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Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T. Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). BIOLOGY 2021; 10:618. [PMID: 34356473 PMCID: PMC8301161 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Verbascum species (common mullein) have been widely used in Spanish folk medicine to treat pathologies related to the musculature, skeleton, and circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems, as well as to treat infectious diseases and organ-sense illnesses. These applications support the potential anti-inflammatory action of Verbascum phytochemicals. Based on the aforementioned facts, and following a deep bibliographic review of the chemical composition of the 10 species of Verbascum catalogued by the Spanish Inventory of Traditional Knowledge related to Biodiversity, we look for scientific evidences to correlate the traditional medical uses with the chemical components of these plants. To support these findings, in silico simulations were performed to investigate molecular interactions between Verbascum phytochemicals and cellular components. Most of common mullein traditional uses could rely on the anti-inflammatory action of phytochemicals, such as quercetin, and it could explain the employment of these plants to treat a wide range of diseases mediated by inflammatory processes such as respiratory diseases, otitis, arthrosis, and rheumatism among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Blanco-Salas
- Department of Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
| | - María P. Hortigón-Vinagre
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Diana Morales-Jadán
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Campus Queri, Quito 170513, Ecuador;
| | - Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez
- Department of Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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Di Pierro F, Iqtadar S, Khan A, Ullah Mumtaz S, Masud Chaudhry M, Bertuccioli A, Derosa G, Maffioli P, Togni S, Riva A, Allegrini P, Khan S. Potential Clinical Benefits of Quercetin in the Early Stage of COVID-19: Results of a Second, Pilot, Randomized, Controlled and Open-Label Clinical Trial. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:2807-2816. [PMID: 34194240 PMCID: PMC8238537 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s318949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the ongoing global pandemic known as COVID-19. Based on the potential antiviral role of quercetin, and on its described anti-blood clotting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, we hypothesize that subjects with mild COVID-19 treated with Quercetin Phytosome® (QP), a novel bioavailable form of quercetin, may have a shorter time to virus clearance, a milder symptomatology, and higher probabilities of a benign earlier resolution of the disease. Methods In our 2-week, randomized, open-label, and controlled clinical study, we have enrolled 42 COVID-19 outpatients. Twenty-one have been treated with the standard of care (SC), and 21 with QP as add-on supplementation to the SC. Our main aims were to check virus clearance and symptoms. Results The interim results reveal that after 1 week of treatment, 16 patients of the QP group were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 and 12 patients had all their symptoms diminished; in the SC group, 2 patients were tested SARS-CoV-2 negative and 4 patients had their symptoms partially improved. By 2 weeks, the remaining 5 patients of the QP group tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, whereas in the SC group out of 19 remaining patients, 17 tested negatives by week 2, one tested negative by week 3 and one patient, still positive, expired by day 20. Concerning blood parameters, the add on therapy with QP, reduced LDH (−35.5%), Ferritin (−40%), CRP (−54.8%) and D-dimer (−11.9%). Conclusion QP statistically shortens the timing of molecular test conversion from positive to negative, reducing at the same time symptoms severity and negative predictors of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Pierro
- Scientific & Research Department, Velleja Research, Milan, Italy.,Digestive Endoscopy, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Somia Iqtadar
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Khan
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sami Ullah Mumtaz
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Derosa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pamela Maffioli
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Saeed Khan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Pawar A, Pal A, Goswami K, Squitti R, Rongiolettie M. Molecular basis of quercetin as a plausible common denominator of macrophage-cholesterol-fenofibrate dependent potential COVID-19 treatment axis. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021; 3:100148. [PMID: 34150487 PMCID: PMC8196513 DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The world's largest randomized control trial against COVID-19 using remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and interferon-β1a appeared to have little or no effect on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This has again led to search for alternate re-purposed drugs and/or effective “add-on” nutritional supplementation, which can complement or enhance the therapeutic effect of re-purposed drug. Focus has been shifted to therapeutic targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which includes specific enzymes and regulators of lipid metabolism. Very recently, fenofibrate (cholesterol-lowering drug), suppressed the SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis by affecting the pathways of lipid metabolism in lung cells of COVID-19 patients. A preclinical study has shown synergistic effect of quercetin (a flavonoid) and fenofibrate in reducing the cholesterol content, which might be useful in COVID-19 treatment. Based on the scientific literature, use of quercetin and fenofibrate in COVID-19 seems meaningful in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, and warrants basic, experimental and clinical studies. In this article, we have summarized the contemporary findings about drug fenofibrate and its effect on membrane synthesis of COVID-19 virus along with emphasizing on possible synergistic effects of quercetin with fenofibrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Pawar
- Department of Zoology, DAV University, Jalandhar 144012, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Pal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani 741245, West Bengal, India
| | - Kalyan Goswami
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani 741245, West Bengal, India
| | - Rosanna Squitti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mauro Rongiolettie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research and Development Division, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy
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Gediz Erturk A, Sahin A, Bati Ay E, Pelit E, Bagdatli E, Kulu I, Gul M, Mesci S, Eryilmaz S, Oba Ilter S, Yildirim T. A Multidisciplinary Approach to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Molecules 2021; 26:3526. [PMID: 34207756 PMCID: PMC8228528 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, humanity has faced an important global threat. Many studies have been published on the origin, structure, and mechanism of action of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the treatment of its disease. The priority of scientists all over the world has been to direct their time to research this subject. In this review, we highlight chemical studies and therapeutic approaches to overcome COVID-19 with seven different sections. These sections are the structure and mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2, immunotherapy and vaccine, computer-aided drug design, repurposing therapeutics for COVID-19, synthesis of new molecular structures against COVID-19, food safety/security and functional food components, and potential natural products against COVID-19. In this work, we aimed to screen all the newly synthesized compounds, repurposing chemicals covering antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic, anticancer, antipsychotic, and antihistamine compounds against COVID-19. We also highlight computer-aided approaches to develop an anti-COVID-19 molecule. We explain that some phytochemicals and dietary supplements have been identified as antiviral bioproducts, which have almost been successfully tested against COVID-19. In addition, we present immunotherapy types, targets, immunotherapy and inflammation/mutations of the virus, immune response, and vaccine issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliye Gediz Erturk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Altınordu, Ordu 52200, Turkey;
| | - Arzu Sahin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences—Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Uşak University, 1-EylulUşak 64000, Turkey;
| | - Ebru Bati Ay
- Department of Plant and Animal Production, Suluova Vocational School, Amasya University, Suluova, Amasya 05100, Turkey;
| | - Emel Pelit
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kırklareli University, Kırklareli 39000, Turkey;
| | - Emine Bagdatli
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Altınordu, Ordu 52200, Turkey;
| | - Irem Kulu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli 41400, Turkey;
| | - Melek Gul
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Amasya University, Ipekkoy, Amasya 05100, Turkey
| | - Seda Mesci
- Scientific Technical Application and Research Center, Hitit University, Çorum 19030, Turkey;
| | - Serpil Eryilmaz
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Amasya University, Ipekkoy, Amasya 05100, Turkey;
| | - Sirin Oba Ilter
- Food Processing Department, Suluova Vocational School, Amasya University, Suluova, Amasya 05100, Turkey;
| | - Tuba Yildirim
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Amasya University, Ipekkoy, Amasya 05100, Turkey;
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Di Pierro F, Derosa G, Maffioli P, Bertuccioli A, Togni S, Riva A, Allegrini P, Khan A, Khan S, Khan BA, Altaf N, Zahid M, Ujjan ID, Nigar R, Khushk MI, Phulpoto M, Lail A, Devrajani BR, Ahmed S. Possible Therapeutic Effects of Adjuvant Quercetin Supplementation Against Early-Stage COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Open-Label Study. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:2359-2366. [PMID: 34135619 PMCID: PMC8197660 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s318720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quercetin, a well-known naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently been shown by molecular docking, in vitro and in vivo studies to be a possible anti-COVID-19 candidate. Quercetin has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties, and it is characterized by a very high safety profile, exerted in animals and in humans. Like most other polyphenols, quercetin shows a very low rate of oral absorption and its clinical use is considered by most of modest utility. Quercetin in a delivery-food grade system with sunflower phospholipids (Quercetin Phytosome®, QP) increases its oral absorption up to 20-fold. Methods In the present prospective, randomized, controlled, and open-label study, a daily dose of 1000 mg of QP was investigated for 30 days in 152 COVID-19 outpatients to disclose its adjuvant effect in treating the early symptoms and in preventing the severe outcomes of the disease. Results The results revealed a reduction in frequency and length of hospitalization, in need of non-invasive oxygen therapy, in progression to intensive care units and in number of deaths. The results also confirmed the very high safety profile of quercetin and suggested possible anti-fatigue and pro-appetite properties. Conclusion QP is a safe agent and in combination with standard care, when used in early stage of viral infection, could aid in improving the early symptoms and help in preventing the severity of COVID-19 disease. It is suggested that a double-blind, placebo-controlled study should be urgently carried out to confirm the results of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Pierro
- Scientific & Research Department, Velleja Research, Milan, Italy.,Digestive Endoscopy, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Derosa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pamela Maffioli
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Togni
- Indena Research and Development Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Indena Research and Development Department, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Amjad Khan
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Khan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Ahmad Khan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naireen Altaf
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maria Zahid
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Din Ujjan
- Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Roohi Nigar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Imam Khushk
- Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Phulpoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Amanullah Lail
- Department of Paediatric Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bikha Ram Devrajani
- Department of Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Sagheer Ahmed
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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6
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Fakhri S, Piri S, Majnooni MB, Farzaei MH, Echeverría J. Targeting Neurological Manifestations of Coronaviruses by Candidate Phytochemicals: A Mechanistic Approach. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:621099. [PMID: 33708124 PMCID: PMC7941749 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.621099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made a wide range of manifestations. In this regard, growing evidence is focusing on COVID-19 neurological associations; however, there is a lack of established pathophysiological mechanisms and related treatments. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was conducted, using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, along with the author's expertize in COVID-19 associated neuronal signaling pathways. Besides, potential phytochemicals have been provided against neurological signs of COVID-19. Considering a high homology among SARS-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2, revealing their precise pathophysiological mechanisms seems to pave the road for the treatment of COVID-19 neural manifestations. There is a complex pathophysiological mechanism behind central manifestations of COVID-19, including pain, hypo/anosmia, delirium, impaired consciousness, pyramidal signs, and ischemic stroke. Among those dysregulated neuronal mechanisms, neuroinflammation, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/spike proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and protease are of special attention. So, employing multi-target therapeutic agents with considerable safety and efficacy seems to show a bright future in fighting COVID-19 neurological manifestations. Nowadays, natural secondary metabolites are highlighted as potential multi-target phytochemicals in combating several complications of COVID-19. In this review, central pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2 has been provided. Besides, in terms of pharmacological mechanisms, phytochemicals have been introduced as potential multi-target agents in combating COVID-19 central nervous system complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sana Piri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Seoane R, Vidal S, Bouzaher YH, El Motiam A, Rivas C. The Interaction of Viruses with the Cellular Senescence Response. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E455. [PMID: 33317104 PMCID: PMC7764305 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is viewed as a mechanism to prevent malignant transformation, but when it is chronic, as occurs in age-related diseases, it may have adverse effects on cancer. Therefore, targeting senescent cells is a novel therapeutic strategy against senescence-associated diseases. In addition to its role in cancer protection, cellular senescence is also considered a mechanism to control virus replication. Both interferon treatment and some viral infections can trigger cellular senescence as a way to restrict virus replication. However, activation of the cellular senescence program is linked to the alteration of different pathways, which can be exploited by some viruses to improve their replication. It is, therefore, important to understand the potential impact of senolytic agents on viral propagation. Here we focus on the relationship between virus and cellular senescence and the reported effects of senolytic compounds on virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Seoane
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (R.S.); (S.V.); (Y.H.B.); (A.E.M.)
| | - Santiago Vidal
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (R.S.); (S.V.); (Y.H.B.); (A.E.M.)
| | - Yanis Hichem Bouzaher
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (R.S.); (S.V.); (Y.H.B.); (A.E.M.)
| | - Ahmed El Motiam
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (R.S.); (S.V.); (Y.H.B.); (A.E.M.)
| | - Carmen Rivas
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (R.S.); (S.V.); (Y.H.B.); (A.E.M.)
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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