scholarly journals Exploring essential oils as prospective therapy against the ravaging Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-330
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Onah Ojah ◽  

Introduction: Aromatic plants produce diverse chemical constituents with potential to inhibit viral infections. These plants have been utilized for the prevention and treatment of a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Essential oils are among the plant-derived antiviral agents that are being employed in phytomedicine, and are considered as prospective drug candidate against the ravaging Coronavirus. Methods: Relevant articles relating to the concept were identified using a combination of manual library search as well as journal publication on the subject and critically reviewed. Results: Essential oils in medicinal plants have extensive applications in medicinal chemistry, aromatherapy and pharmaceuticals. Essential oils have several biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Several reports have analyzed and described essential oils as good antiviral agents against Respiratory tract viral infections hence are excellent prospective candidate against Corona virus. Conclusions: It is hoped that efficient and effective exploration and optimization of essential oils from medicinal plants would improve the drug discovery process against the ravaging Coronavirus.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godwin Anywar ◽  
Muhammad Akram ◽  
Muhammad Amjad Chishti

Introduction: The worldwide burden of viral infections has triggered a resurgence in the search for new and more efficient antiviral drugs. Scientists are also repurposing existing natural compounds such as the antimalarial drug artemisinin from Artemesia annua L. as potential drug candidates for some of the emerging and re-emerging viral infections such as covid-19Aim: The aim of this review was to analyse the existing literature to explore the actual or potential natural antiviral compounds from African and Asian medicinal plants as lead compounds in the drug discovery process.Methods: We searched the literature on African and Asian medicinal plant species as antiviral agents for HIV-1 and the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in various databases and search engines such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed. The search was limited to in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies and excluded in silico studies.Results: We present 16 plant species with actual or potential antiviral activity against HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. These plant species span the continents of Africa and Asia where they are widely used for treating several other ailments.Conclusion: Natural compounds from plants can play a significant role in the clinical management of HIV/AIDS and the covid-19 pandemic. More research needs to be conducted to investigate the potential toxicities of the various compounds and their efficacies in clinical settings.


Author(s):  
Roohi Mohi-ud-din ◽  
Reyaz Hassan Mir ◽  
Prince Ahad Mir ◽  
Saeema Farooq ◽  
Syed Naiem Raza ◽  
...  

Background: Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations. Objective: The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Genus Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis. Conclusion: A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory both in vitro & in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan ◽  
Bilal Rah

Background:Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata), commonly known as Tamarisk or Athal in Arabic region, belongs to the Tamaricaece species. It is an important halophytic medicinal plant and a good source of polyphenolic phytochemical(s). In traditional medicines, T. articulata extract is commonly used, either singly or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since ancient times.Methods:Electronic database survey via Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Scopus and Science Direct were used to review the scientific inputs until October 2018, by searching appropriate keywords. Literature related to pharmacological activities of T. articulata, Tamarix species, phytochemical analysis of T. articulata, biological activities of T. articulata extracts. All of these terms were used to search the scientific literature associated with T. articulata; the dosage of extract, route of administration, extract type, and in-vitro and in-vivo model.Results:Numerous reports revealed that T. articulata contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical(s), which enables it to have a wide window of biological properties. Owing to the presence of high content of phytochemical compounds like polyphenolics and flavonoids, T. articulata is a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. In view of these pharmacological properties, T. articulata could be a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions including cancer in the near future.Conclusion:In this review, the spectrum of phytochemical(s) has been summarized for their pharmacological properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of this plant against various diseases discussed.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamirat Bekele Beressa ◽  
Serawit Deyno ◽  
Andrew G. Mtewa ◽  
Namuli Aidah ◽  
Naasson Tuyiringire ◽  
...  

Background: Viruses cause various human diseases, some of which become pandemic outbreaks. This study synthesized evidence on antiviral medicinal plants in Africa which could potentially be further studied for viral infections including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment.Methods: PUBMED, CINAHIL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched through keywords; antiviral, plant, herb, and Africa were combined using “AND” and “OR”. In-vitro studies, in-vivo studies, or clinical trials on botanical medicine used for the treatment of viruses in Africa were included.Results: Thirty-six studies were included in the evidence synthesis. Three hundred and twenty-eight plants were screened for antiviral activities of which 127 showed noteworthy activities against 25 viral species. These, were Poliovirus (42 plants), HSV (34 plants), Coxsackievirus (16 plants), Rhinovirus (14plants), Influenza (12 plants), Astrovirus (11 plants), SARS-CoV-2 (10 plants), HIV (10 plants), Echovirus (8 plants), Parvovirus (6 plants), Semiliki forest virus (5 plants), Measles virus (5 plants), Hepatitis virus (3 plants), Canine distemper virus (3 plants), Zika virus (2 plants), Vesicular stomatitis virus T2 (2 plants). Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Enterovirus, Dengue virus, Ebola virus, Chikungunya virus, Yellow fever virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Human cytomegalovirus each showed sensitivities to one plant.Conclusion: The current study provided a list of African medicinal plants which demonstrated antiviral activities and could potentially be candidates for COVID-19 treatment. However, all studies were preliminary and in vitro screening. Further in vivo studies are required for plant-based management of viral diseases.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (19) ◽  
pp. 4568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayara Castro de Morais ◽  
Jucieudo Virgulino de Souza ◽  
Carlos da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho ◽  
Silvio Santana Dolabella ◽  
Damião Pergentino de Sousa

Trypanosomiases are diseases caused by parasitic protozoan trypanosomes of the genus Trypanosoma. In humans, this includes Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis. There are few therapeutic options, and there is low efficacy to clinical treatment. Therefore, the search for new drugs for the trypanosomiasis is urgent. This review describes studies of the trypanocidal properties of essential oils, an important group of natural products widely found in several tropical countries. Seventy-seven plants were selected from literature for the trypanocidal activity of their essential oils. The main chemical constituents and mechanisms of action are also discussed. In vitro and in vivo experimental data show the therapeutic potential of these natural products for the treatment of infections caused by species of Trypanosoma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devanesan Arul Ananth ◽  
Garlapati Deviram ◽  
Vijayaraghavan Mahalakshmi ◽  
V. Ratna Bharathi

Abstract Background Medicinal plants play a significant role in the progress of persuasive therapeutic agents. Earlier to the innovation of synthetic drugs, human beings completely relied on the plants for the treatment of various ailments. Natural product extracts, particularly those derived from different plant species, provided the main source of Siddha, Ayurveda and Folk medicines. P. daemia is a perennial climber, traditionally reported for the treatment in a variety of diseases. In present review, we focused on the present status of phytochemical and pharmacological activities P. daemia. Methodology With the support of electronic databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Mendeley, Scirus and PubMed central. Traditional knowledge information collected by Indian taxonomical books, survey from local rural and tribal peoples. Pharmacological data’s obtained from scientific journals published from 2000 to 2020. Results P. daemia extract, contains several phytochemicals, especially rich in flavonoids. These secondary metabolites synthesized from P. daemia have been reported for the treatment of various chronic diseases. In recent years, P. daemia phytoconstituents set as a key role in natural drug development as it harbours many in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-fertility, anti-arthritic and antimicrobial etc., Conclusion P. daemia was the less studied plant compared to other medicinal plants. In this context more emphasis has to be laid on studies that discuss on the secondary metabolite activities and molecular mechanisms that work against various chronic diseases.


2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 991-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.B. Waller ◽  
I.M. Madrid ◽  
M.B. Cleff ◽  
R. Santin ◽  
R.A. Freitag ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) are known to have antimicrobial properties, but studies on sporotrichosis are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Sporothrix spp. activity of essential oils from commercial products and oils extracted from aerial parts of these plants and analyze their chemical constituents. S. schenckii complex and S. brasiliensis (n: 25) isolated from humans, cats, dogs, and environmental soil were tested through M27-A3 guidelines of CLSI with modification for phytotherapics. The essential oils of R. officinalis L. were similar for MIC50 and MFC50 ≤2.25mg/mL for extracted oil; and 4.5mg/mL and 9mg/mL, respectively, for commercial oil. Both products showed MIC90 of 18mg/mL and MFC90 of 36mg/mL. In O. vulgare L., the extracted oil had better activity with MIC50 and MFC50 ≤2.25mg/mL, and MIC90 and MFC90 of 4.5mg/mL, whereas the commercial oil showed MIC50 and MFC50 of 9mg/mL and MIC90 18mg/mL, respectively, and MFC90 of 36mg/mL. Through gas chromatography (CG/FID), thymol and α-terpinene were majority for extracted oil of O. vulgare L., and carvacrol and γ-terpinene made up the majority of the commercial oil. Both essential oils of R. officinalis L. showed 1,8-cineole and α-pinene as major. The fungal isolates were susceptible to all tested essential oils, including in itraconazole-resistant S. brasiliensis isolates. The extracted and commercial oils of the plants presented in vitro anti-Sporothrix spp. activity, and they are promising for treatment of sporotrichosis, including in cases refractory to itraconazole. More studies should be performed about toxicity and in vivo efficacy for its safe use.


Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Thamere Cheriet ◽  
Balkeis Ben-Bachir ◽  
Oumelkhir Thamri ◽  
Ramdane Seghiri ◽  
Ines Mancini

Flavonoids are metabolites widely distributed in plants and commonly present in foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Pectolinarin, which belongs to the flavone subclass, has attracted considerable attention due to its presence in many medicinal plants. It has turned out to be a good biological agent especially due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Its aglycone, the metabolite pectolinarigenin, is also known for a series of biological properties including anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. In the first overview on the two metabolites here presented, their collection, isolation and the results of their biological evaluation are reported.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1300800 ◽  
Author(s):  
James N. Jacob ◽  
Dinesh K. Badyal ◽  
Suman Bala ◽  
Masoud Toloue

Curcumin, obtained from turmeric, has several biological properties to make it a desirable template for drug development. A lipophilic derivative of curcumin, diacetyl curcumin (DAC) and a hydrophilic derivative, diglutaryl curcumin (DGC) were synthesized and their in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were compared with those of curcumin and aspirin. The in vitro anti-cancer activities of curcumin and the two derivatives against three cell cancer lines were compared with those against a non-cancerous cell line. The inhibitory effects were comparable to each other and nearing that of curcumin while they showed low inhibitory effect towards the non-cancerous cell line. The mouse tail flick assay showed that curcumin, DAC and DGC increased latency time. DGC was most effective as an analgesic, even more so than aspirin. The maximum percentage effect (MPE) was highest with DGC at 3 hours. The carrageenan induced paw edema model indicated anti-inflammatory activity of all three curcumin formulations. The percentage inhibition of paw edema was maximum for DAC, followed by aspirin and curcumin.


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