1
|
Lin S, Wang X, Tang RWL, Duan R, Leung KW, Dong TTX, Webb SE, Miller AL, Tsim KWK. Computational Docking as a Tool in Guiding the Drug Design of Rutaecarpine Derivatives as Potential SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors. Molecules 2024; 29:2636. [PMID: 38893512 PMCID: PMC11173897 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 continues to spread around the world. This is mainly because new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerge due to genomic mutations, evade the immune system and result in the effectiveness of current therapeutics being reduced. We previously established a series of detection platforms, comprising computational docking analysis, S-protein-based ELISA, pseudovirus entry, and 3CL protease activity assays, which allow us to screen a large library of phytochemicals from natural products and to determine their potential in blocking the entry of SARS-CoV-2. In this new screen, rutaecarpine (an alkaloid from Evodia rutaecarpa) was identified as exhibiting anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Therefore, we conducted multiple rounds of structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies around this phytochemical and generated several rutaecarpine analogs that were subjected to in vitro evaluations. Among these derivatives, RU-75 and RU-184 displayed remarkable inhibitory activity when tested in the 3CL protease assay, S-protein-based ELISA, and pseudovirus entry assay (for both wild-type and omicron variants), and they attenuated the inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, RU-75 and RU-184 both appeared to be more potent than rutaecarpine itself, and this suggests that they might be considered as lead candidates for future pharmacological elaboration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Lin
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roy Wai-Lun Tang
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ran Duan
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Wing Leung
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina Ting-Xia Dong
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sarah E. Webb
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andrew L. Miller
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl Wah-Keung Tsim
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (R.D.); (K.W.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu L, Kapralov M, Ashton M. Plant-derived compounds as potential leads for new drug development targeting COVID-19. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1522-1554. [PMID: 38281731 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19, which was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although some patients infected with COVID-19 can remain asymptomatic, most experience a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell and muscle aches. In severe cases, complications can arise including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure and even death, particularly in older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions. Treatments for COVID-19 include remdesivir, which has been authorised for emergency use in some countries, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in severe cases. Biological drugs including monoclonal antibodies, such as casirivimab and imdevimab, have also been authorised for emergency use in certain situations. While these treatments have improved the outcome for many patients, there is still an urgent need for new treatments. Medicinal plants have long served as a valuable source of new drug leads and may serve as a valuable resource in the development of COVID-19 treatments due to their broad-spectrum antiviral activity. To date, various medicinal plant extracts have been studied for their cellular and molecular interactions, with some demonstrating anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro. This review explores the evaluation and potential therapeutic applications of these plants against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarises the latest evidence on the activity of different plant extracts and their isolated bioactive compounds against SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on the application of plant-derived compounds in animal models and in human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiu Liu
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Maxim Kapralov
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Ashton
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xia CX, Gao AX, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Flavonoids from Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) mimic neurotrophic functions in inducing neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons: Signaling via PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 115:154832. [PMID: 37121059 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and major depressive disorders, threaten an increasing number of patients. Seabuckthorn, a fruit from Hippophae rhamnoides L., is an example of "medicine food homology". The fruit has enriched flavonoids that reported to have benefits in treating cognitive disorders. However, the studies on potential functions of Seabuckthorn and/or its flavonoid-enriched fraction in treating neurodegenerative disorders are limited. PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the ability and mechanism of the flavonoid-enriched fraction of Seabuckthorn (named as SBF) in mimicking the neurotrophic functions in inducing neurite outgrowth of cultured neurons. METHODS Cultured PC12 cell line, SH-SY5Y cell line and primary neurons (cortical and hippocampal neurons isolated from E17-19 SD rat embryos) were the employed models to evaluate SBF in inducing neurite outgrowth by comparing to the effects of NGF and BDNF. Immuno-fluorescence staining was applied to identify the morphological change during the neuronal differentiation. Luciferase assay was utilized for analyzing the transcriptional regulation of neurofilaments and cAMP/CREB-mediated gene. Western blot assay was conducted to demonstrate the expressions of neurofilaments and phosphorylated proteins. RESULTS The application of SBF induced neuronal cell differentiation, and this differentiating activation was blocked by the inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways. Additionally, SBF showed synergy with neurotrophic factors in stimulating the neurite outgrowth of cultured neurons. Moreover, the major flavonoids within SBF, i.e., isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol, could account for the neurotrophic activities of SBF. CONCLUSION Seabuckthorn flavonoids mimicked neurotrophic functions in inducing neuronal cell differentiation via activating PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways. The results suggest the beneficial functions of Seabuckthorn as a potential health food supplement in treating various brain disorders, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Xi Xia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alex Xiong Gao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina Ting-Xia Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl Wah-Keung Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Patel P, Nandi A, Verma SK, Kaushik N, Suar M, Choi EH, Kaushik NK. Zebrafish-based platform for emerging bio-contaminants and virus inactivation research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162197. [PMID: 36781138 PMCID: PMC9922160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Emerging bio-contaminants such as viruses have affected health and environment settings of every country. Viruses are the minuscule entities resulting in severe contagious diseases like SARS, MERS, Ebola, and avian influenza. Recent epidemic like the SARS-CoV-2, the virus has undergone mutations strengthen them and allowing to escape from the remedies. Comprehensive knowledge of viruses is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic and vaccination treatments. Animal models mimicking human biology like non-human primates, rats, mice, and rabbits offer competitive advantage to assess risk of viral infections, chemical toxins, nanoparticles, and microbes. However, their economic maintenance has always been an issue. Furthermore, the redundancy of experimental results due to aforementioned aspects is also in examine. Hence, exploration for the alternative animal models is crucial for risk assessments. The current review examines zebrafish traits and explores the possibilities to monitor emerging bio-contaminants. Additionally, a comprehensive picture of the bio contaminant and virus particle invasion and abatement mechanisms in zebrafish and human cells is presented. Moreover, a zebrafish model to investigate the emerging viruses such as coronaviridae and poxviridae has been suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paritosh Patel
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aditya Nandi
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Suresh K Verma
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, 18323 Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin S, Wang X, Guo H, Dai N, Tang RWL, Lee HC, Leung KW, Dong TTX, Webb SE, Miller AL, Tsim KWK. The Ethanol Extract of Evodiae Fructus and Its Ingredient, Rutaecarpine, Inhibit Infection of SARS-CoV-2 and Inflammatory Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010762. [PMID: 36614206 PMCID: PMC9821500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, derived from SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in millions of deaths and caused unprecedented socioeconomic damage since its outbreak in 2019. Although the vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 provide some protection, they have unexpected side effects in some people. Furthermore, new viral mutations reduce the effectiveness of the current vaccines. Thus, there is still an urgent need to develop potent non-vaccine therapeutics against this infectious disease. We recently established a series of detecting platforms to screen a large library of Chinese medicinal herbs and phytochemicals. Here, we reveal that the ethanolic extract of Evodiae Fructus and one of its components, rutaecarpine, showed promising potency in inhibiting the activity of 3C-like (3CL) protease, blocking the entry of the pseudo-typed SARS-CoV-2 (including wild-type and omicron) into cultured cells. In addition, inflammatory responses induced by pseudo-typed SARS-CoV-2 were markedly reduced by Evodiae Fructus extract and rutaecarpine. Together our data indicate that the herbal extract of Evodiae Fructus and rutaecarpine are potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, which might be considered as a treatment against COVID-19 in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Lin
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongsheng Guo
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Niyu Dai
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roy Wai-Lun Tang
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hung Chun Lee
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Wing Leung
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina Ting-Xia Dong
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sarah E. Webb
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andrew L. Miller
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl Wah-Keung Tsim
- Center for Chinese Medicine, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2358-7332
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Neuromasts and Olfactory Organs of Zebrafish Larvae Represent Possible Sites of SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Host Cell Entry. J Virol 2022; 96:e0141822. [PMID: 36448804 PMCID: PMC9769390 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01418-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the acute respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has resulted in millions of deaths globally. Here, we explored the mechanism of host cell entry of a luciferase-ZsGreen spike (SARS-CoV-2)-pseudotyped lentivirus using zebrafish embryos/larvae as an in vivo model. Successful pseudovirus entry was demonstrated via the expression of the luciferase (luc) gene, which was validated by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Treatment of larvae with chloroquine (a broad-spectrum viral inhibitor that blocks membrane fusion) or bafilomycin A1 (a specific inhibitor of vacuolar proton ATPases, which blocks endolysosomal trafficking) significantly reduced luc expression, indicating the possible involvement of the endolysosomal system in the viral entry mechanism. The pharmacological inhibition of two-pore channel (TPC) activity or use of the tpcn2dhkz1a mutant zebrafish line also led to diminished luc expression. The localized expression of ACE2 and TPC2 in the anterior neuromasts and the forming olfactory organs was demonstrated, and the occurrence of endocytosis in both locations was confirmed. Together, our data indicate that zebrafish embryos/larvae are a viable and tractable model to explore the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry, that the peripheral sense organs are a likely site for viral host cell entry, and that TPC2 plays a key role in the translocation of the virus through the endolysosomal system. IMPORTANCE Despite the development of effective vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which help prevent the most life-threatening symptoms, full protection cannot be guaranteed, especially with the emergence of new viral variants. Moreover, some resistance to vaccination remains in certain age groups and cultures. As such, there is an urgent need for the development of new strategies and therapies to help combat this deadly disease. Here, we provide compelling evidence that the peripheral sensory organs of zebrafish possess several key components required for SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry. The nearly transparent larvae provide a most amenable complementary platform to investigate the key steps of viral entry into host cells, as well as its spread through the tissues and organs. This will help in the identification of key viral entry steps for therapeutic intervention, provide an inexpensive model for screening novel antiviral compounds, and assist in the development of new and more effective vaccines.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin S, Wang X, Tang RWL, Lee HC, Chan HH, Choi SSA, Dong TTX, Leung KW, Webb SE, Miller AL, Tsim KWK. The Extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum Root and Rhizome Block the Entry of SARS-CoV-2 Wild-Type and Omicron Pseudotyped Viruses via Inhibition of the S-Protein and 3CL Protease. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123806. [PMID: 35744929 PMCID: PMC9231230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19, resulting from infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, caused a contagious pandemic. Even with the current vaccines, there is still an urgent need to develop effective pharmacological treatments against this deadly disease. Here, we show that the water and ethanol extracts of the root and rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum (Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix), a common Chinese herbal medicine, blocked the entry of wild-type and the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus into fibroblasts or zebrafish larvae, with IC50 values ranging from 0.015 to 0.04 mg/mL. The extracts were shown to inhibit various aspects of the pseudovirus entry, including the interaction between the spike protein (S-protein) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor, and the 3CL protease activity. Out of the chemical compounds tested in this report, gallic acid, a phytochemical in P. cuspidatum, was shown to have a significant anti-viral effect. Therefore, this might be responsible, at least in part, for the anti-viral efficacy of the herbal extract. Together, our data suggest that the extracts of P. cuspidatum inhibit the entry of wild-type and the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, and so they could be considered as potent treatments against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Lin
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Roy Wai-Lun Tang
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Hung Chun Lee
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Ho Hin Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Sheyne S. A. Choi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Tina Ting-Xia Dong
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Ka Wing Leung
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Sarah E. Webb
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Andrew L. Miller
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Karl Wah-Keung Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (S.L.); (X.W.); (R.W.-L.T.); (H.C.L.); (T.T.-X.D.); (K.W.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; (H.H.C.); (S.S.A.C.); (S.E.W.); (A.L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2358-7332
| |
Collapse
|