Molecular docking and dynamic studies of crepiside E beta glucopyranoside as an inhibitor of snake venom PLA2

Ethnomedicinal breakthroughs in snake bite therapy: From folklore to forefront

Snakebite envenomation is a critical public health issue, especially in tropical regions like India, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. This review explores the potential of ethnomedicinal herbs as adjunct therapies to conventional antivenoms, addressing challenges such as the high cost, limited availability, and side effects of traditional antivenoms. The study emphasizes regional and species-specific variations in snake venom that complicate antivenom development and highlights the pharmacological potential of certain medicinal plants in mitigating venom effects. These plants offer an affordable, accessible alternative, though their efficacy can vary due to regional venom differences. Additionally, the review discusses the role of bioinformatics in advancing antivenom research, aiming to combine traditional knowledge with modern science to develop effective and accessible snakebite treatments in resource-limited settings.

In-silico studies on evaluating the liver-protective effectiveness of a polyherbal formulation in preventing hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Liv-52, an herbal formulation consisting of seven distinct plants and Mandur Bhasma, is recognized for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. To investigate the pharmacological potential of each phytochemical from these plants, we conducted ADMET analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations to identify potent molecules capable of inhibiting the interaction between Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Cysteine aspartyl protease 3 (Caspase-3/CASP3). In our study, we have used molecular docking of all the compounds against AFP and filtered them on the basis of ADME properties. Among the compounds analyzed, (-) Syringaresinol from Solanum nigrum, exhibited good binding interactions with AFP, the highest binding free energy, and maintained stability throughout the simulation along with favorable drug likeness properties based on ADME and Toxicity analysis. These findings have strongly indicated that (-) Syringaresinol is a potential inhibitor of AFP, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment by inhibiting the interaction between AFP and CASP3, thereby reinstating normal CASP3 activity. Further in vitro studies are imperative to validate the therapeutic efficacy of (-) Syringaresinol as an AFP inhibitor, potentially impeding the progression of HCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00285-2.

Temperature effect in the inhibition of PLA2 activity of Bothrops brazili venom by Rosmarinic and Chlorogenic acids, experimental and computational approaches

Myotoxicity caused by snakebite envenoming emerges as one of the main problems of ophidic accidents as it is not well neutralized by the current serum therapy. A promising alternative is to search for efficient small molecule inhibitors that can act against multiple venom components. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is frequently found in snake venom and is usually associated with myotoxicity. Thus it represents an excellent target for the search of new treatments. This work reports the effect of temperature in the inhibition of catalytic properties of PLA2 from Bothrops brazili venom by Rosmarinic (RSM) and Chlorogenic (CHL) acids through experimental and computational approaches. Three temperatures were evaluated (25, 37 and 50 °C). In the experimental section, enzymatic assays showed that RSM is a better inhibitor in all three temperatures. At 50 °C, the inhibition efficiency decayed significantly for both acids. Docking studies revealed that both ligands bind to the hydrophobic channel of the protein dimer where the phospholipid binds in the catalytic process, interacting with several functional residues. In this context, RSM presents better interaction energies due to stronger interactions with chain B of the dimer. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that RSM can establish selective interactions with ARG112B of PLA2, which is located next to residues of the putative Membrane Disruption Site in PLA2-like structures. The affinity of RSM and CHL acids towards PLA2 is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions, especially salt bridge interactions established with residues ARG33B (for CHL) and ARG112B (RSM) and hydrogen bonds with residue ASP89A. The inability of CHL to establish a stable interaction with ARG112B was identified as the reason for its lower inhibition efficiency compared to RSM at the three temperatures. Furthermore, extensive structural analysis was performed to explain the lower inhibition efficiency at 50 °C for both ligands. The analysis performed in this work provides important information for the future design of new inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The specialized sesquiterpenoids produced by the genus Elephantopus L.: Chemistry, biological activities and structure-activity relationship exploration

The genus Elephantopus L. is a valuable resource rich in sesquiterpenoids with structural diversity and various bioactivities, showing great potential for applications in medicinal field and biological industry. Up to now, over 129 sesquiterpenoids have been isolated and identified from this plant genus, including 114 germacrane-type, 7 guaianolide-type, 5 eudesmane-type, 1 elemanolide-type, and 2 bis-sesquiterpenoids. These sesquiterpenoids were reported to show a diverse range of pharmacological properties, including cytotoxic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal. Consequently, some of them were identified as active scaffolds in the design and development of drugs. Considering that there is currently no overview available that covers the sesquiterpenoids and their biological activities in the Elephantopus genus, this article aims to comprehensively review the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, pharmacological properties, and structure-activity relationship of sesquiterpenoids found in the Elephantopus genus, which will establish a theoretical framework that can guide further research and exploration of sesquiterpenoids from Elephantopus plants as promising therapeutic agents.

In-silico studies of Brassica oleracea active compounds and their role in thyroid peroxidase activity

Cabbage, a leafy vegetable that is widely consumed across the globe, holds a significant place within the Brassica family. For almost a century, its potential anti-thyroid effects have captured attention. The presence of compounds such as thiocyanate and goitrin in cabbage has been extensively investigated for their ability to impede sodium-iodide symporter and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activities. The present study is focused on uncovering the active constituents in cabbage that could interact with TPO, while also examining their stability under cooking temperatures. Employing molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation techniques, we quantified the binding strength of phytochemicals present in cabbage with the target. Out of the 60 compounds identified in cabbage leaves, only 18 exhibited docking scores surpassing those of the commercially available anti-thyroid drug, methimazole. These chosen compounds were studied for binding free energy and pharmacokinetic properties. A specific compound, gamma-Terpinene, classified as a monoterpene, emerged as noteworthy due to its alignment with all criteria and the highest observed binding free energy compared to others. Furthermore, we explored the stability of gamma-Terpinene at 373.15K (cooking temperature) and observed its susceptibility to degradation. This might contribute to the relatively diminished anti-thyroid effects of cabbage when consumed in cooked form. Consequently, our findings suggest that the consumption of cooked cabbage could be more conducive to maintaining normal thyroid function, as opposed to its raw counterpart.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico screening of the phytochemicals present in Clitoria ternatea L. as the inhibitors of snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2)

Millions of people suffer from snake bite envenomation, and its management is a challenge, even today. Medicinal plants have attracted the researcher's attention for their outstanding advantages in treating many diseases, including snake venom poisoning. Clitoria ternatea L, is a plant popularly known for its various pharmacological effects especially, anti-snake venom property. However, the molecular mechanism behind this is poorly understood. It is reported that snake venom PLA2 is an extensively studied toxic factor. This study is meant to screen the compound's capability to act as inhibitors of the Daboia russelli snake venom PLA2 through molecular docking and dynamics studies. Our results show that among the 27 compounds taken for the study, only Kaempferol showed good interaction profile with the conserved catalytic active site residues, His48 and Asp49. The pharmacophore features of the compound also demonstrate its exact fitting at the binding pocket. Further RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and hydrogen bond analysis confirmed the stable binding of Kaempferol with PLA2 through molecular dynamic simulations for 100 ns. In addition, the MM/PBSA binding free energy calculation of the complex was also affirming the docking results. The binding free energy (BFE) of Kaempferolis better than the reference compound. ADME and Lipinski's rule of five reveals its drug like properties.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Catalytically Active Snake Venom PLA2 Enzymes: An Overview of Its Elusive Mechanisms of Reaction

Snake venom-secreted phospholipase A₂ (svPLA₂) enzymes, both catalytically active and inactive, are a central component in envenoming. These are responsible for disrupting the cell membrane's integrity, inducing a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as the necrosis of the bitten limb, cardiorespiratory arrest, edema, and anticoagulation. Although extensively characterized, the reaction mechanisms of enzymatic svPLA₂ are still to be thoroughly understood. This review presents and analyses the most plausible reaction mechanisms for svPLA_2, such as the "single-water mechanism" or the "assisted-water mechanism" initially proposed for the homologous human PLA₂. All of the mechanistic possibilities are characterized by a highly conserved Asp/His/water triad and a Ca²⁺ cofactor. The extraordinary increase in activity induced by binding to a lipid-water interface, known as "interfacial activation," critical for the PLA₂s activity, is also discussed. Finally, a potential catalytic mechanism for the postulated noncatalytic PLA₂-like proteins is anticipated.

The Search for Natural and Synthetic Inhibitors That Would Complement Antivenoms as Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming

A global strategy, under the coordination of the World Health Organization, is being unfolded to reduce the impact of snakebite envenoming. One of the pillars of this strategy is to ensure safe and effective treatments. The mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming is the administration of animal-derived antivenoms. In addition, new therapeutic options are being explored, including recombinant antibodies and natural and synthetic toxin inhibitors. In this review, snake venom toxins are classified in terms of their abundance and toxicity, and priority actions are being proposed in the search for snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), three-finger toxin (3FTx), and serine proteinase (SVSP) inhibitors. Natural inhibitors include compounds isolated from plants, animal sera, and mast cells, whereas synthetic inhibitors comprise a wide range of molecules of a variable chemical nature. Some of the most promising inhibitors, especially SVMP and PLA2 inhibitors, have been developed for other diseases and are being repurposed for snakebite envenoming. In addition, the search for drugs aimed at controlling endogenous processes generated in the course of envenoming is being pursued. The present review summarizes some of the most promising developments in this field and discusses issues that need to be considered for the effective translation of this knowledge to improve therapies for tackling snakebite envenoming.

Exploring the effect of aplidin on low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation study

The low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) could regulate many signaling pathways, and it had drawn attention as a potential target for cancer. As previous report has indicated that the aplidin could inhibit the LMW-PTP, and thus, the relevant cancer caused by the abnormal regulation of the LMW-PTP could be remission. However, the molecular mechanism of inhibition of the LMW-PTP by the aplidin had not been fully understood. In this study, various computational approaches, namely molecular docking, MDs and post-dynamic analyses were utilized to explore the effect of the aplidin on the LMW-PTP. The results suggested that the intramolecular interactions of the residues in the two sides of the active site (Ser43-Ala55 and Pro121-Asn134) and the P-loop region (Leu13-Ser19) in the LMW-PTP was disturbed owing to the aplidin, meanwhile, the π-π interaction between Tyr131 and Tyr132 might be broken. The Asn15 might be the key residue to break the residues interactions. In a word, this study may provide more information for understanding the effect of inhibition of the aplidin on the LMW-PTP.