabisi Afolabi

Abstract Computer-aided drug design has been an effective strategy and approach to discover, develop, analyze, accelerate and economize design and development of drugs and biologically active molecules. A total of twelve analogues of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were designed and virtually analyzed using PyRx software, Molinspiration, Swiss ADME, Swiss-Target Prediction software and ProTox-II-Prediction of toxicity platform. Based on the docking studies carried out using Autodock vina, five analogues; H-368 (-6.0 Kcal/mol), H-372 (--6.0 Kcal/mol), H-156 (-5.9 Kcal/mol), H-139 (-5.7 Kcal/mol), C-136 (-5.7 Kcal/mol) exhibited higher binding affinity compared to HCQ(-5.5 Kcal/mol), while all twelve analogues exhibited higher binding affinity compared to CQ (-4.5Kcal/mol). In silico analysis of toxicity profile of this analogues shows a lower potential to toxicity and a comparable activity on some major isoforms of cytochrome P450. But unlike the parent molecules, both H-139 and H-156 are substrates of P-glycoproteins (P-gp) which implies that these analogues possess high clearance and less pharmacokinetic-related drug-drug interactions compared to the parent molecules. Herein we propose these analogues as potential inhibitors or lead compounds against the coronavirus with a view of conducting more molecular dynamic simulations, synthesizing and conducting in vitro studies on them.


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