1
|
Wang J, Zeng X, Gou J, Zhu X, Yin D, Yin L, Shen X, Dai Y, Pan X. Antiviral activity of luteolin against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in silico and in vitro. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:288. [PMID: 38961481 PMCID: PMC11221151 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) mainly causes acute and severe porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), and is highly fatal in neonatal piglets. No reliable therapeutics against the infection exist, which poses a major global health issue for piglets. Luteolin is a flavonoid with anti-viral activity toward several viruses. RESULTS We evaluated anti-viral effects of luteolin in PEDV-infected Vero and IPEC-J2 cells, and identified IC50 values of 23.87 µM and 68.5 µM, respectively. And found PEDV internalization, replication and release were significantly reduced upon luteolin treatment. As luteolin could bind to human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) to contribute viral entry, we first identified that luteolin shares the same core binding site on pACE2 with PEDV-S by molecular docking and exhibited positive pACE2 binding with an affinity constant of 71.6 µM at dose-dependent increases by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. However, pACE2 was incapable of binding to PEDV-S1. Therefore, luteolin inhibited PEDV internalization independent of PEDV-S binding to pACE2. Moreover, luteolin was firmly embedded in the groove of active pocket of Mpro in a three-dimensional docking model, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays confirmed that luteolin inhibited PEDV Mpro activity. In addition, we also observed PEDV-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibition and Nrf2-induced HO-1 expression. Finally, a drug resistant mutant was isolated after 10 cell culture passages concomitant with increasing luteolin concentrations, with reduced PEDV susceptibility to luteolin identified at passage 10. CONCLUSIONS Our results push forward that anti-PEDV mechanisms and resistant-PEDV properties for luteolin, which may be used to combat PED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieru Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zeng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Jiaojiao Gou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhu
- China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Dongdong Yin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Xuehuai Shen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Yin Dai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China.
| | - Xiaocheng Pan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alipour Z, Zarezadeh S, Ghotbi-Ravandi AA. The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:172-203. [PMID: 37956978 DOI: 10.1055/a-2209-6357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, a global pandemic was announced due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to cause COVID-19. Despite worldwide efforts, there are only limited options regarding antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19. Although vaccines are now available, issues such as declining efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 variants and the aging of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the importance of finding more antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the disease. Drug repurposing has been used to rapidly find COVID-19 therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical evidence for the therapeutic benefits and certain serious side effects of repurposed antivirals, the search for an antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 with fewer side effects continues. In recent years, numerous studies have included antiviral chemicals from a variety of plant species. A better knowledge of the possible antiviral natural products and their mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 will help to develop stronger and more targeted direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to compile the current data on potential plant metabolites that can be investigated in COVID-19 drug discovery and development. This review represents a collection of plant secondary metabolites and their mode of action against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alipour
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Zarezadeh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Ghotbi-Ravandi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu J, Yan H, Shi M, Zhang M, Lu J, Wang J, Chen L, Wang Y, Li L, Miao L, Zhang H. Luteolin inhibits spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3508-3521. [PMID: 37166054 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that poses a serious threat to global public health. In an essential step during infection, SARS-CoV-2 uses the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein to engage with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in host cells. Chinese herbal medicines and their active components exhibit antiviral activity, with luteolin being a flavonoid that can significantly inhibit SARS-CoV infection. However, whether it can block the interaction between the S-protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 has not yet been elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of luteolin on the binding of the S-protein RBD to ACE2. By employing a competitive binding assay in vitro, we found that luteolin significantly blocked the binding of S-protein RBD to ACE2 with IC50 values of 0.61 mM, which was confirmed by the neutralized infection with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in vivo. A surface plasmon resonance-based competition assay revealed that luteolin significantly affects the binding of the S-protein RBD to the ACE2 receptor. Molecular docking was performed to predict the binding sites of luteolin to the S-protein RBD-ACE2 complex. The active binding sites were defined based on published literature, and we found that luteolin might interfere with the mixture at residues including LYS353, ASP30, and TYR83 in the cellular ACE2 receptor and GLY496, GLN498, TYR505, LEU455, GLN493, and GLU484 in the S-protein RBD. These residues may together form attractive charges and destroy the stable interaction of S-protein RBD-ACE2. Luteolin also inhibits SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced platelet spreading, thereby inhibiting the binding of the spike protein to ACE2. Our results are the first to provide evidence that luteolin is an anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent associated with interference between viral S-protein RBD-ACE2 interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengyao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiabao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Halma MTJ, Plothe C, Marik P, Lawrie TA. Strategies for the Management of Spike Protein-Related Pathology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1308. [PMID: 37317282 PMCID: PMC10222799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, a need has arisen to prevent and treat two related conditions, COVID-19 vaccine injury and long COVID-19, both of which can trace at least part of their aetiology to the spike protein, which can cause harm through several mechanisms. One significant mechanism of harm is vascular, and it is mediated by the spike protein, a common element of the COVID-19 illness, and it is related to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Given the significant number of people experiencing these two related conditions, it is imperative to develop treatment protocols, as well as to consider the diversity of people experiencing long COVID-19 and vaccine injury. This review summarizes the known treatment options for long COVID-19 and vaccine injury, their mechanisms, and their evidentiary basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christof Plothe
- Center for Biophysical Osteopathy, Am Wegweiser 27, 55232 Alzey, Germany
| | - Paul Marik
- Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), 2001 L St. NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Application Potential of Luteolin in the Treatment of Viral Pneumonia. J Food Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/1810503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Aim of the Review. This study aims to summarize the therapeutic effect of luteolin on the pathogenesis of viral pneumonia, explore its absorption and metabolism in the human body, evaluate the possibility of luteolin as a drug to treat viral pneumonia, and provide a reference for future research. Materials and Methods. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Google Scholar and collected research on luteolin in the treatment of viral pneumonia and related diseases since 2003. Then, we summarized the efficacy and potential of luteolin in directly inhibiting viral activity, limiting inflammatory storms, reducing pulmonary inflammation, and treating pneumonia complications. Results and Conclusion. Luteolin has the potential to treat viral pneumonia in multiple ways. Luteolin has a direct inhibitory effect on coronavirus, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Luteolin can alleviate the inflammatory factor storm induced by multiple factors by inhibiting the function of macrophages or mast cells. Luteolin can reduce pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary edema, or pulmonary fibrosis induced by multiple factors. In addition, viral pneumonia may cause multisystem complications, while luteolin has extensive protective effects on the gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. However, due to the first-pass metabolism mediated by phase II enzymes, the bioavailability of oral luteolin is low. The bioavailability of luteolin can be improved, and its potential value can be further developed by changing the dosage form or route of administration.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tibashailwa N, Stephano F, Shadrack DM, Munissi JJE, Nyandoro SS. Neuroprotective potential of cinnamoyl derivatives against Parkinson's disease indicators in Drosophila melanogaster and in silico models. Neurotoxicology 2023; 94:147-157. [PMID: 36410467 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons over time. While there is no cure for PD, available conventional therapies aid to manage the motor symptoms. Natural products (NPs) derived from plants are among the most potent alternative therapies for PD. This study explored the neuroprotective potential of selected cinnamoyl derivatives namely toussaintine A (1), E-toussaintine E (2), asperphenamate (3) and julocrotine (4) against PD indicators using rotenone-challenged Drosophila melanogaster and in silico models. The compounds were first assessed for their toxicity preceding treatment experiments. Adult flies (aged 1-4 days) were exposed to varying concentrations of the compounds for 7 days. During the experiment, the mortality of flies was observed, and the lethal concentration (LC50) of each tested compound was determined. The LC50 values were found to be 50.1, 55.6, 513.5, and 101.0 µM for compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. For seven days, we exposed flies to 500 µM of rotenone and co-fed with a chosen dose of 40 µM of each test compound in the diet. Using a negative geotaxis test, rotenone-challenged flies exhibited compromised climbing ability in comparison to control flies, the condition that was reversed by the action of studied compounds. Rotenone exposure also elevated malondialdehyde levels in the brain tissues, as measured by lipid peroxidation, when compared to control flies. In flies exposed to rotenone and co-fed with the compounds, this effect was lessened. In flies exposed to rotenone, mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were raised but were normalized in flies treated with the investigated compounds. Moreover, in-silico studies examined the inhibitory ability of compounds 1-4 against selected PD molecular targets, revealing the strong power of toussaintine A (1) against Adenosine receptor 2 (A2AR) and monoamine oxidase B. Thus, our findings suggest that cinnamoyl derivatives have neuroprotective potential via reducing the oxidative burden and improving locomotor ability after toxin invectives. In particular, compound 1 at lower doses can simultaneously be a potential inhibitor of A2AR and an anti-oxidative mediator in the development of anti-PD agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Tibashailwa
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Flora Stephano
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Daniel M Shadrack
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, St. John's University of Tanzania, Dodoma, P.O Box 47, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Joan J E Munissi
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stephen S Nyandoro
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yadav P, Chowdhury P. Effectivity of repurposed drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infections, A hope for COVID 19: inhibitor modelling studies by docking and molecular dynamics. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12327. [PMID: 36531644 PMCID: PMC9737521 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we have done a comparative study on the efficacy of some currently used repurposed drugs: Oseltamivir (O), Favipiravir (F) and Hydroxychloroquine (H) in individual and in their combinational mode against CoV-2 infections. The ADME analysis has helped us to identify the inhibitory possibility of the tested drugs towards receptor 3CLpro protein of SARS-CoV-2. Various thermodynamical parameters obtained from Molecular Docking, Molecular dynamics (MD) and MMPBSA simulations like binding affinity, potential energy (Epot), RMSD, RMSF, SASA energy, interaction energies, Gibbs free energy (ΔGbind) etc. also helped us to verify the effectivity of mentioned drugs against CoV-2 protease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Yadav
- Department of Physics and Materials Science & Engineering, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Papia Chowdhury
- Department of Physics and Materials Science & Engineering, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Deogratias G, Shadrack DM, Munissi JJE, Kinunda GA, Jacob FR, Mtei RP, Masalu RJ, Mwakyula I, Kiruri LW, Nyandoro SS. Hydrophobic π-π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds drive self-aggregation of luteolin in water. J Mol Graph Model 2022; 116:108243. [PMID: 35777224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2022.108243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Luteolin is a flavonoid obtained from different plant species. It is known for its versatile biological activities. However, the beneficial effects of luteolin have been limited to small concentrations as a result of poor water solubility. This study aimed at investigating the hydrophobic interaction and hydration of luteolin towards the improvement of its solubility when used as a drug. We report the aggregation properties of luteolin in water by varying the number of monomers using atomistic molecular dynamics simulation. Results show that the equilibrium structure of luteolin occurs in an aggregated state with different structural arrangements. As the monomers size increase, the antiparallel flipped conformation dominates over T-shaped antiparallel, T-shaped parallel, and antiparallel conformations. The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of 0.19 nm between the keto-enol groups results in hydrophobic characteristics. A larger cluster exhibits slow hydrogen bond dynamics for luteolin-luteolin than luteolin-water interaction. Water structure at large cluster size exhibited slow dynamics and low self-diffusion of luteolin. The existence of hydrophobic π-π and hydrogen bonds between luteolin molecules drives strong self-aggregation resulting in poor water solubility. Breakage of these established interactions would result in increased solubility of luteolin in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geradius Deogratias
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Daniel M Shadrack
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, St. John's University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 47, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Joan J E Munissi
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Grace A Kinunda
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Fortunatus R Jacob
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Regina P Mtei
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rose J Masalu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 25179, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Issakwisa Mwakyula
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Lucy W Kiruri
- Department of Chemistry, Kenyatta University, P.O.Box, 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen S Nyandoro
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jing Si Herbal Drink as a prospective adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 treatment: Molecular evidence and mechanisms. PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH - MODERN CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8654706 DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2021.100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 has led to a sharp increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths from pneumonia and multiorgan disease worldwide; therefore, SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health problem. Supportive therapies remain the mainstay treatments against COVID-19, such as oxygen inhalation, antiviral drugs, and antibiotics. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown clinically to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19 infection, and TCMs can affect the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Jing Si Herbal Drink (JSHD), an eight herb formula jointly developed by Tzu Chi University and Tzu Chi Hospital, has shown potential as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 infection. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of JSHD as an adjuvant treatment in patients with COVID-19 infection is underway Objectives This article aims to explore the efficacy of the herbs in JSHD against COVID-19 infection from a mechanistic standpoint and provide a reference for the rational utilization of JSHD in the treatment of COVID-19. Method We compiled evidence of the herbs in JSHD to treat COVID-19 in vivo and in vitro. Results We described the efficacy and mechanism of action of the active ingredients in JSHD to treat COVID-19 based on experimental evidence. JSHD includes 5 antiviral herbs, 7 antioxidant herbs, and 7 anti-inflammatory herbs. In addition, 2 herbs inhibit the overactive immune system, 1 herb reduces cell apoptosis, and 1 herb possesses antithrombotic ability. Conclusion Although experimental data have confirmed that the ingredients in JSHD are effective against COVID-19, more rigorously designed studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of JSHD as a COVID-19 treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Theoharides TC, Guerra L, Patel K. Successful Treatment of a Patient With Severe COVID-19 Using an Integrated Approach Addressing Mast Cells and Their Mediators. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 118:164-166. [PMID: 35227867 PMCID: PMC8881225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Tampa FL, USA.
| | - Lucy Guerra
- Department of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kapilkumar Patel
- Center for Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Program, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa General Hospital, Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pizzorno J. Are Antiviral Flavonoids Part of the Solution to the COVID-19 Pandemic? Integr Med (Encinitas) 2021; 20:8-13. [PMID: 35250397 PMCID: PMC8887228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The relentless continuation of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic clearly indicates the need to broaden our approach to this serious, worldwide problem. An important factor that has received little attention is the protective role of dietary antiviral flavonoids. Many flavonoids have been shown through molecular docking assays, as well as in silico studies, and in vitro and in vivo studies to inhibit virtually every mechanism needed by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) to penetrate cells and hijack molecular processes. These inhibitory effects have shown clinical benefit in a few preliminary studies. In this editorial I present research which makes the case for dietary flavonoids as part of the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|