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Costa B, Vale N. Virus-Induced Epilepsy vs. Epilepsy Patients Acquiring Viral Infection: Unravelling the Complex Relationship for Precision Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3730. [PMID: 38612542 PMCID: PMC11011490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate relationship between viruses and epilepsy involves a bidirectional interaction. Certain viruses can induce epilepsy by infecting the brain, leading to inflammation, damage, or abnormal electrical activity. Conversely, epilepsy patients may be more susceptible to viral infections due to factors, such as compromised immune systems, anticonvulsant drugs, or surgical interventions. Neuroinflammation, a common factor in both scenarios, exhibits onset, duration, intensity, and consequence variations. It can modulate epileptogenesis, increase seizure susceptibility, and impact anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics, immune system function, and brain physiology. Viral infections significantly impact the clinical management of epilepsy patients, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach encompassing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both conditions. We delved into the dual dynamics of viruses inducing epilepsy and epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, examining the unique features of each case. For virus-induced epilepsy, we specify virus types, elucidate mechanisms of epilepsy induction, emphasize neuroinflammation's impact, and analyze its effects on anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Conversely, in epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, we detail the acquired virus, its interaction with existing epilepsy, neuroinflammation effects, and changes in anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Understanding this interplay advances precision therapies for epilepsy during viral infections, providing mechanistic insights, identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and supporting optimized dosing regimens. However, further studies are crucial to validate tools, discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and evaluate targeted therapy safety and efficacy in diverse epilepsy and viral infection scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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2
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Wasilewicz A, Bojkova D, Beniddir MA, Cinatl J, Rabenau HF, Grienke U, Rollinger JM, Kirchweger B. Molecular networking unveils anti-SARS-CoV-2 constituents from traditionally used remedies. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 319:117206. [PMID: 37783406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Plants and fungi have a long tradition in ethnopharmacology for the treatment of infectious diseases including viruses. Many of these natural products have also been used to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections or symptoms of the post- and long-COVID form, owing to the scarcity of clinically approved therapeutics. AIM OF THE STUDY The ongoing threat posed by SARS-CoV-2, along with the rapidly evolving new variants, requires the development of new antiviral compounds. The aim of this study was to identify anti-SARS-CoV-2 herbal and fungal extracts used in traditional medicine against acute respiratory infection, inflammation, and related symptoms. Additionally, we sought to characterize their bioactive constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antiviral activity and cell cytotoxicity of 179 herbal and fungal extracts were evaluated using two SARS-CoV-2 infection assays in Caco-2 cells. 19 plant extracts with and without anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity underwent detailed dereplication using molecular networking. RESULTS Extracts from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels roots, Annona squamosa L. seeds, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. fruits, Buddleja officinalis Maxim. flowers, Burkea africana Hook. bark and Clinopodium menthifolium (Host) Stace aerial parts showed a potent anti SARS-CoV-2 activity (IC50 < 5 μg/ml) with only moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 > 60 μg/ml, Caco-2). By performing the dereplication with a bioactivity-featured molecular network (MN) on the extract library level, rather than on the level of individual extracts, we could pinpoint compounds characteristic for active extracts. Thus, a straight-forward identification of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 natural compounds was achieved prior to any fractionation or isolation efforts. CONCLUSIONS A sophisticated hyphenation of empirical knowledge with MS-based bioinformatics and automated compound annotation was applied to decipher the chemical space of the investigated extracts. The correlation with experimentally assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities helped in predicting compound classes and structural elements relevant for the antiviral activities. Consequently, this accelerated the identification of constituents from the investigated mixtures with inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wasilewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Denisa Bojkova
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straβe 40, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Mehdi A Beniddir
- Équipe Chimie des Substances Naturelles, BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400, Orsay, France.
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straβe 40, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Holger F Rabenau
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straβe 40, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Grienke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Benjamin Kirchweger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Mandova T, Saivish MV, Menezes GDL, Bezerra KS, Fulco UL, da Silva RA, Da Costa FB, Nogueira ML. Antiviral Activity and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Hops Compounds against Oropouche Virus ( Peribunyaviridae). Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2769. [PMID: 38140109 PMCID: PMC10747393 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Oropouche virus (OROV) is a member of the family Peribunyaviridae (order Bunyavirales) and the cause of a dengue-like febrile illness transmitted mainly by biting midges and mosquitoes. In this study, we aimed to explore acylphloroglucinols and xanthohumol from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) as a promising alternative for antiviral therapies. The evaluation of the inhibitory potential of hops compounds on the viral cycle of OROV was performed through two complementary approaches. The first approach applies cell-based assay post-inoculation experiments to explore the inhibitory potential on the latest steps of the viral cycle, such as genome translation, replication, virion assembly, and virion release from the cells. The second part covers in silico methods evaluating the ability of those compounds to inhibit the activity of the endonuclease domain, which is essential for transcription, binding, and cleaving RNA. In conclusion, the beta acids showed strongest inhibitory potential in post-treatment assay (EC50 = 26.7 µg/mL). Xanthohumol had the highest affinity for OROV endonuclease followed by colupulone and cohumulone. This result contrasts with that observed for docking and MM/PBSA analysis, where cohumulone was found to have a higher affinity. Finally, among the three tested ligands, Lys92 and Arg33 exhibited the highest affinity with the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetelina Mandova
- AsterBioChem Research Team, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-020, SP, Brazil
- Gilson Purification, 22 rue Bourseul, 56890 Saint Avé, France
| | - Marielena Vogel Saivish
- Laboratórios de Pesquisas em Virologia, Departamento de Doenças Dermatológicas, Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil; (M.V.S.)
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-100, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela de Lima Menezes
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Programa de Pós Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, RN, Brazil; (G.d.L.M.); (U.L.F.)
| | - Katyanna Sales Bezerra
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Programa de Pós Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, RN, Brazil; (G.d.L.M.); (U.L.F.)
| | - Umberto Laino Fulco
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Programa de Pós Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-400, RN, Brazil; (G.d.L.M.); (U.L.F.)
| | | | - Fernando Batista Da Costa
- AsterBioChem Research Team, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-020, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
- Laboratórios de Pesquisas em Virologia, Departamento de Doenças Dermatológicas, Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil; (M.V.S.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Miranda-Vera C, Hernández ÁP, García-García P, Díez D, García PA, Castro MÁ. Podophyllotoxin: Recent Advances in the Development of Hybridization Strategies to Enhance Its Antitumoral Profile. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2728. [PMID: 38140069 PMCID: PMC10747284 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Podophyllotoxin is a naturally occurring cyclolignan isolated from rhizomes of Podophyllum sp. In the clinic, it is used mainly as an antiviral; however, its antitumor activity is even more interesting. While podophyllotoxin possesses severe side effects that limit its development as an anticancer agent, nevertheless, it has become a good lead compound for the synthesis of derivatives with fewer side effects and better selectivity. Several examples, such as etoposide, highlight the potential of this natural product for chemomodulation in the search for new antitumor agents. This review focuses on the recent chemical modifications (2017-mid-2023) of the podophyllotoxin skeleton performed mainly at the C-ring (but also at the lactone D-ring and at the trimethoxyphenyl E-ring) together with their biological properties. Special emphasis is placed on hybrids or conjugates with other natural products (either primary or secondary metabolites) and other molecules (heterocycles, benzoheterocycles, synthetic drugs, and other moieties) that contribute to improved podophyllotoxin bioactivity. In fact, hybridization has been a good strategy to design podophyllotoxin derivatives with enhanced bioactivity. The way in which the two components are joined (directly or through spacers) was also considered for the organization of this review. This comprehensive perspective is presented with the aim of guiding the medicinal chemistry community in the design of new podophyllotoxin-based drugs with improved anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Miranda-Vera
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.M.-V.); (Á.P.H.); (P.G.-G.); (P.A.G.)
| | - Ángela Patricia Hernández
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.M.-V.); (Á.P.H.); (P.G.-G.); (P.A.G.)
| | - Pilar García-García
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.M.-V.); (Á.P.H.); (P.G.-G.); (P.A.G.)
| | - David Díez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Pablo Anselmo García
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.M.-V.); (Á.P.H.); (P.G.-G.); (P.A.G.)
| | - María Ángeles Castro
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, CIETUS, IBSAL, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.M.-V.); (Á.P.H.); (P.G.-G.); (P.A.G.)
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Percaccio E, De Angelis M, Acquaviva A, Nicotra G, Ferrante C, Mazzanti G, Di Giacomo S, Nencioni L, Di Sotto A. ECHOPvir: A Mixture of Echinacea and Hop Extracts Endowed with Cytoprotective, Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Properties. Nutrients 2023; 15:4380. [PMID: 37892456 PMCID: PMC10609862 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections continue to pose significant challenges, particularly for more susceptible and immunocompromised individuals. Nutraceutical strategies have been proposed as promising strategies to mitigate their impact and improve public health. In the present study, we developed a mixture of two hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (ECP) and the cones of Humulus lupulus L. (HOP) that can be harnessed in the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory diseases. The ECP/HOP mixture (named ECHOPvir) was characterized for the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties in airway cells. Moreover, the immunomodulating properties of the mixture in murine macrophages against antioxidant and inflammatory stimuli and its antiviral efficacy against the PR8/H1N1 influenza virus were assayed. The modulation of the Nrf2 was also investigated as a mechanistic hypothesis. The ECP/HOP mixture showed a promising multitarget bioactivity profile, with combined cytoprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulating and antiviral activities, likely due to the peculiar phytocomplexes of both ECP and HOP, and often potentiated the effect of the single extracts. The Nrf2 activation seemed to trigger these cytoprotective properties and suggest a possible usefulness in counteracting the damage caused by different stressors, including viral infection. Further studies may strengthen the interest in this product and underpin its future nutraceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Percaccio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (L.N.)
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Acquaviva
- Department of Pharmacy, Botanic Garden “Giardino dei Semplici”, Università degli Studi “Gabriele d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.A.); (C.F.)
| | | | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, Botanic Garden “Giardino dei Semplici”, Università degli Studi “Gabriele d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.A.); (C.F.)
| | - Gabriela Mazzanti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (G.M.)
- Unit of Human Nutrition and Health, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (L.N.)
| | - Antonella Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (G.M.)
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Ginting B, Chiari W, Duta TF, Hudaa S, Purnama A, Harapan H, Rizki DR, Puspita K, Idroes R, Meriatna M, Iqhrammullah M. COVID-19 pandemic sheds a new research spotlight on antiviral potential of essential oils - A bibliometric study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17703. [PMID: 37456016 PMCID: PMC10338973 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Essential oils are thought as potential therapies in managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many researchers have put their efforts to tackle the pandemic by exploring antiviral candidates which consequently changes the research landscape. Herein, we aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic toward the landscape of essential oil research. Methods This study employed bibliometric analysis based on the metadata of published literature indexed in the Scopus database. The search was performed on December 15th, 2022 by using keyword 'essential oil' and its synonyms. We grouped the data based on publication year; pre-COVID-19 (2014-2019) and during COVID-19 (2020-2024, some studies have been published earlier). Further, we separated the COVID-19-focused research from COVID-19 (2020-2024) by introducing a new keyword 'COVID-19' during the search. All metadata were processed using VoSviewer and Biblioshiny for network visualization analysis. Selections of frequently occurring keywords, clusters of keyword co-occurrence, and the list of most impactful papers were performed by two independent reviewers. Results Metadata from a total of 35,262 publications were included for bibliometric analysis, comprised of three groups of datasets namely pre-COVID-19 (n = 18,670), COVID-19 (n = 16,592), and COVID-19-focused (n = 281). Five research topics clusters were found from pre-COVID-19 dataset, eight - from COVID-19 dataset, and nine - from COVID-19-focused dataset. COVID-19 cluster containing the keyword 'antiviral' emerged in the COVID-19 dataset, whereas none of the previous research topic clusters contained the keyword 'antiviral'. Antiviral, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibitory, and anti-inflammation activities were among the top occurring keywords in studies covering both essential oil and COVID-19. Studies on essential oil used for managing COVID-19 were most reported by authors from the United States (documents = 37, citations = 405), Australia (documents = 16, citations = 115) and Italy (documents = 23, citations = 366). Conclusion A significant increase was found during COVID-19 pandemic for publications covering essential oil themes, but only a small portion was occupied by COVID-19 research. The COVID-19 pandemic does not alter the ongoing progress of essential oil research but rather offers a new spotlight on the antiviral potential of essential oils. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to investigate deeper the antiviral potential of essential oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binawati Ginting
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Williams Chiari
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Innovative Sustainability Lab, PT. Biham Riset dan Edukasi, Banda Aceh, 23243, Indonesia
| | - Teuku Fais Duta
- Innovative Sustainability Lab, PT. Biham Riset dan Edukasi, Banda Aceh, 23243, Indonesia
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Syihaabul Hudaa
- Department of Management, Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Ahmad Dahlan Jakarta, Banten, 15419, Indonesia
| | - Agnia Purnama
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Innovative Sustainability Lab, PT. Biham Riset dan Edukasi, Banda Aceh, 23243, Indonesia
| | - Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Diva Rayyan Rizki
- Innovative Sustainability Lab, PT. Biham Riset dan Edukasi, Banda Aceh, 23243, Indonesia
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Kana Puspita
- Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Rinaldi Idroes
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Meriatna Meriatna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh Utara, 24355, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Iqhrammullah
- Innovative Sustainability Lab, PT. Biham Riset dan Edukasi, Banda Aceh, 23243, Indonesia
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Aceh, Banda Aceh, 23245, Indonesia
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Akter R, Rahman MR, Ahmed ZS, Afrose A. Plausibility of natural immunomodulators in the treatment of COVID-19-A comprehensive analysis and future recommendations. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17478. [PMID: 37366526 PMCID: PMC10284624 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of several vaccines and some special drugs approved for emergency use to prevent or treat this disease still, there is a huge concern regarding their effectiveness, adverse effects, and most importantly, their efficacy against the new variants. A cascade of immune-inflammatory responses is involved with the pathogenesis and severe complications with COVID-19. People with dysfunctional and compromised immune systems display severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, multiple organ failure etc., when they get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Plant-derived natural immune-suppressant compounds, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, luteolin, etc., have been reported to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, natural products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential could be plausible targets to treat this contagious disease. This review aims to delineate the clinical trials status and outcomes of natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential in COVID-19 patients along with the outcomes of their in-vivo studies. In clinical trials several natural immunomodulators resulted in significant improvement of COVID-19 patients by diminishing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and breathlessness. Most importantly, they reduced the duration of hospitalization and the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, especially weakness, and eliminated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This paper also discusses many potent natural immunomodulators yet to undergo clinical trials. In-vivo studies with natural immunomodulators demonstrated reduction of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines. Natural immunomodulators that were found effective, safe, and well tolerated in small-scale clinical trials are warranted to undergo large-scale trials to be used as drugs to treat COVID-19 infections. Alongside, compounds yet to test clinically must undergo clinical trials to find their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raushanara Akter
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rashidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Zainab Syed Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afrina Afrose
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Mali A, Franci G, Zannella C, Chianese A, Anthiya S, López-Estévez AM, Monti A, De Filippis A, Doti N, Alonso MJ, Galdiero M. Antiviral Peptides Delivered by Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles to Neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1621. [PMID: 37376070 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that there is a crucial need for the design and development of antiviral agents that can efficiently reduce the fatality rate caused by infectious diseases. The fact that coronavirus mainly enters through the nasal epithelial cells and spreads through the nasal passage makes the nasal delivery of antiviral agents a promising strategy not only to reduce viral infection but also its transmission. Peptides are emerging as powerful candidates for antiviral treatments, showing not only a strong antiviral activity, but also improved safety, efficacy, and higher specificity against viral pathogens. Based on our previous experience on the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles to deliver peptides intra-nasally the current study aimed to explore the delivery of two-novel antiviral peptides making use of nanoparticles consisting of HA/CS and DS/CS. The antiviral peptides were chemically synthesized, and the optimal conditions for encapsulating them were selected through a combination of physical entrapment and chemical conjugation using HA/CS and DS/CS nanocomplexes. Finally, we evaluated the in vitro neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 for potential use as prophylaxis or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Mali
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Shubaash Anthiya
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana M López-Estévez
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy
- CIRPEB, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy
- CIRPEB, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - María José Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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9
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Risener CJ, Woo S, Samarakoon T, Caputo M, Edwards E, Klepzig K, Applequist W, Zandi K, Goh SL, Downs-Bowen JA, Schinazi RF, Quave CL. Botanical inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry: a phylogenetic perspective. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1244. [PMID: 36690683 PMCID: PMC9868516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28303-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the use of botanical dietary supplements in the United States has increased, yet their safety and efficacy against COVID-19 remains underexplored. The Quave Natural Product Library is a phylogenetically diverse collection of botanical and fungal natural product extracts including popular supplement ingredients. Evaluation of 1867 extracts and 18 compounds for virus spike protein binding to host cell ACE2 receptors in a SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus system identified 310 extracts derived from 188 species across 76 families (3 fungi, 73 plants) that exhibited ≥ 50% viral entry inhibition activity at 20 µg/mL. Extracts exhibiting mammalian cytotoxicity > 15% and those containing cardiotoxic cardiac glycosides were eliminated. Three extracts were selected for further testing against four pseudotyped variants and infectious SARS-CoV-2 and were then further chemically characterized, revealing the potent (EC50 < 5 µg/mL) antiviral activity of Solidago altissima L. (Asteraceae) flowers and Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (Dennstaedtiaceae) rhizomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin J Risener
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sunmin Woo
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Marco Caputo
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily Edwards
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Keivan Zandi
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shu Ling Goh
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica A Downs-Bowen
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassandra L Quave
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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10
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Pitakbut T, Nguyen GN, Kayser O. Activity of THC, CBD, and CBN on Human ACE2 and SARS-CoV1/2 Main Protease to Understand Antiviral Defense Mechanism. Planta Med 2022; 88:1047-1059. [PMID: 34638139 DOI: 10.1055/a-1581-3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
THC, CBD, and CBN were reported as promising candidates against SARS-CoV2 infection, but the mechanism of action of these three cannabinoids is not understood. This study aims to determine the mechanism of action of THC, CBD, and CBN by selecting two essential targets that directly affect the coronavirus infections as viral main proteases and human angiotensin-converting enzyme2. Tested THC and CBD presented a dual-action action against both selected targets. Only CBD acted as a potent viral main protease inhibitor at the IC50 value of 1.86 ± 0.04 µM and exhibited only moderate activity against human angiotensin-converting enzyme2 at the IC50 value of 14.65 ± 0.47 µM. THC acted as a moderate inhibitor against both viral main protease and human angiotensin-converting enzymes2 at the IC50 value of 16.23 ± 1.71 µM and 11.47 ± 3.60 µM, respectively. Here, we discuss cannabinoid-associated antiviral activity mechanisms based on in silico docking studies and in vitro receptor binding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanet Pitakbut
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Gia-Nam Nguyen
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
- MINDbioscience GmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Oliver Kayser
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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11
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Bourgade K, Frost EH, Dupuis G, Witkowski JM, Laurent B, Calmettes C, Ramassamy C, Desroches M, Rodrigues S, Fülöp T. Interaction Mechanism Between the HSV-1 Glycoprotein B and the Antimicrobial Peptide Amyloid-β. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:599-606. [DOI: 10.3233/adr-220061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Unravelling the mystery of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) requires urgent resolution given the worldwide increase of the aging population. There is a growing concern that the current leading AD hypothesis, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, does not stand up to validation with respect to emerging new data. Indeed, several paradoxes are being discussed in the literature, for instance, both the deposition of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and the intracellular neurofibrillary tangles could occur within the brain without any cognitive pathology. Thus, these paradoxes suggest that something more fundamental is at play in the onset of the disease and other key and related pathomechanisms must be investigated. Objective: The present study follows our previous investigations on the infectious hypothesis, which posits that some pathogens are linked to late onset AD. Our studies also build upon the finding that Aβ is a powerful antimicrobial agent, produced by neurons in response to viral infection, capable of inhibiting pathogens as observed in in vitro experiments. Herein, we ask what are the molecular mechanisms in play when Aβ neutralizes infectious pathogens? Methods: To answer this question, we probed at nanoscale lengths with FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer), the interaction between Aβ peptides and glycoprotein B (responsible of virus-cell binding) within the HSV-1 virion Results: The experiments show an energy transfer between Aβ peptides and glycoprotein B when membrane is intact. No energy transfer occurs after membrane disruption or treatment with blocking antibody. Conclusion: We concluded that Aβ insert into viral membrane, close to glycoprotein B, and participate in virus neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Bourgade
- Research Center on Aging, Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Eric H. Frost
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Dupuis
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate Program in Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jacek M. Witkowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Benoit Laurent
- Research Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Mathieu Desroches
- MathNeuro Team, Inria Sophia Antipolis Méditerranée, France
- Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Serafim Rodrigues
- Ikerbasque, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- BCAM - The Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Tamás Fülöp
- Research Center on Aging, Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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12
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Bizzoca ME, Leuci S, Mignogna MD, Muzio EL, Caponio VCA, Muzio LL. Natural compounds may contribute in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection: a narrative review. Food Sci Hum Wellness 2022; 11:1134-1142. [PMID: 38621001 PMCID: PMC9160299 DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus pandemic infection is the most important health issue worldwide. Coronavirus disease 2019 is a contagious disease characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. To date, excluding the possibility of vaccination, against SARS-CoV-2 infection it is possible to act only with supportive care and non-virus-specific treatments in order to improve the patient's symptoms. Pharmaceutical industry is investigating effects of medicinal plants, phytochemical extracts and aromatic herbs to find out natural substances which may act as antiviral drugs. Several studies have revealed how these substances may interfere with the viral life cycle, viral entry, replication, assembly or discharge, as well as virus-specific host targets or stimulating the host immune system, reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory response. A natural compound can be used as a prophylaxis by people professionally exposed to the risk of contagion and/or positive patients not in intensive care. The aim of this paper is to perform a narrative review of current literature in order to summarize the most studied natural compounds and their modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleonora Bizzoca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Stefania Leuci
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Michele Davide Mignogna
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lo Muzio
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
- C.I.N.B.O. (Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Bio-Oncologia), Chieti 66100, Italy
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13
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Zhou C, Lu M, Cheng J, Rohani ER, Hamezah HS, Han R, Tong X. Review on the Pharmacological Properties of Phillyrin. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27123670. [PMID: 35744798 PMCID: PMC9231344 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phillyrin is an effective lignan glycoside extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (Oleaceae). It mainly exists in the roots, stems, leaves and fruits of the plant, with the highest content in the leaves. In terms of its medicinal application, there are a large number of experimental data proving its pharmacological effects in vitro and in animal models, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-tumor, etc. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic experiments have also shown phillyrin's high effectiveness and low toxicity. Despite more than one thousand studies in the literature on phillyrin retrievable from Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI, few reviews on its pharmacological activities have been presented conclusively. In this paper, we aimed to summarize the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of phillyrin from the current literature, focusing on its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antiviral, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer effects, hoping to come up with new insights for its application as well as future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (C.Z.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Mengya Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (C.Z.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Jialei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (C.Z.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Emelda Rosseleena Rohani
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (E.R.R.); (H.S.H.)
| | - Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (E.R.R.); (H.S.H.)
| | - Rongchun Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (C.Z.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Xiaohui Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-551-6812-9171; Fax: +86-551-6812-9028
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14
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Giera DS, Preisitsch M, Brevard H, Nemetz J. Quantitative Removal of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Essential Oils by the Hydrodistillation Step in Their Manufacturing Process. Planta Med 2022; 88:538-547. [PMID: 34293805 DOI: 10.1055/a-1534-6928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain weeds that can, if accidentally co-harvested, contaminate plant-based food, feed, and herbal medicinal products. Focusing on herbal medicinal products, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is restricted by regulatory prescribed thresholds to assure patient safety. Among the multitude of different herbal active substances utilized in herbal medicinal products, the class of pharmaceutically effective essential oils is considered to exhibit a negligible contribution to pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination. Within the present investigation, this hypothesis should be scientifically scrutinized. For this purpose, an experimental set-up was chosen that reproduces the typical manufacturing step of hydrodistillation. Essential oils of eucalyptus and lemon were selected exemplarily and spiked with 3 representative pyrrolizidine alkaloids (retrorsine, retrorsine-N-oxide, and lycopsamine), whereupon hydrodistillation was performed. Analysis of the resulting distillates by LC-MS/MS proved that artificially added pyrrolizidine alkaloids were removed completely. Moreover, quantitative pyrrolizidine alkaloid recovery in the aqueous phases was observed. Hence, it was experimentally confirmed that herbal medicinal products employing hydrodistilled essential oils of pharmaceutical quality are intrinsically free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids due to the particularities of their manufacturing process. Furthermore, it can be concluded from theoretical considerations that essential oils produced by cold pressing have a negligible risk of carrying pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination. Our findings provide a strong indication that the requirement for analytical pyrrolizidine alkaloid testing of essential oils for pharmaceutical use should be fundamentally reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Giera
- G. Pohl-Boskamp GmbH & Co. KG, Hohenlockstedt, Germany
| | | | | | - Jörn Nemetz
- G. Pohl-Boskamp GmbH & Co. KG, Hohenlockstedt, Germany
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15
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Ngwe Tun MM, Luvai E, Nwe KM, Toume K, Mizukami S, Hirayama K, Komatsu K, Morita K. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of various PET-bottled Japanese green teas and tea compounds in vitro. Arch Virol 2022. [PMID: 35606466 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05483-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a serious threat to global public health. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants is a significant concern regarding the continued effectiveness of vaccines and antiviral therapeutics. Thus, natural products such as foods, drinks, and other compounds should be investigated for their potential to treat COVID-19. Here, we examined the in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 of various polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-bottled green Japanese teas and tea compounds. Six types of PET-bottled green tea were shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 at half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 121- to 323-fold dilution. Our study revealed for the first time that a variety of PET-bottled Japanese green tea drinks inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dilution-dependent manner. The tea compounds epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate showed virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2, with IC50 values of 6.5 and 12.5 µM, respectively. The investigated teas and tea compounds inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by the viral RNA levels and infectious titers. Furthermore, the green teas and EGCG showed significant inhibition at the entry and post-entry stages of the viral life cycle and inhibited the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL-protease. These findings indicate that green tea drinks and tea compounds are potentially useful in prophylaxis and COVID-19 treatment.
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16
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Eggers M, Jungke P, Wolkinger V, Bauer R, Kessler U, Frank B. Antiviral activity of plant juices and green tea against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2109-2115. [PMID: 35229364 PMCID: PMC9111003 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses pose a significant threat to global health. They initially infect the naso- and oropharyngeal regions, where they amplify, cause symptoms, and may also be transmitted to new hosts. Preventing initial infection or reducing viral loads upon infection might soothe symptoms, prevent dissemination into the lower airways, or transmission to the next individual. Several natural products have well-described direct antiviral activity or may ameliorate symptoms of respiratory infections. We thus analyzed the potential of plant-derived products to inactivate respiratory viral pathogens and determined the antiviral activity of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpae [Michx.] Elliott), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice, as well as green tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] Kuntze) on the infectivity of the surrogate-modified vaccinia virus Ankara, and the respiratory viruses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (IAV), and adenovirus Type 5. Black chokeberry and pomegranate juice, and green tea reduced SARS-CoV-2 and IAV titers by ≥80% or ≥99%. This suggests that oral rinsing with these products may reduce viral loads in the oral cavity which might prevent viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Eggers
- VirologieLabor Prof. Dr. G. Enders MVZ GbRStuttgartGermany
| | - Peggy Jungke
- Technische Universität DresdenMedical Faculty Carl Gustav CarusDresdenGermany
| | - Volker Wolkinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Rudolf Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Uwe Kessler
- General management / R&DCogniVerde GmbHIm Oberen Rech 10Groß‐UmstadtGermany
| | - Bruno Frank
- General management / R&DCogniVerde GmbHIm Oberen Rech 10Groß‐UmstadtGermany
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17
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Khattab AR, Teleb M. In silico discovery of non-psychoactive scaffolds in Cannabis halting SARS-CoV-2 host entry and replication machinery. Future Virol 2022; 0. [PMID: 35399958 PMCID: PMC8982993 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Coronavirus disease still poses a global health threat which advocates continuous research efforts to develop effective therapeutics. Materials & methods: We screened out an array of 29 cannabis phytoligands for their viral spike-ACE2 complex and main protease (Mpro) inhibitory actions by in silico modeling to explore their possible dual viral entry and replication machinery inhibition. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters (ADMET) formulating drug-likeness were computed. Results: Among the studied phytoligands, cannabigerolic acid (2), cannabigerol (8), and its acid methyl ether (3) possessed the highest binding affinities to SARS-CoV-hACE2 complex essential for viral entry. Canniprene (24), cannabigerolic methyl ether (3) and cannabichromene (9) were the most promising Mpro inhibitors. Conclusion: These non-psychoactive cannabinoids could represent plausible therapeutics with added-prophylactic value as they halt both viral entry and replication machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira R Khattab
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Alexandria, 1029, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Teleb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
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18
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Kicker E, Tittel G, Schaller T, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Zatloukal K, Bauer R. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity of polyphenols in a special green tea extract preparation. Phytomedicine 2022; 98:153970. [PMID: 35144138 PMCID: PMC8801126 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to threaten our health care systems in the next years. In addition to vaccination there is a need for effective tools for prevention and treatment. Products from natural sources, like standardized plant extracts offer a wide range of antiviral effects and possible applications. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate, whether a sorbitol/lecithin-based throat spray containing concentrated green tea extract (sGTE) interacts with SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and additionally is capable to block the virus replication. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The antiviral effect was studied in a VeroE6 cell culture model, including concentration/effect correlations and the biological mechanism of virus blockade, using the Wuhan type of SARS CoV-2 as well as its beta- and delta-mutations. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative tannin profile present on the oral mucosa after spray application has been investigated by LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analyses of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and related catechin derivatives. RESULTS The findings of this study demonstrate, that sGTE has strong neutralizing activity on SARS-CoV-2 resulting in an up to 6,3E+04-fold reduction of infectivity independent from the strain. The type of interaction of sGTE with surface proteins seems to be direct and non-specific concerning the viral surface protein structures and resembles the general non-specific activity of polyphenols. By HPLC-DAD analysis, eight catechins were identified in sGTE, with EGCG and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate as the most abundant ones. The total content of catechin derivatives, calculated as catechin, was 76 g/100 g. LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analyses of throat swabs after application of a sGTE spray have shown that the concentrations of green tea tannins in the pharyngeal mucosa are higher than the effective dose found in the in vitro studies with SARS-CoV-2, even 1 h after the last application. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that sGTE has strong neutralizing activity on SARS-CoV-2 independent from the strain (Wuhan strain, beta- or delta-variants). sGTE might be relevant for reduction of corresponding viral infections when periodically applied to mouth and throat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kicker
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerolf Tittel
- Phytovisions GmbH & Co. KG, Karwendelstrasse 29, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Tanja Schaller
- Dronania pharmaceuticals GmbH, Karl- Benz- Strasse 3, 86825 Bad Woerishofen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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19
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Ivanova N, Sotirova Y, Gavrailov G, Nikolova K, Andonova V. Advances in the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Infections by the Nasal and the Oromucosal Route: Relevance to the Fight with the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:530. [PMID: 35335905 PMCID: PMC8953301 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this time of COVID-19 pandemic, the strategies for prevention of the infection are a primary concern. Looking more globally on the subject and acknowledging the high degree of misuse of protective face masks from the population, we focused this review on alternative pharmaceutical developments eligible for self-defense against respiratory infections. In particular, the attention herein is directed to the nasal and oromucosal formulations intended to boost the local immunity, neutralize or mechanically “trap” the pathogens at the site of entry (nose or mouth). The current work presents a critical review of the contemporary methods of immune- and chemoprophylaxis and their suitability and applicability in topical mucosal dosage forms for SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis.
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Baldim I, Oliveira AM, Souto EB, Oliveira WP. Cyclodextrins-in-Liposomes: A Promising Delivery System for Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oils. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:95. [PMID: 35054487 DOI: 10.3390/life12010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological activity of essential oils (EOs) has been extensively reported; however, their low aqueous solubility, high photosensitivity, and volatility compromise a broad industrial use of these compounds. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a nanoencapsulation approach to protect EOs, that aims to increase their stability and modulate their release profile. In this study, drug-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposomes encapsulating two essential oils (Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum) and their respective major compounds (thymol and eugenol) were produced by ethanol injection and freeze-dried to form proliposomes and further physicochemically characterized. Liposomes showed high physical stability over one month of storage at 4 °C, with slight changes in the mean size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Reconstituted proliposomes showed a mean size between 350 and 3300 nm, PDI from 0.29 to 0.41, and zeta potential between -22 and -26 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction of proliposomes revealed a less-ordered crystalline structure, leading to high retention of the major bioactive compounds (between 73% and 93% for eugenol, and 74% and 84% for thymol). This work highlights the advantages of using drug-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposomes as delivery systems to retain volatile compounds, increasing their physicochemical stability and their promising potential to be utilized as carriers in products in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
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21
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Chen Z, Chen J, Wei X, Hua H, Hu R, Ding N, Zhang J, Song D, Ye Y, Tang Y, Ding Z, Ke S. Antiviral Activities of Carbazole Derivatives against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus In Vitro. Viruses 2021; 13:2527. [PMID: 34960796 DOI: 10.3390/v13122527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), an enteric coronavirus, causes neonatal pig acute gastrointestinal infection with a characterization of severe diarrhea, vomiting, high morbidity, and high mortality, resulting in tremendous damages to the swine industry. Neither specific antiviral drugs nor effective vaccines are available, posing a high priority to screen antiviral drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate anti-PEDV effects of carbazole alkaloid derivatives. Eighteen carbazole derivatives (No.1 to No.18) were synthesized, and No.5, No.7, and No.18 were identified to markedly reduce the replication of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) inserted-PEDV, and the mRNA level of PEDV N. Flow cytometry assay, coupled with CCK8 assay, confirmed No.7 and No.18 carbazole derivatives displayed high inhibition effects with low cell toxicity. Furthermore, time course analysis indicated No.7 and No.18 carbazole derivatives exerted inhibition at the early stage of the viral life cycle. Collectively, the analysis underlines the benefit of carbazole derivatives as potential inhibitors of PEDV, and provides candidates for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
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Li S, Ye M, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Li J, Liu W, Li H, Peng K. Screening of a Small Molecule Compound Library Identifies Toosendanin as an Inhibitor Against Bunyavirus and SARS-CoV-2. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:735223. [PMID: 34858173 PMCID: PMC8632254 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.735223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus causing serious infectious disease with a high case-fatality of up to 50% in severe cases. Currently, no effective drug has been approved for the treatment of SFTSV infection. Here, we performed a high-throughput screening of a natural extracts library for compounds with activities against SFTSV infection. Three hit compounds, notoginsenoside Ft1, punicalin, and toosendanin were identified for displaying high anti-SFTSV efficacy, in which, toosendanin showed the highest inhibition potency. Mechanistic investigation indicated that toosendanin inhibited SFTSV infection at the step of virus internalization. The anti-viral effect of toosendanin against SFTSV was further verified in mouse infection models, and the treatment with toosendanin significantly reduced viral load and histopathological changes in vivo. The antiviral activity of toosendanin was further expanded to another bunyavirus and the emerging SARS-CoV-2. This study revealed a broad anti-viral effect of toosendanin and indicated its potential to be developed as an anti-viral drug for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Meidi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiachen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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23
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Barber MS, Barrett R, Bradley RD, Walker E. A naturopathic treatment approach for mild and moderate COVID-19: A retrospective chart review. Complement Ther Med 2021; 63:102788. [PMID: 34748955 PMCID: PMC8570825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant morbidity and mortality. Although COVID-19 vaccination is available, therapeutic options are still needed. The goal of the present manuscript is to report on a treatment strategy used in a naturopathic medical practice for mild and moderate COVID-19. DESIGN A retrospective chart review was conducted of 30 consecutive patients diagnosed with mild and moderate COVID-19 who were provided multi-nutrient, herbal, and probiotic treatment in a rural, out-patient, naturopathic primary care setting. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES The primary outcome was treatment safety; secondary outcomes included changes in symptoms, progression to severe COVID-19, incidence of long COVID, and recovery time. RESULTS No side effects or adverse events were reported from treatment and all patients experienced resolution of symptoms presumed to be associated with COVID-19 infection. One patient who had been ill for 28 days prior to presentation was hospitalized. Five patients had an illness duration of more than one month. Time to treatment was correlated with duration of illness post-treatment (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and more symptoms at presentation was correlated with a longer duration of illness (r = 0.52, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective chart review, a multi-nutrient, herbal, and probiotic therapeutic approach for mild and moderate COVID-19 appeared to be well-tolerated. Delay in seeking treatment after symptom onset, as well as more symptoms at presentation, were correlated with a longer duration of illness. This treatment strategy may have clinical benefit, warranting prospective clinical trials with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Barber
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Richard Barrett
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Ryan D Bradley
- National University of Natural Medicine, Helfgott Research Institute, 2220 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Erin Walker
- Canby Clinic, 452 NW 1st Ave, Canby, OR, United States.
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Papies J, Emanuel J, Heinemann N, Kulić Ž, Schroeder S, Tenner B, Lehner MD, Seifert G, Müller MA. Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Effects of Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root Extract EPs® 7630 in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Human Lung Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:757666. [PMID: 34759825 PMCID: PMC8573200 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.757666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for COVID-19 are currently limited. Drugs reducing both viral loads and SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory responses would be ideal candidates for COVID-19 therapeutics. Previous in vitro and clinical studies suggest that the proprietary Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract EPs 7630 has antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, limiting symptom severity and disease duration of infections with several upper respiratory viruses. Here we assessed if EPs 7630 affects SARS-CoV-2 propagation and the innate immune response in the human lung cell line Calu-3. In direct comparison to other highly pathogenic CoV (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 growth was most efficiently inhibited at a non-toxic concentration with an IC50 of 1.61 μg/ml. Particularly, the cellular entry step of SARS-CoV-2 was significantly reduced by EPs 7630 pretreatment (10-100 μg/ml) as shown by spike protein-carrying pseudovirus particles and infectious SARS-CoV-2. Using sequential ultrafiltration, EPs 7630 was separated into fractions containing either prodelphinidins of different oligomerization degrees or small molecule constituents like benzopyranones and purine derivatives. Prodelphinidins with a low oligomerization degree and small molecule constituents were most efficient in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entry already at 10 μg/ml and had comparable effects on immune gene regulation as EPs 7630. Downregulation of multiple pro-inflammatory genes (CCL5, IL6, IL1B) was accompanied by upregulation of anti-inflammatory TNFAIP3 at 48 h post-infection. At high concentrations (100 μg/ml) moderately oligomerized prodelphinidins reduced SARS-CoV-2 propagation most efficiently and exhibited pronounced immune gene modulation. Assessment of cytokine secretion in EPs 7630-treated and SARS-CoV-2-coinfected Calu-3 cells showed that pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were elevated whereas multiple other COVID-19-associated cytokines (IL-8, IL-13, TNF-α), chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10), and growth factors (PDGF, VEGF-A, CD40L) were significantly reduced by EPs 7630. SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibition and the differential immunomodulatory functions of EPs 7630 against SARS-CoV-2 encourage further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Papies
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jackson Emanuel
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Heinemann
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Žarko Kulić
- Preclinical R & D, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Simon Schroeder
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Tenner
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin D. Lehner
- Preclinical R & D, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Paediatric Oncology/Haematology, Otto-Heubner Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (OHC), Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel A. Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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Abstract
This article investigates the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs), human capital, institutional settings, socio-economic, and environmental parameters on sustainable innovation (SI) using archival data for 127 economies from 2008 to 2017. We developed an econometrics research framework for investigating factors influencing SI on a global scale. We found that ICT variables, such as ICT access and ICT broadband network, positively influence sustainable innovation in conjunction with the socio-economic and political parameters. Despite differences among economies in terms of ICTs, socio-economic development, and educational attainment, ICTs are the significant drivers of sustainable innovation and economic growth. We observed a growing digital divide among nations within the context of the knowledge-based economy and the expansion of digital commerce, particularly in the least developed countries and Africa, a phenomenon impeding sustainable innovation growth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that empirically investigates the global digital divide from sustainable innovation perspectives. The results of this study suggest that to tackle the digital divide issues, policymakers and educational institutes need to perform constructive educational reform in higher education curricula, particularly concerning STEM programs, which should reflect the necessary skills and competencies for deploying emergent technologies. In addition, ICT should be considered part of a country’s critical infrastructure, particularly investment in the broadband networks regarded as the backbone of today’s innovation.
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Sivandzadeh GR, Askari H, Safarpour AR, Ejtehadi F, Raeis-Abdollahi E, Vaez Lari A, Abazari MF, Tarkesh F, Bagheri Lankarani K. COVID-19 infection and liver injury: Clinical features, biomarkers, potential mechanisms, treatment, and management challenges. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:6178-6200. [PMID: 34434987 PMCID: PMC8362548 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i22.6178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is hypothesized that liver impairment caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection might play a central role in severe clinical presentations. Liver injury is closely associated with severe disease and, even with antiviral drugs, have a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. In addition to the common hepatobiliary disorders caused by COVID-19, patients with pre-existing liver diseases demand special considerations during the current pandemic. Thus, it is vital that upon clinical presentation, patients with concurrent pre-existing liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction and COVID-19 be managed properly to prevent liver failure. Careful monitoring and early detection of liver damage through biomarkers after hospitalization for COVID-19 is underscored in all cases, particularly in those with pre-existing metabolic liver injury. The purpose of this study was to determine most recent evidence regarding causality, potential risk factors, and challenges, therapeutic options, and management of COVID-19 infection in vulnerable patients with pre-existing liver injury. This review aims to highlight the current frontier of COVID-19 infection and liver injury and the direction of liver injury in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholam Reza Sivandzadeh
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
| | - Hassan Askari
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Safarpour
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
| | - Fardad Ejtehadi
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
| | - Ehsan Raeis-Abdollahi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Qom Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom 1417613151, Iran
| | - Armaghan Vaez Lari
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Mohammad Foad Abazari
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Firoozeh Tarkesh
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
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Antonio A, Wiedemann L, Galante E, Guimarães A, Matharu A, Veiga-Junior V. Efficacy and sustainability of natural products in COVID-19 treatment development: opportunities and challenges in using agro-industrial waste from Citrus and apple. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07816. [PMID: 34423146 PMCID: PMC8366044 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products have been used in the treatment of illnesses throughout the history of humankind. Exploitation of bioactive compounds from natural sources can aid in the discovery of new drugs, provide the scaffold of new medicines. In the face of challenging diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, for which there was no effective treatment, nature could offer insights as to novel therapeutic options for control measures. However, the environmental impact and supply chain of bioactive production must be carefully evaluated to ensure the detrimental effects will not outweigh the potential benefits gained. History has already proven that highly bioactive compounds can be rare and not suitable for medicinal exploitation; therefore, the sustainability must be accessed before expensive, time-demanding, and large trials can be initialized. A sustainable option to readily produce a phytotherapy with minimal environmental stress is the use of agro-industry wastes, a by-product produced in high quantities. In this review we evaluate the sustainability issues associated with the production of phytotherapy as a readily available tool for pandemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.S. Antonio
- Chemical Engineering Section, Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Praia Vermelha, Urca, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Avenida Rodrigo Otávio, 6200, Coroado, 69077-000, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - L.S.M. Wiedemann
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Avenida Rodrigo Otávio, 6200, Coroado, 69077-000, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - E.B.F. Galante
- Chemical Engineering Section, Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Praia Vermelha, Urca, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A.C. Guimarães
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Avenida Rodrigo Otávio, 6200, Coroado, 69077-000, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - A.S. Matharu
- Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - V.F. Veiga-Junior
- Chemical Engineering Section, Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Praia Vermelha, Urca, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Langeder J, Grienke U, Döring K, Jafari M, Ehrhardt C, Schmidtke M, Rollinger JM. High-performance Countercurrent Chromatography to Access Rhodiola rosea Influenza Virus Inhibiting Constituents. Planta Med 2021; 87:818-826. [PMID: 32781473 DOI: 10.1055/a-1228-8473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In a cytopathic effect inhibition assay, a standardized Rhodiola rosea root and rhizome extract, also known as roseroot extract (SHR-5), exerted distinct anti-influenza A virus activity against HK/68 (H3N2) (IC50 of 2.8 µg/mL) without being cytotoxic. For fast and efficient isolation and identification of the extract's bioactive constituents, a high-performance countercurrent chromatographic separation method was developed. It resulted in a three-stage gradient elution program using a mobile phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (1 : 4 : 5 → 2 : 3 : 5 → 3 : 2 : 5) in the reversed-phase mode. The elaborated high-performance countercurrent chromatographic method allowed for fractionation of the complex roseroot extract in a single chromatographic step in a way that only one additional orthogonal isolation/purification step per fraction yielded 12 isolated constituents. They cover a broad polarity range and belong to different structural classes, namely, the phenylethanoid tyrosol and its glucoside salidroside, the cinnamyl alcohol glycosides rosavin, rosarin, and rosin as well as gallic acid, the cyanogenic glucoside lotaustralin, the monoterpene glucosides rosiridin and kenposide A, and the flavonoids tricin, tricin-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and rhodiosin. The most promising anti-influenza activities were determined for rhodiosin, tricin, and tricin-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside with IC50 values of 7.9, 13, and 15 µM, respectively. The herein established high-performance countercurrent chromatographic protocol enables fast and scalable access to major as well as minor roseroot constituents. This is of particular relevance for extract standardization, quality control, and further in-depth pharmacological investigations of the metabolites of this popular traditional herbal remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Langeder
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Grienke
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristin Döring
- Section of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Jena University, Jena, Germany
| | - Mahtab Jafari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Christina Ehrhardt
- Section of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Jena University, Jena, Germany
| | - Michaela Schmidtke
- Section of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Jena University, Jena, Germany
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Nawrot-Hadzik I, Zmudzinski M, Matkowski A, Preissner R, Kęsik-Brodacka M, Hadzik J, Drag M, Abel R. Reynoutria Rhizomes as a Natural Source of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Inhibitors-Molecular Docking and In Vitro Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:742. [PMID: 34451839 PMCID: PMC8399519 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
More than a year has passed since the world began to fight the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and still it spreads around the world, mutating at the same time. One of the sources of compounds with potential antiviral activity is Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) plants used in China in the supportive treatment of COVID-19. Reynoutria japonica is important part of the Shu Feng Jie Du Granule/Capsule-TCM herbal formula, recommended by China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for treatment of patients with H1N1- and H5N9-induced acute lung injury and is also used in China to treat COVID-19, mainly combined with other remedies. In our study, 25 compounds from rhizomes of R. japonica and Reynoutria sachalinensis (related species), were docked into the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Next, 11 of them (vanicoside A, vanicoside B, resveratrol, piceid, emodin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, procyanidin B2, procyanidin C1, procyanidin B2 3,3'-di-O-gallate) as well as extracts and fractions from rhizomes of R. japonica and R. sachalinensis were tested in vitro using a fluorescent peptide substrate. Among the tested phytochemicals the best results were achieved for vanicoside A and vanicoside B with moderate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, IC50 = 23.10 µM and 43.59 µM, respectively. The butanol fractions of plants showed the strongest inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (IC50 = 4.031 µg/mL for R. sachalinensis and IC50 = 7.877 µg/mL for R. japonica). As the main constituents of butanol fractions, besides the phenylpropanoid disaccharide esters (e.g., vanicosides), are highly polymerized procyanidins, we suppose that they could be responsible for their strong inhibitory properties. As inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease could prevent the replication of the virus our research provides data that may explain the beneficial effects of R. japonica on COVID-19 and identify the most active compounds worthy of more extensive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Nawrot-Hadzik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (R.A.)
| | - Mikolaj Zmudzinski
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.D.)
| | - Adam Matkowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (R.A.)
| | - Robert Preissner
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Institute for Physiology, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Małgorzata Kęsik-Brodacka
- Research Network Łukasiewicz—Institute of Biotechnology and Antibiotics, Starościńska 5, 02-516 Warsaw, Poland;
- National Medicines Institute, ul. Chełmska 30/34, 00-725 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Jakub Hadzik
- Department of Dental Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.D.)
| | - Renata Abel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (R.A.)
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Institute for Physiology, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
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Perrella F, Coppola F, Petrone A, Platella C, Montesarchio D, Stringaro A, Ravagnan G, Fuggetta MP, Rega N, Musumeci D. Interference of Polydatin/Resveratrol in the ACE2:Spike Recognition during COVID-19 Infection. A Focus on Their Potential Mechanism of Action through Computational and Biochemical Assays. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1048. [PMID: 34356672 PMCID: PMC8301781 DOI: 10.3390/biom11071048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for new therapeutic strategies to contrast SARS-CoV-2, we here studied the interaction of polydatin (PD) and resveratrol (RESV)-two natural stilbene polyphenols with manifold, well known biological activities-with Spike, the viral protein essential for virus entry into host cells, and ACE2, the angiotensin-converting enzyme present on the surface of multiple cell types (including respiratory epithelial cells) which is the main host receptor for Spike binding. Molecular Docking simulations evidenced that both compounds can bind Spike, ACE2 and the ACE2:Spike complex with good affinity, although the interaction of PD appears stronger than that of RESV on all the investigated targets. Preliminary biochemical assays revealed a significant inhibitory activity of the ACE2:Spike recognition with a dose-response effect only in the case of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Perrella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Federico Coppola
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Alessio Petrone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giampietro Ravagnan
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nadia Rega
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale sui Biomateriali, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80134 Naples, Italy
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Jezova D, Karailiev P, Karailievova L, Puhova A, Murck H. Food Enrichment with Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract Suppresses ACE2 mRNA and Protein Expression in Rats-Possible Implications for COVID-19. Nutrients 2021; 13:2321. [PMID: 34371831 PMCID: PMC8308790 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key entry point of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus known to induce Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have recently outlined a concept to reduce ACE2 expression by the administration of glycyrrhizin, a component of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, via its inhibitory activity on 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11betaHSD2) and resulting activation of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). We hypothesized that in organs such as the ileum, which co-express 11betaHSD2, MR and ACE2, the expression of ACE2 would be suppressed. We studied organ tissues from an experiment originally designed to address the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract on stress response. Male Sprague Dawley rats were left undisturbed or exposed to chronic mild stress for five weeks. For the last two weeks, animals continued with a placebo diet or received a diet containing extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root at a dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight/day. Quantitative PCR measurements showed a significant decrease in gene expression of ACE2 in the small intestine of rats fed with diet containing Glycyrrhiza glabra extract. This effect was independent of the stress condition and failed to be observed in non-target tissues, namely the heart and the brain cortex. In the small intestine we also confirmed the reduction of ACE2 at the protein level. Present findings provide evidence to support the hypothesis that Glycyrrhiza glabra extract may reduce an entry point of SARS-CoV-2. Whether this phenomenon, when confirmed in additional studies, is linked to the susceptibility of cells to the virus requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (D.J.); (P.K.); (L.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Peter Karailiev
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (D.J.); (P.K.); (L.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Lucia Karailievova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (D.J.); (P.K.); (L.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Agnesa Puhova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (D.J.); (P.K.); (L.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Harald Murck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, 35039 Marburg, Germany
- Murck-Neuroscience, Westfield, NJ 07090, USA
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Reynolds D, Huesemann M, Edmundson S, Sims A, Hurst B, Cady S, Beirne N, Freeman J, Berger A, Gao S. Viral inhibitors derived from macroalgae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria: A review of antiviral potential throughout pathogenesis. ALGAL RES 2021; 57:102331. [PMID: 34026476 PMCID: PMC8128986 DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are abiotic obligate parasites utilizing complex mechanisms to hijack cellular machinery and reproduce, causing multiple harmful effects in the process. Viruses represent a growing global health concern; at the time of writing, COVID-19 has killed at least two million people around the world and devastated global economies. Lingering concern regarding the virus' prevalence yet hampers return to normalcy. While catastrophic in and of itself, COVID-19 further heralds in a new era of human-disease interaction characterized by the emergence of novel viruses from natural sources with heretofore unseen frequency. Due to deforestation, population growth, and climate change, we are encountering more viruses that can infect larger groups of people with greater ease and increasingly severe outcomes. The devastation of COVID-19 and forecasts of future human/disease interactions call for a creative reconsideration of global response to infectious disease. There is an urgent need for accessible, cost-effective antiviral (AV) drugs that can be mass-produced and widely distributed to large populations. Development of AV drugs should be informed by a thorough understanding of viral structure and function as well as human biology. To maximize efficacy, minimize cost, and reduce development of drug-resistance, these drugs would ideally operate through a varied set of mechanisms at multiple stages throughout the course of infection. Due to their abundance and diversity, natural compounds are ideal for such comprehensive therapeutic interventions. Promising sources of such drugs are found throughout nature; especially remarkable are the algae, a polyphyletic grouping of phototrophs that produce diverse bioactive compounds. While not much literature has been published on the subject, studies have shown that these compounds exert antiviral effects at different stages of viral pathogenesis. In this review, we follow the course of viral infection in the human body and evaluate the AV effects of algae-derived compounds at each stage. Specifically, we examine the AV activities of algae-derived compounds at the entry of viruses into the body, transport through the body via the lymph and blood, infection of target cells, and immune response. We discuss what is known about algae-derived compounds that may interfere with the infection pathways of SARS-CoV-2; and review which algae are promising sources for AV agents or AV precursors that, with further investigation, may yield life-saving drugs due to their diversity of mechanisms and exceptional pharmaceutical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daman Reynolds
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Michael Huesemann
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Scott Edmundson
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Amy Sims
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Sherry Cady
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Nathan Beirne
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Freeman
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Adam Berger
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
| | - Song Gao
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Sequim, WA, USA
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Khodajou-Masouleh H, Shahangian SS, Rasti B. Reinforcing our defense or weakening the enemy? A comparative overview of defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:508-541. [PMID: 33980089 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1928686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Developing effective strategies to confront coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest concerns of the scientific community. In addition to the vast number of global mortalities due to COVID-19, since its outbreak, almost every aspect of human lives has changed one way or another. In the present review, various defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19 are illustrated. The Administration of immune-boosting micronutrients/agents, as well as the inhibition of the activity of incompetent gatekeepers, including some host cell receptors (e.g. ACE2) and proteases (e.g. TMPRSS2), are some efficient defensive strategies. Antibody/phage therapies and specifically vaccines also play a prominent role in the enhancement of host defense against COVID-19. Nanotechnology, however, can considerably weaken the virulence of SARS-CoV-2, utilizing fake cellular locks (compounds mimicking cell receptors) to block the viral keys (spike proteins). Generally, two strategies are developed to interfere with the binding of spike proteins to the host cell receptors, either utilizing fake cellular locks to block the viral keys or utilizing fake viral keys to block the cellular locks. Due to their evolutionary conserved nature, viral enzymes, including 3CLpro, PLpro, RdRp, and helicase are highly potential targets for drug repurposing strategy. Thus, various steps of viral replication/transcription can effectively be blocked by their inhibition, leading to the elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, RNA decoy and CRISPR technologies likely offer the best offensive strategies after viral entry into the host cells, inhibiting the viral replication/assembly in the infected cells and substantially reducing the quantity of viral progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Shirin Shahangian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnam Rasti
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
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Jha NK, Sharma C, Hashiesh HM, Arunachalam S, Meeran MN, Javed H, Patil CR, Goyal SN, Ojha S. β-Caryophyllene, A Natural Dietary CB2 Receptor Selective Cannabinoid can be a Candidate to Target the Trinity of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation in COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:590201. [PMID: 34054510 PMCID: PMC8163236 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.590201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing pandemic and presents a public health emergency. It has affected millions of people and continues to affect more, despite tremendous social preventive measures. Identifying candidate drugs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 is crucial. The pathogenesis and the complications with advanced infection mainly involve an immune-inflammatory cascade. Therefore, therapeutic strategy relies on suppressing infectivity and inflammation, along with immune modulation. One of the most promising therapeutic targets for the modulation of immune-inflammatory responses is the endocannabinoid system, particularly the activation of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R), a G-protein coupled receptor which mediates the anti-inflammatory properties by modulating numerous signaling pathways. To pharmacologically activate the CB2 receptors, a naturally occurring cannabinoid ligand, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), received attention due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. BCP is recognized as a full selective functional agonist on CB2 receptors and produces therapeutic effects by activating CB2 and the nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). BCP is regarded as the first dietary cannabinoid with abundant presence across cannabis and non-cannabis plants, including spices and other edible plants. BCP showed tissue protective properties and favorably modulates numerous signaling pathways and inhibits inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, prostanoids, and eicosanoids. Based on its pharmacological properties, molecular mechanisms, and the therapeutic potential of BCP as an immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, organ-protective, and antiviral, we hypothesize that BCP could be a promising therapeutic and/or preventive candidate to target the triad of infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19. In line with numerous studies that proposed the potential of cannabinoids in COVID-19, BCP may be a novel candidate compound for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development due to its unique functional receptor selectivity, wide availability and accessibility, dietary bioavailability, nonpsychoactivity, and negligible toxicity along with druggable properties, including favorable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. Based on reasonable pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic properties, we speculate that BCP has potential to be investigated against COVID-19 and will inspire further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Seenipandi Arunachalam
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mf Nagoor Meeran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayate Javed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chandragouda R Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Keck T, Strobl A, Weinhaeusel A, Funk P, Michaelis M. Pelargonium Extract EPs 7630 in the Treatment of Human Corona Virus-Associated Acute Respiratory Tract Infections - A Secondary Subgroup-Analysis of an Open-Label, Uncontrolled Clinical Trial. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:666546. [PMID: 33995094 PMCID: PMC8120433 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.666546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Experience in treating human coronavirus (HCoV) infections might help to identify effective compounds against novel coronaviruses. We therefore performed a secondary subgroup-analysis of data from an open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial published in 2015 investigating the proanthocyanidin-rich Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 in patients with the common cold. Methods: 120 patients with common cold and at least 2 out of 10 common cold symptoms received one film-coated 20 mg tablet EPs 7630 thrice daily for 10 days in an uncontrolled, interventional multicentre trial (ISRCTN65790556). At baseline, viral nucleic acids were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Common cold-associated symptoms and treatment satisfaction were evaluated after 5 days and at treatment end. Based on the data of patients with proof of viral nucleic acids, we compared the course of the disease in patients with or without HCoV infection. Results: In 61 patients, viral nucleic acids were detected. Of these, 23 (37.7%) were tested positive for at least one HCoV (HCoV subset) and 38 (62.3%) for other viruses only (non-HCoV subset). Patients of both subsets showed a significant improvement of common cold symptoms already after 5 days of treatment, although the observed change tended to be more pronounced in the HCoV subset. At treatment end, more than 80% of patients of both groups were completely recovered or majorly improved. In both subsets, less than 22% of patients took concomitant paracetamol for antipyresis. The mean number of patients’ days off work or school/college was similar (0.9 ± 2.6 days in HCoV subset vs 1.3 ± 2.8 days in non-HCoV subset). In both groups, most patients were satisfied or very satisfied with EPs 7630 treatment. Conclusion: EPs 7630 treatment outcomes of common cold patients with confirmed HCoV infection were as favourable as in patients with other viral infections. As this trial was conducted before the pandemic, there is currently no evidence from clinical trials for the efficacy of EPs 7630 in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dedicated non-clinical studies and clinical trials are required to elucidate the potential of EPs 7630 in the early treatment of HCoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Keck
- Department of ENT Medicine, Head and Neck Surgery, Hansa Private Hospital, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Strobl
- Department of ENT Medicine, Head and Neck Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz, Krankenhaus Barmherzige Schwestern, Linz, Austria
| | - Andreas Weinhaeusel
- Health and Environment Department, Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Wien, Austria
| | - Petra Funk
- Medical Scientific Services, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH and Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Industrial Biotechnology Centre and School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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Attah AF, Fagbemi AA, Olubiyi O, Dada-Adegbola H, Oluwadotun A, Elujoba A, Babalola CP. Therapeutic Potentials of Antiviral Plants Used in Traditional African Medicine With COVID-19 in Focus: A Nigerian Perspective. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:596855. [PMID: 33981214 PMCID: PMC8108136 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.596855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by an infectious novel strain of coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which was earlier referred to as 2019-nCoV. The respiratory disease is the most consequential global public health crisis of the 21st century whose level of negative impact increasingly experienced globally has not been recorded since World War II. Up till now, there has been no specific globally authorized antiviral drug, vaccines, supplement or herbal remedy available for the treatment of this lethal disease except preventive measures, supportive care and non-specific treatment options adopted in different countries via divergent approaches to halt the pandemic. However, many of these interventions have been documented to show some level of success particularly the Traditional Chinese Medicine while there is paucity of well reported studies on the impact of the widely embraced Traditional African Medicines (TAM) adopted so far for the prevention, management and treatment of COVID-19. We carried out a detailed review of publicly available data, information and claims on the potentials of indigenous plants used in Sub-Saharan Africa as antiviral remedies with potentials for the prevention and management of COVID-19. In this review, we have provided a holistic report on evidence-based antiviral and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of African medicinal plants based on in silico evidence, in vitro assays and in vivo experiments alongside the available data on their mechanistic pharmacology. In addition, we have unveiled knowledge gaps, provided an update on the effort of African Scientific community toward demystifying the dreadful SARS-CoV-2 micro-enemy of man and have documented popular anti-COVID-19 herbal claims emanating from the continent for the management of COVID-19 while the risk potentials of herb-drug interaction of antiviral phytomedicines when used in combination with orthodox drugs have also been highlighted. This review exercise may lend enough credence to the potential value of African medicinal plants as possible leads in anti-COVID-19 drug discovery through research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Francis Attah
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adeshola Adebayo Fagbemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olujide Olubiyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Hannah Dada-Adegbola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Anthony Elujoba
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Chinedum Peace Babalola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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Shah Z, Gohar UF, Jamshed I, Mushtaq A, Mukhtar H, Zia-Ui-Haq M, Toma SI, Manea R, Moga M, Popovici B. Podophyllotoxin: History, Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Biomolecules 2021; 11:603. [PMID: 33921719 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Podophyllotoxin, along with its various derivatives and congeners are widely recognized as broad-spectrum pharmacologically active compounds. Etoposide, for instance, is the frontline chemotherapeutic drug used against various cancers due to its superior anticancer activity. It has recently been redeveloped for the purpose of treating cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. Podophyllotoxin and its naturally occurring congeners have low bioavailability and almost all these initially discovered compounds cause systemic toxicity and development of drug resistance. Moreover, the production of synthetic derivatives that could suffice for the clinical limitations of these naturally occurring compounds is not economically feasible. These challenges demanded continuous devotions towards improving the druggability of these drugs and continue to seek structure-optimization strategies. The discovery of renewable sources including microbial origin for podophyllotoxin is another possible approach. This review focuses on the exigency of innovation and research required in the global R&D and pharmaceutical industry for podophyllotoxin and related compounds based on recent scientific findings and market predictions.
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Hafez Ghoran S, El-Shazly M, Sekeroglu N, Kijjoa A. Natural Products from Medicinal Plants with Anti-Human Coronavirus Activities. Molecules 2021; 26:1754. [PMID: 33800977 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, COVID-19 has spread to all the continents at an unprecedented pace. This pandemic has caused not only hundreds of thousands of mortalities but also a huge economic setback throughout the world. Therefore, the scientific communities around the world have focused on finding antiviral therapeutic agents to either fight or halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Since certain medicinal plants and herbal formulae have proved to be effective in treatment of similar viral infections such as those caused by SARS and Ebola, scientists have paid more attention to natural products for effective treatment of this devastating pandemic. This review summarizes studies and ethnobotanical information on plants and their constituents used for treatment of infections caused by viruses related to the coronavirus family. Herein, we provide a critical analysis of previous reports and how to exploit published data for the discovery of novel therapeutic leads to fight against COVID-19.
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Günalan E, Cebioğlu İK, Çonak Ö. The Popularity of the Biologically-Based Therapies During Coronavirus Pandemic Among the Google Users in the USA, UK, Germany, Italy and France. Complement Ther Med 2021; 58:102682. [PMID: 33601014 PMCID: PMC7883724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Object The aim of this retrospective infodemiological study was to evaluate people’s interests in biologically-based (B-B) complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as herbs, foods, and supplements during the coronavirus pandemic via analysis of Google search engine statistics. Design & settings The category, period, and regions selected in the Google Trends were “health,” “15 January–15 May 2020,” in the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Italy, and France, respectively. The most commonly searched herbs, foods and supplements (n = 32) during the pandemic were determined from a pool of keywords (n = 1286) based on the terms’ relative search volumes (RSVs) within the last five years. Correlation analyses were conducted to investigate associations between coronavirus-related parameters with each keyword’s RSV for each country. Selected keywords (n = 25) were analyzed using the gtrendsR package in the R programming language; the ggplot2 package was used to visualize the data, the Prophet package was used to estimate the time series, and the dplyr package was used to create the data frame. Results Significantly strong positive correlations were identified between daily RSVs of the terms “black seed,” “vitamin C,” “zinc,” and “quercetin,” and search queries for “coronavirus” and “COVID-19” in the USA (Spearman’s correlation coefficient > 0.8, p < 0.05), and between the RSVs of the terms “vitamin C” and “zinc,” and daily search queries for “coronavirus” and/or “COVID-19” in the UK (Spearman’s correlation coefficient > 0.8, p < 0.05). Conclusion Google Trends can be a beneficial tool for following public interest in identifying outbreak-related misinformation, and scientific studies and statements from authorities and the media play a potential role in driving internet searches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Günalan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - İrem Kaya Cebioğlu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özge Çonak
- Program of Medical Documentation and Secretariat, Istanbul Esenyurt University, Vocational School of Health Service, Istanbul, Turkey
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Nagoor Meeran M, Javed H, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Kumar S, Jha NK, Ojha S. Can Echinacea be a potential candidate to target immunity, inflammation, and infection - The trinity of coronavirus disease 2019. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05990. [PMID: 33585706 PMCID: PMC7870107 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing public health emergency. The pathogenesis and complications advanced with infection mainly involve immune-inflammatory cascade. Therefore, the therapeutic strategy relies on immune modulation, reducing infectivity and inflammation. Given the interplay of infection and immune-inflammatory axis, the natural products received attention for preventive and therapeutic usage in COVID-19 due to their potent antiviral and anti-immunomodulatory activities. Recently, Echinacea preparations, particularly E. purpurea, have been suggested to be an important antiviral agent to be useful in COVID-19 by modulating virus entry, internalization and replication. In principle, the immune response and the resultant inflammatory process are important for the elimination of the infection, but may have a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and may play a role in the clinical spectrum of COVID-19. Considering the pharmacological effects, therapeutic potential, and molecular mechanisms of Echinacea, we hypothesize that it could be a reasonably possible candidate for targeting infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19 with recent recognition of cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mediated mechanisms of bioactive components that make them notable immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent. The plausible reason for our hypothesis is that the presence of numerous bioactive agents in different parts of plants that may synergistically exert polypharmacological actions in regulating immune-inflammatory axis in COVID-19. Our proposition is to scientifically contemplate the therapeutic perspective and prospect of Echinacea on infection, immunity, and inflammation with a potential in COVID-19 to limit the severity and progression of the disease. Based on the clinical usage for respiratory infections, and relative safety in humans, further studies for the evidence-based approach to COVID-19 are needed. We do hope that Echinacea could be a candidate agent for immunomodulation in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.F. Nagoor Meeran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayate Javed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Division of Hematology/Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Detopoulou P, Demopoulos CA, Antonopoulou S. Micronutrients, Phytochemicals and Mediterranean Diet: A Potential Protective Role against COVID-19 through Modulation of PAF Actions and Metabolism. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020462. [PMID: 33573169 PMCID: PMC7911163 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging situation with high rates of morbidity and mortality, in the pathophysiology of which inflammation and thrombosis are implicated. The disease is directly connected to the nutritional status of patients and a well-balanced diet is recommended by official sources. Recently, the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) was suggested in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In the present review several micronutrients (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals), phytochemicals and Mediterranean diet compounds with potential anti-COVID activity are presented. We further underline that the well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic actions of the investigated nutrients and/or holistic dietary schemes, such as the Mediterranean diet, are also mediated through PAF. In conclusion, there is no single food to prevent coronavirus Although the relationship between PAF and COVID-19 is not robust, a healthy diet containing PAF inhibitors may target both inflammation and thrombosis and prevent the deleterious effects of COVID-19. The next step is the experimental confirmation or not of the PAF-COVID-19 hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Detopoulou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, General Hospital Korgialenio Benakio, 11526 Athens, Greece;
| | - Constantinos A. Demopoulos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 16121 Athens, Greece;
| | - Smaragdi Antonopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-954-9230; Fax: +30-210-957-7050
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Roviello V, Roviello GN. Lower COVID-19 mortality in Italian forested areas suggests immunoprotection by Mediterranean plants. Environ Chem Lett 2021; 19:699-710. [PMID: 32837486 PMCID: PMC7427271 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-020-01063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has induced dramatic effects on the population of the industrialized north of Italy, whereas it has not heavily affected inhabitants of the southern regions. This might be explained in part by human exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in the air of northern Italy, thus exacerbating the mortality. Since trees mitigate air pollution by intercepting PM onto plant surfaces and bolster the human immune system by emitting bioactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we hypothesize a protective role of evergreen forested areas in southern Italy. We compared the mortality rate due to COVID-19, the death number, the positivity rate and the forest coverage per capita in various Italian regions. Hectares of forest per capita and prevalence of deciduous versus evergreen forestal species were also estimated. In silico docking studies of potentially protective compounds found in Laurus nobilis L., a typical Mediterranean plant, were performed to search for potential antivirals. We found that the pandemic's severity was generally lower in southern regions, especially those with more than 0.3 hectares of forest per capita. The lowest mortality rates were found in southern Italy, mainly in regions like Molise (0.007%) and Basilicata (0.005%) where the forest per capita ratio is higher than 0.5 Ha/person. Our findings suggest that evergreen Mediterranean forests and shrubland plants could have protected the southern population by emission of immuno-modulating VOCs and provision of dietary sources of bioactive compounds. Moreover, in silico studies revealed a potential anti-COVID-19 activity in laurusides, which are unexplored glycosides from bay laurel. Overall, our results highlight the importance of nature conservation and applications to the search for natural antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto Di Biostrutture E Bioimmagini IBB - CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
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Galanakis CM, Aldawoud TM, Rizou M, Rowan NJ, Ibrahim SA. Food Ingredients and Active Compounds against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review. Foods 2020; 9:E1701. [PMID: 33233560 PMCID: PMC7699782 DOI: 10.3390/foods9111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As media reports have noted, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated market mainstreaming of immune-boosting food bioactives, supplements, and nutraceuticals. However, most studies reporting on the potential of bioactives against COVID-19 transmission have been uploaded as preprints with little opportunity to revise content for benefit and impact. The current review discusses current best evidence and information underpinning the role of food ingredients and bioactive compounds in supporting immune functions in humans and animals, specifically in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease. Up to now, some evidence from randomized population and clinical trials has suggested that vitamin D levels may be linked to COVID-19 transmission and severity. Numerous theoretical studies have pointed to polyphenols and particularly flavonoids as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is also inconclusive evidence to support the future use of β-glucan to address COVID-19 due in part to variability in immune response arising from heterogeneity in polysaccharide branch and chain length for different sources and the absence of a standardized extraction method. To confirm the promising outcomes and hypotheses for bioactive compounds, more randomized and controlled clinical studies are needed. The results of such studies would have a profound effect on the prospects of food supplements and nutraceuticals as potential prophylaxis against COVID-19 and serve to help consumers to protect themselves during the post-lockdown recovery era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis M. Galanakis
- Research & Innovation Department, Galanakis Laboratories, 73131 Chania, Greece;
- College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
- Food Waste Recovery Group, ISEKI Food Association, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Myrto Rizou
- Research & Innovation Department, Galanakis Laboratories, 73131 Chania, Greece;
| | - Neil J. Rowan
- Bioscience Research Institute, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, N37 F6D7 Athlone, Ireland;
- Empower Eco Sustainability Hub, Lough Boora, R35 DA50 Co. Offaly, Ireland
| | - Salam A. Ibrahim
- Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
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Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide public health crisis. At present, there are no effective antiviral drugs to treat COVID-19. Although some vaccines have been developed, late-stage clinical trials that allow licensure by regulatory agencies are still needed. Previous reports have indicated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and SARS-CoV are highly homologous and both use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor to enter cells, and SARS-CoV infection reduces the ACE2 expression in the lung. Therefore, the analysis of genes co-expressed with ACE2 in the lung may uncover the underlying mechanism of COVID-19. Finally, we used the Connectivity map (Cmap) database to search for candidate drugs using transcriptome profiles of patients with COVID-19. Method Based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), indicated by the expression of RNAs isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells of patients with COVID-19, we performed functional enrichment analysis and hub gene cluster analysis. Furthermore, we identified genes co-expressed with ACE2 in healthy lung samples and analyzed the significant genes. Additionally, to identify several candidate drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, we queried Cmap using DEGs and genes co-expressed with ACE2. Results and Conclusion The up-regulated genes in the BALF cells of patients with COVID-19 are related to viral mRNA translation. The down-regulated genes are related to immune response functions. Genes positively correlated with ACE2 are related to immune defense and those negatively correlated are enriched in synaptic transmission functions. The results reflected prosperous viral proliferation and immune dysfunction in patients. Furthermore, ACE2 may not only mediate viral entrance, but also play an important role in immune defense. By using Cmap with transcriptome profiles of patients with COVID-19, we identified candidate drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, such as amantadine and acyclovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Shirani F, Khorvash F, Arab A. Review on selected potential nutritional intervention for treatment and prevention of viral infections: possibility of recommending these for Coronavirus 2019. International Journal of Food Properties 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2020.1825483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Shirani
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzin Khorvash
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arman Arab
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Silveira D, Prieto-Garcia JM, Boylan F, Estrada O, Fonseca-Bazzo YM, Jamal CM, Magalhães PO, Pereira EO, Tomczyk M, Heinrich M. COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:581840. [PMID: 33071794 PMCID: PMC7542597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.581840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current recommendations for the self-management of SARS-Cov-2 disease (COVID-19) include self-isolation, rest, hydration, and the use of NSAID in case of high fever only. It is expected that many patients will add other symptomatic/adjuvant treatments, such as herbal medicines. AIMS To provide a benefits/risks assessment of selected herbal medicines traditionally indicated for "respiratory diseases" within the current frame of the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjuvant treatment. METHOD The plant selection was primarily based on species listed by the WHO and EMA, but some other herbal remedies were considered due to their widespread use in respiratory conditions. Preclinical and clinical data on their efficacy and safety were collected from authoritative sources. The target population were adults with early and mild flu symptoms without underlying conditions. These were evaluated according to a modified PrOACT-URL method with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine as reference drugs. The benefits/risks balance of the treatments was classified as positive, promising, negative, and unknown. RESULTS A total of 39 herbal medicines were identified as very likely to appeal to the COVID-19 patient. According to our method, the benefits/risks assessment of the herbal medicines was found to be positive in 5 cases (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix, and Sambucus nigra), promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale), and unknown for the rest. On the same grounds, only ibuprofen resulted promising, but we could not find compelling evidence to endorse the use of paracetamol and/or codeine. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests that several herbal medicines have safety margins superior to those of reference drugs and enough levels of evidence to start a clinical discussion about their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of early/mild common flu in otherwise healthy adults within the context of COVID-19. While these herbal medicines will not cure or prevent the flu, they may both improve general patient well-being and offer them an opportunity to personalize the therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dâmaris Silveira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Jose Maria Prieto-Garcia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Boylan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Estrada
- Biophysics and Biochemistry Center, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | | | | | - Edson Oliveira Pereira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Michal Tomczyk
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
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Nanashima N, Kitajima M, Takamagi S, Fujioka M, Tomisawa T. Comparison of Chemical Composition between Kuromoji ( Lindera umbellata) Essential Oil and Hydrosol and Determination of the Deodorizing Effect. Molecules 2020; 25:E4195. [PMID: 32933154 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a tree that grows throughout Japan. The components of kuromoji essential oil have antitumor and aromatherapy effects. However, the composition of the hydrosol, obtained as a by-product of the essential oil process, is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether kuromoji essential oil has a deodorizing effect. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of kuromoji essential oil and hydrosol, as well as evaluate the deodorizing effect of the former. The chemical composition of samples was evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the deodorizing effect of Kuromoji essential oil was investigated with the detector tube method using ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and isovaleric acid. Linalool was the most abundant component in both the essential oil and hydrosol; however, its proportion was higher in the hydrosol (57.5%) than in the essential oil (42.8%). The hydrosol contained fewer chemical components, but higher proportions of trans-geraniol and ethanol. Moreover, the essential oil eliminated 50% of ammonia and 97.6% or more of isovaleric acid. Interestingly, linalool was soluble in the hydrosol and did not irritate the skin. This suggests that the hydrosol may be an effective foot care product.
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