Targeting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease through active phytochemicals of ayurvedic medicinal plants - Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) - a molecular docking study

Structural and Functional Characterization of Medicinal Plants as Selective Antibodies towards Therapy of COVID-19 Symptoms

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, this research aims to investigate some herbs as probable therapies for this disease. Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Alkanet, Rumex patientia (Patience dock), Dill, Tarragon, and sweet fennel, including some principal chemical compounds of achillin, alkannin, cuminaldehyde, dillapiole, estragole, and fenchone have been selected. The possible roles of these medicinal plants in COVID-19 treatment have been investigated through quantum sensing methods. The formation of hydrogen bonding between the principal substances selected in anti-COVID natural drugs and Tyr-Met-His (the database amino acids fragment), as the active area of the COVID protein, has been evaluated. The physical and chemical attributes of nuclear magnetic resonance, vibrational frequency, the highest occupied molecular orbital energy and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy, partial charges, and spin density have been investigated using the DFT/TD-DFT method and 6-311+G (2d,p) basis set by the Gaussian 16 revision C.01 program toward the industry of drug design. This research has exhibited that there is relative agreement among the results that these medicinal plants could be efficient against COVID-19 symptoms.

Alterations in Circadian Rhythms, Sleep, and Physical Activity in COVID-19: Mechanisms, Interventions, and Lessons for the Future

Although the world is acquitting from the throes of COVID-19 and returning to the regularity of life, its effects on physical and mental health are prominently evident in the post-pandemic era. The pandemic subjected us to inadequate sleep and physical activities, stress, irregular eating patterns, and work hours beyond the regular rest-activity cycle. Thus, perturbing the synchrony of the regular circadian clock functions led to chronic psychiatric and neurological disorders and poor immunological response in several COVID-19 survivors. Understanding the links between the host immune system and viral replication machinery from a clock-infection biology perspective promises novel avenues of intervention. Behavioral improvements in our daily lifestyle can reduce the severity and expedite the convalescent stage of COVID-19 by maintaining consistent eating, sleep, and physical activity schedules. Including dietary supplements and nutraceuticals with prophylactic value aids in combating COVID-19, as their deficiency can lead to a higher risk of infection, vulnerability, and severity of COVID-19. Thus, besides developing therapeutic measures, perpetual healthy practices could also contribute to combating the upcoming pandemics. This review highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on biological rhythms, sleep-wake cycles, physical activities, and eating patterns and how those disruptions possibly contribute to the response, severity, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review

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.

Genome sequencing and functional analysis of a multipurpose medicinal herb Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy)

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson, also known as Giloy, is among the most important medicinal plants that have numerous therapeutic applications in human health due to the production of a diverse array of secondary metabolites. To gain genomic insights into the medicinal properties of T. cordifolia, the genome sequencing was carried out using 10× Genomics linked read and Nanopore long-read technologies. The draft genome assembly of T. cordifolia was comprised of 1.01 Gbp, which is the genome sequenced from the plant family Menispermaceae. We also performed the genome size estimation for T. cordifolia, which was found to be 1.13 Gbp. The deep sequencing of transcriptome from the leaf tissue was also performed. The genome and transcriptome assemblies were used to construct the gene set, resulting in 17,245 coding gene sequences. Further, the phylogenetic position of T. cordifolia was also positioned as basal eudicot by constructing a genome-wide phylogenetic tree using multiple species. Further, a comprehensive comparative evolutionary analysis of gene families contraction/expansion and multiple signatures of adaptive evolution was performed. The genes involved in benzyl iso-quinoline alkaloid, terpenoid, lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were found with signatures of adaptive evolution. These evolutionary adaptations in genes provide genomic insights into the presence of diverse medicinal properties of this plant. The genes involved in the common symbiosis signalling pathway associated with endosymbiosis (Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) were found to be adaptively evolved. The genes involved in adventitious root formation, peroxisome biogenesis, biosynthesis of phytohormones, and tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses were also found to be adaptively evolved in T. cordifolia.

Role of dietary supplements in the continuous battle against COVID-19

A sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was a big blow to the world community on every level. Created by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which was previously unknown to the human immune system. The expert opinion almost immediately united on the fact that the most effective way of fighting the pandemic would be by building immunity artificially via a mass immunization program. However, it took about a year for the approval of the first vaccine against COVID-19. In the meantime, a big part of the general population started adapting nutritious diet plans and dietary supplements to boost natural immunity as a potential prophylactic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether they originate from mainstream medicine, such as synthetic supplements, or traditional herbal remedies in the form of single or poly-herbs, these supplements may comprise various components that exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial characteristics. There is a substantial body of predictions and expert opinions suggesting that enhancing one's diet with dietary supplements containing additional nutrients and bioactive compounds like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals, and probiotics can enhance the immune system's ability to develop resistance against COVID-19, although none of them have any conclusive evidence nor officially recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The current review critically acclaims the gap between public perception-based preference and real evidence-based study to weigh the actual benefit of dietary supplements in relation to COVID-19 prevention and management.

SPP1, a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for lung cancer: functional insights through computational studies

NIH reported 128 different types of cancer of which lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality. Globally, it is estimated that on average one in every seventeen hospitalized patients was deceased. There are plenty of studies that have been reported on lung cancer draggability and therapeutics, but yet a protein that plays a central specific to cure the disease remains unclear. So, this study is designed to identify the possible therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can be used for the potential treatment of lung cancers. In order to identify differentially expressed genes, 39 microarray datasets of lung cancer patients were obtained from various demographic regions of the GEO database available at NCBI. After annotating statistically, 6229 up-regulated genes and 10324 down-regulated genes were found. Out of 17 up-regulated genes and significant genes, we selected SPP1 (osteopontin) through virtual screening studies. We found functional interactions with the other cancer-associated genes such as VEGF, FGA, JUN, EGFR, and TGFB1. For the virtual screening studies,198 biological compounds were retrieved from the ACNPD database and docked with SPP1 protein (PDBID: 3DSF). In the results, two highly potential compounds secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (-12.9 kcal/mol), and Hesperidin (-12.0 kcal/mol) showed the highest binding affinity. The stability of the complex was accessed by 100 ns simulation in an SPC water model. From the functional insights obtained through these computational studies, we report that SPP1 could be a potential biomarker and successive therapeutic protein target for lung cancer treatment.

Structure-based Virtual Screening from Natural Products as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and ACE2 Receptor Binding and their Biological Evaluation In vitro

BACKGROUND

In the last years, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused more than 760 million infections and 6.9 million deaths. Currently, remains a public health problem with limited pharmacological treatments. Among the virus drug targets, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein attracts the development of new anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to identify new compounds derived from natural products (BIOFACQUIM and Selleckchem databases) as potential inhibitors of the spike receptor binding domain (RBD)-ACE2 binding complex.

METHODS

Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and ADME-Tox analysis were performed to screen and select the potential inhibitors. ELISA-based enzyme assay was done to confirm our predictive model.

RESULTS

Twenty compounds were identified as potential binders of RBD of the spike protein. In vitro assay showed compound B-8 caused 48% inhibition at 50 μM, and their binding pattern exhibited interactions via hydrogen bonds with the key amino acid residues present on the RBD.

CONCLUSION

Compound B-8 can be used as a scaffold to develop new and more efficient antiviral drugs.

Repurposing immune boosting and anti-viral efficacy of Parkia bioactive entities as multi-target directed therapeutic approach for SARS-CoV-2: exploration of lead drugs by drug likeness, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused adverse health (severe respiratory, enteric and systemic infections) and environmental impacts that have threatened public health and the economy worldwide. Drug repurposing and small molecule multi-target directed herbal medicine therapeutic approaches are the most appropriate exploration strategies for SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery. This study identified potential multi-target-directed Parkia bioactive entities against SARS-CoV-2 receptors (S-protein, ACE2, TMPRSS2, RBD/ACE2, RdRp, MPro, and PLPro) using ADMET, drug-likeness, molecular docking (AutoDock, FireDock and HDOCK), molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA tools. One thousand Parkia bioactive entities were screened out by virtual screening and forty-five bioactive phytomolecules were selected based on favorable binding affinity and acceptable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. The binding affinity values of Parkia phyto-ligands (AutoDock: -6.00--10.40 kcal/mol; FireDock: -31.00--62.02 kcal/mol; and HDOCK: -150.0--294.93 kcal/mol) were observed to be higher than the reference antiviral drugs (AutoDock: -5.90--9.10 kcal/mol; FireDock: -35.64--59.35 kcal/mol; and HDOCK: -132.82--211.87 kcal/mol), suggesting a potent modulatory action of Parkia bioactive entities against the SARS-CoV-2. Didymin, rutin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin-3-0-gallate, hyperin, ursolic acid, lupeol, stigmasta-5,24(28)-diene-3-ol, ellagic acid, apigenin, stigmasterol, and campesterol strongly bound with the multiple targets of the SARS-CoV-2 receptors, inhibiting viral entry, attachment, binding, replication, transcription, maturation, packaging and spread. Furthermore, ACE2, TMPRSS2, and MPro receptors possess significant molecular dynamic properties, including stability, compactness, flexibility and total binding energy. Residues GLU-589, and LEU-95 of ACE2, GLN-350, HIS-186, and ASP-257 of TMPRSS2, and GLU-14, MET-49, and GLN-189 of MPro receptors contributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds and binding interactions, playing vital roles in inhibiting the activity of the receptors. Promising results were achieved by developing multi-targeted antiviral Parkia bioactive entities as lead and prospective candidates under a small molecule strategy against SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. The antiviral activity of Parkia bioactive entities needs to be further validated by pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Molecular mechanism overview of metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are essential and rich resources for plant-based medicines and new drugs. Increasing attentions are paid to the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants due to their unique biological activity, pharmacological action, and high utilization value. However, the development of medicinal plants is constrained by limited natural resources and an unclear understanding of the mechanisms underlying active medicinal ingredients, thereby rendering the utilization and exploration of secondary metabolites more challenging. Besides, with the advancement of research on biosynthesis and molecular metabolism of natural products from medicinal plants, the methods for studying the biological activity and pharmacological effects of these products are constantly evolving. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the biosynthetic pathways and related regulatory genes of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, which has greatly advanced both basic research and the development of clinical applications for medicinal plants. In this review, we discuss the past two decades of international research on the development of medicinal plant resources, mainly focusing on the biosynthetic pathway of secondary metabolites, intracellular signal transduction processes, multi-omics applications, and the application of gene editing technology in related research progress. We also discuss future development trends to promote the deep mining and development of natural products from medicinal plants, providing a useful reference.

Effectiveness of ayurvedic formulation, NAOQ19 along with standard care in the treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 patients: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric trial

BACKGROUND

Medicines in indigenous systems such as Ayurveda have strong antimicrobial activity but double-blind randomized control trials are infrequent in this system of medicine. The efficacy of a new ayurvedic formulation was evaluated during the pandemic.

METHODS

150 mild-moderate COVID-19 patients were enrolled and randomized in 1:1 to NAOQ19 and placebo group. RT-PCR was done on Day 3, 5 and 7. CBC, CRP, LFT, and KFT were assessed at baseline and exit. Duration of hospital stay was noted and clinical assessment was also performed.

RESULT

The results demonstrated more people turning RT-PCR negative in the NAOQ19 group compared to the placebo group on day 3 (p-value = 0.033). The mean time duration to turn RT-PCR negative was significantly lower in the NAOQ19 group (4.6 days) compared to placebo group (5.2 days) (p-value = 0.018). There was significant reduction in hospital stay among patients in the NAOQ19 arm who were discharged earlier (5.6 days) compared to placebo group (6.4 days) (p-value = 0.046). Patients in NAOQ19 arm did not show any adverse life-threatening events.

CONCLUSION

The ayurvedic preparation given along with standard of care therapy reduced the duration of hospital stay and there was earlier conversion to RT-PCR negative.The integrated approach can help to reduce patient workload in the hospitals as well as limit the transmission of the virus in the community.

STUDY REGISTRATION

CTRI/2021/05/033790.

Culinary spices and herbs in managing early and long-COVID-19 complications: A comprehensive review

Human race is preparing for the upsurge and aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic complicated by novel variants, new waves, variable mortality rate, and post-COVID complications. Despite use of repurposed drugs, symptomatic treatments and licensing of multiple vaccines, the daily number of cases and rate of transmission are significant. Culinary spices and herbs have been historically used in pandemic and non-pandemic times to reduce respiratory viral burden. Specific food items and culinary spices can boost the levels of protective immunity and also offer therapeutic benefits against impervious bugs via well-known as well as less-known but scientifically testable mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the phytochemicals profile of Ayurvedic herbs and inferred from the clinical trials/observational studies to provide a focused and succinct perspective on the relevance of "food-based" traditional decoction to moderate COVID-19 disease and long-COVID via modulation of immunity and reinstatement of homeostasis. We also underscore the druggable targets in pathogenesis of COVID-19 which are relevant to the ongoing clinical trials using spices and herbs. This information will provide a strong scientific rationale for standardization of the traditional herbs-based therapies and adopting the use of herbs, spices, and their formulations for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, long-COVID symptoms, and COVID-19 disease progression.

Ayurveda research: Emerging trends and mapping to sustainable development goals

Ayurveda is India's prominent traditional medical system. The World Health Organization has stated the need for more evidence and data from conventional medicine methods to inform policymakers, regulatory bodies, healthcare stakeholders, and the public about its safe, effective, and equitable use. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the emerging trends in Ayurveda research, mapping research to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and examining the impact of COVID-19. Using bibliometric methods, the researchers analyzed a total of 11,773 publications between 1993 and 2022 to understand the temporal evolution of publications, open-access publications, patterns of author collaboration, top-performing countries, and co-citation networks. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies networks of concentrated studies on Ayurveda research themes relating to the four clusters, Alternative and Traditional Medicine, Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities, Analytical Techniques and Herbal Standardization, and Herbal Medicines and Immunomodulation, reflecting the diverse research areas within Ayurveda. The last cluster included research related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, suggesting research on herbal approaches to immune modulation in the context of COVID-19. The most prominent SDG among these research themes was Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), emphasizing the potential of natural products and traditional medicine in promoting holistic health and combating antibiotic resistance.

Promising role of Vitamin D and plant metabolites against COVID-19: Clinical trials review

Vitamin D possesses immunomodulatory qualities and is protective against respiratory infections. Additionally, it strengthens adaptive and cellular immunity and boosts the expression of genes involved in oxidation. Experts suggested taking vitamin D supplements to avoid and treat viral infection and also COVID-19, on the other hand, since the beginning of time, the use of plants as medicines have been vital to human wellbeing. The WHO estimates that 80 % of people worldwide use plants or herbs for therapeutic purposes. Secondary metabolites from medicinal plants are thought to be useful in lowering infections from pathogenic microorganisms due to their ability to inhibit viral protein and enzyme activity by binding with them. As a result, this manuscript seeks to describe the role of vitamin D and probable plant metabolites that have antiviral activities and may be complementary to the alternative strategy against COVID-19 in a single manuscript through reviewing various case studies.

Hepatoprotective effects of bioactive compounds from traditional herb Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi; Family: libiaceae), also known as "The Queen of herbs" or "Holy Basil," is an omnipresent, multipurpose plant that has been used in folk medicine of many countries as a remedy against several pathological conditions, including anticancer, antidiabetic, cardio-protective, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, and adaptogenic actions. This study aims to assess O. sanctum L.'s hepatoprotective potential against galactosamine-induced toxicity, as well as investigate bioactive compounds in each extract and identify serum metabolites. The extraction of O. sanctum L as per Ayurveda was simultaneously standardized and quantified for biochemical markers: rutin, ellagic acid, kaempferol, caffeic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin by HPTLC. Hepatotoxicity was induced albino adult rats by intra-peritoneal injection of galactosamine (400 mg/kg). The quantified hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extract of O. sanctum L (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day) were compared for evaluation of hepatoprotective potential, which were assessed in terms of reduction in histological damage, change in serum enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP and increase TBARS. Twenty chemical constituents of serum metabolites of O. sanctum were identified and characterized based on matching recorded mass spectra by GC-MS with those obtained from the library-Wiley/NIST. We evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of various fractions of hydroalcoholic extracts based on the polarity and investigated the activity at each phase (hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) in vitro to determine how they affected the toxicity of CCL4 (40 mM) toward Chang liver cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of the selected plants had a higher hepatoprotective activity than the other fractions, so it was used in vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC). The ethyl acetate fraction contains high amounts of rutin (0.34% w/w), ellagic acid (2.32% w/w), kaempferol (0.017% w/w), caffeic acid (0.005% w/w), quercetin (0.038% w/w), and epicatechin (0.057% w/w) which are responsible for hepatoprotection. In comparison to standard silymarin, isolated bioactive molecules displayed the most significant hepatoprotective activity in Chang liver cells treated to CCl4 toxicity. The significant high hepatoprotection provided by standard silymarin ranged from 77.6% at 100 μg/ml to 83.95% at 200 μg/ml, purified ellagic acid ranged from 70% at 100 μg/ml to 81.33% at 200 μg/ml, purified rutin ranged from 63.4% at 100 μg/ml to 76.34% at 200 μg/ml purified quercetin ranged from 54.33% at 100 μg/ml to 60.64% at 200 μg/ml, purified epicatechin ranged from 53.22% at 100 μg/ml to 65.6% at 200 μg/ml, and purified kaempferol ranged from 52.17% at 100 μg/ml to 60.34% at 200 μg/ml. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in O. sanctum L. have significant protective effects against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Deciphering the role of fucoidan from brown macroalgae in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 by targeting its main protease and receptor binding domain: Invitro and insilico approach

The current study investigated the role of fucoidan from Padina tetrastromatica and Turbinaria conoides against 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro) and receptor binding domain (RBD) spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using an invitro and computational approach. The 3CLpro and RBD genes were successfully cloned in pET28a vector, expressed in BL-21DE3 E. coli rosetta cells and purified by ion exchange affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Fucoidan extracted from both biomass using green approach, subcritical water, was found to inhibit 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 with an IC50 value of up to 0.35 mg mL-1. However, fucoidan was found to be inactive against the RBD protein. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that fucoidan binds to the active sites of 3CLpro with an affinity of -5.0 kcal mol-1. In addition, molecular dynamic simulations recorded stabilized interactions of protein-ligand complexes in terms of root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, the radius of gyration, solvent accessible surface area and hydrogen bond interaction. The binding energy of fucoidan with 3CLpro was determined to be -101.821 ± 12.966 kJ mol-1 using Molecular Mechanic/Poisson-Bolt-Boltzmann Surface Area analysis. Fucoidan satisfies the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) properties, including Lipinski's rule of five, which play an essential role in drug design. According to the toxicity parameters, fucoidan does not exhibit skin sensitivity, hepatotoxicity, or AMES toxicity. Therefore, this work reveals that fucoidan from brown macroalgae could act as possible inhibitors in regulating the function of the 3CLpro protein, hence inhibiting viral replication and being effective against COVID-19.

Effective inhibition of HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 by phytochemicals in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Several coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), can cause respiratory infections in humans. To address the need for reliable anti-coronavirus therapeutics, we screened 16 active phytochemicals selected from medicinal plants used in traditional applications for respiratory-related illnesses.

METHODS

An initial screen was completed using HCoV-OC43 to identify compounds that inhibit virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and cell death inhibition. Then the top hits were validated in vitro against both HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 by determining virus titer in cell supernatant and virus-induced cell death. Finally, the most active phytochemical was validated in vivo in the SARS-CoV-2-infected B6.Cg-Tg(K18-ACE2)2Prlmn/J mouse model.

RESULTS

The phytochemicals lycorine (LYC), capsaicin, rottlerin (RTL), piperine and chebulinic acid (CHU) inhibited HCoV-OC43-induced cytopathic effect and reduced viral titres by up to 4 log. LYC, RTL and CHU also suppressed virus replication and cell death following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In vivo, RTL significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced mortality by ∼40% in human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-expressing K18 mice.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these studies indicate that RTL and other phytochemicals have therapeutic potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 infections.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Households' Utilization of Rehabilitation Services: National Evidence from Iran Health System

Background

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the pattern of utilization of healthcare services. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of rehabilitation services before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the health system of Iran.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study used data from the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys of the Iran Statistics Center in 2018-2019 (before COVID-19) and 2020 (after COVID-19). The patterns of utilization and expenditures of rehabilitation services before and after this pandemic were investigated in different household sub-groups. The multilevel logistic regression model was used to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the utilization of health services by households.

Results

Although 258 (0.66%) households used rehabilitation services before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 175 (0.47%) households utilized them after the pandemic. Additionally, the average total rehabilitation costs per utilized household were 3,438,185 Iranian Rials (IRR) in 2018-2019 and 2,996,511 IRR in 2020-2021. Sex, age, education, size of household, place of residence, health insurance coverage, and income significantly affected the utilization of rehabilitation services by households during the study period (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the average use of rehabilitation services decreased by 22% (odds ratio = 0.78, p < 0.01) after the pandemic.

Conclusion

In Iranian households, the utilization and average expenditure of rehabilitation services significantly decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings strongly recommend health system policymakers to develop comprehensive plans to address future shocks arising from pandemics and other emergencies.

A Comprehensive Update of Various Attempts by Medicinal Chemists to Combat COVID-19 through Natural Products

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global panic because of its continual evolution and recurring spikes. This serious malignancy is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the outbreak, millions of people have been affected from December 2019 till now, which has led to a great surge in finding treatments. Despite trying to handle the pandemic with the repurposing of some drugs, such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir, ivermectin, etc., against COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues its out-of-control spread. There is a dire need to identify a new regimen of natural products to combat the deadly viral disease. This article deals with the literature reports to date of natural products showing inhibitory activity towards SARS-CoV-2 through different approaches, such as in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies. Natural compounds targeting the proteins of SARS-CoV-2-the main protease (M^pro), papain-like protease (PL^pro), spike proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), endoribonuclease, exoribonuclease, helicase, nucleocapsid, methyltransferase, adeno diphosphate (ADP) phosphatase, other nonstructural proteins, and envelope proteins-were extracted mainly from plants, and some were isolated from bacteria, algae, fungi, and a few marine organisms.

Comprehensive Understanding of the Kinetic Behaviors of Main Protease from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV: New Data and Comparison to Published Parameters

The main protease (M^pro) is a promising drug target for inhibiting the coronavirus due to its conserved properties and lack of homologous genes in humans. However, previous studies on M^pro's kinetic parameters have been confusing, hindering the selection of accurate inhibitors. Therefore, obtaining a clear view of M^pro's kinetic parameters is necessary. In our study, we investigated the kinetic behaviors of M^pro from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV using both FRET-based cleavage assay and the LC-MS method, respectively. Our findings indicate that the FRET-based cleavage assay could be used for preliminary screening of M^pro inhibitors, while the LC-MS method should be applied to select the effective inhibitors with higher reliability. Furthermore, we constructed the active site mutants (H41A and C145A) and measured the kinetic parameters to gain a deeper understanding of the atomic-level enzyme efficiency reduction compared to the wild type. Overall, our study provides valuable insights for inhibitor screening and design by offering a comprehensive understanding of M^pro's kinetic behaviors.

Glyphosate potentiates insulin resistance in skeletal muscle through the modulation of IRS-1/PI3K/Akt mediated mechanisms: An in vivo and in silico analysis

Herbicides have been linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes. Certain herbicides also operate as environmental toxins. Glyphosate is a popular and extremely effective herbicide for weed control in grain crops that inhibits the shikimate pathway. It has been shown to negatively influence endocrine function. Few studies have demonstrated that glyphosate exposure results in hyperglycemic and insulin resistance; but the molecular mechanism underlying the diabetogenic potential of glyphosate on skeletal muscle, a primary organ that includes insulin-mediated glucose disposal, is unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of glyphosate on the detrimental changes in the insulin metabolic signaling in the gastrocnemius muscle. In vivo results showed that glyphosate exposure caused hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, increased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), liver function, kidney function profile, and oxidative stress markers in a dose-dependent fashion. Conversely, hemoglobin and antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in glyphosate-induced animals indicating its toxicity is linked to induce insulin resistance. The histopathology of the gastrocnemius muscle and RT-PCR analysis of insulin signaling molecules revealed glyphosate-induced alteration in the expression of IR, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, β-arrestin-2, and GLUT4 mRNA. Lastly, molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed that glyphosate showed a high binding affinity with target molecules such as Akt, IRS-1, c-Src, β-arrestin-2, PI3K, and GLUT4. The current work provides experimental proof that glyphosate exposure has a deleterious effect on the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which in turn causes the skeletal muscle to become insulin resistant and eventually develop type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Efficacy analysis and research progress of complementary and alternative medicines in the adjuvant treatment of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted human lifestyles around the world, causing huge distress in terms of public health systems, emergency response capacity and economic development. The causative agent of COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with respiratory involvement, cardiovascular-related diseases, and ultimately causes multiple organ failure and death in severely affected individuals. Thus, effective prevention or early treatment of COVID-19 is critical. An effective vaccine offers a way out of the pandemic for governments, the scientific community and people worldwide, but we still lack effective drug therapies, including treatments for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This had led to a high global demand for many complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Moreover, many healthcare providers are now requesting information about CAMs that prevent, relieve, or treat the symptoms of COVID-19 and even alleviate vaccine-related side effects. Experts and scholars must therefore become familiar with the use of CAMs in COVID-19, current research directions and effectiveness of CAMs for COVID-19. This narrative review updates the current status and research worldwide on the use of CAMs for COVID-19. The review provides reliable evidence on theoretical viewpoints and therapeutic efficacies of CAM combinations, and evidence in support of the therapeutic strategy of Taiwan Chingguan Erhau (NRICM102) against moderate-to-severe novel coronavirus infectious disease in Taiwan.

Antiviral Activity of Svarnvir-IV Tablet Assayed for Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic in a very short time span. While several vaccines have been developed in the last year, specific treatments for CoV infection are still being explored. Thus, the situation highlights the need to develop safe and efficacious antiviral therapeutics. Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy has been traditionally used in India for its holistic healing systems and proven history of empirical use. There is emerging evidence that Ayurvedic treatment methodologies and herbal medicines may be effective strategies in combating COVID-19. The present study is aimed at evaluating the antiviral and therapeutic activity of an Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation (Svarnvir-IV tablet, 450 mg) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vitro. A cell-based assay was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the Svarnvir-IV tablets (Aimil Pharmaceuticals, Delhi, India) for the determination of virucidal activity assessment (at 2 hours) and therapeutic activity assessment (at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours). When incubated with SARS-CoV-2 virus at 0.1 multiplicity of infection (MoI) for two hours, Svarnvir-IV tablet exhibited virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 with an EC50 value of 0.0058 mg/ml. It also exhibited therapeutic activity when treated with cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (0.1 MoI) for 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours post-infection, with an EC50 value of 0.094 mg/ml, 0.023 mg/ml, and 0.05 mg/ml, respectively. The original supporting data obtained from this study, along with existing Ayurvedic traditional information, has shown encouraging results.

The Role of Yoga in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction The unpredictable course and sheer magnitude of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have sparked a search for novel and repurposed pharmacological interventions. Non-pharmacological interventions may also play a role in the management of this multifaceted disease. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effect of yoga in hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19. Methods Twenty patients satisfying the inclusion criterion were randomized (1:1 ratio) into Intervention and Control groups. Patients in the intervention arm performed a one-hour yoga session that included pranayama and Gayatri mantra (GM) chant for up to 14 days. Sessions were fully supervised by a trained yoga trainer via an online platform. Patients in both groups received the normal treatment as per national guidelines. Outcome parameters were recorded on the 14th day/end of the hospital stay. Results Yoga is safe and feasible in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The decline of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels was significantly greater in the Intervention Group. Quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety, and fatigue severity scale (FSS) showed a decline in both groups with a significant decline observed in FSS scores of the Intervention Group. Median chest X-ray score values, duration of hospital stay, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) conversion days were observed to be lower in the Intervention Group but were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion The study found that incorporating pranayama and GM practices in hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia was safe and feasible. It showed a notable reduction in hs-CRP levels and FSS scores in the Intervention Group, but the study was not powered to detect statistically significant results. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed for conclusive findings.

Bioprospecting phytochemicals of Rosmarinus officinalis L. for targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro): a computational study

CONTEXT

The persistent spread of highly contagious COVID-19 disease is one of the deadliest occurrences in the history of mankind. Despite the distribution of numerous efficacious vaccines and their extensive usage, the perpetual effectiveness of immunization is being catechized. Therefore, discovering an alternative therapy to control and prevent COVID-19 infections has become a top priority. The main protease (M^pro) plays a key role in viral replication, making it an intriguing pharmacological target for SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

In this context, virtual screening of thirteen bioactive polyphenols and terpenoids of Rosmarinus officinalis L. was performed using several computational modules including molecular docking, ADMET, drug-likeness characteristics, and molecular dynamic simulation to predict the potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 M^pro (PDB: 6LU7). The results suggest that apigenin, betulinic acid, luteolin, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid may emerge as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 with acceptable drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, ADMET characteristics, and binding interactions comparable with remdesivir and favipiravir. These findings imply that some of the active components of Rosmarinus officinalis L. can serve as an effective antiviral source for the development of therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Natural Products as a Potential Source of Promising Therapeutics for COVID-19 and Viral Diseases

Background

A global pandemic has recently been observed due to the new coronavirus disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Since there are currently no antiviral medicines to combat the highly contagious and lethal COVID-19 infection, identifying natural sources that can either be viricidal or boost the immune system and aid in the fight against the disease can be an essential therapeutic support.

Methods

This review was conducted based on published papers related to the herbal therapy of COVID-19 by search on databases including PubMed and Scopus with herbal, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and therapy keywords.

Results

To combat this condition, people may benefit from the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants, such as increasing their immune system or providing an antiviral impact. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 infection death rates can be reduced. Various traditional medicinal plants and their bioactive components, such as COVID-19, are summarized in this article to assist in gathering and debating techniques for combating microbial diseases in general and boosting our immune system in particular.

Conclusion

The immune system benefits from natural products and many of these play a role in activating antibody creation, maturation of immune cells, and stimulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The lack of particular antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 means that apitherapy might be a viable option for reducing the hazards associated with COVID-19 in the absence of specific antivirals.

Phytochemicals of Withania somnifera as a Future Promising Drug against SARS-CoV-2: Pharmacological Role, Molecular Mechanism, Molecular Docking Evaluation, and Efficient Delivery

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has killed millions of people since first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Intriguingly, Withania somnifera (WS) has shown promising antiviral effects against numerous viral infections, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, which are contributed by its phytochemicals. This review focused on the updated testing of therapeutic efficacy and associated molecular mechanisms of WS extracts and their phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 infection in preclinical and clinical studies with the aim to develop a long-term solution against COVID-19. It also deciphered the current use of the in silico molecular docking approach in developing potential inhibitors from WS targeting SARS-CoV-2 and host cell receptors that may aid the development of targeted therapy against SARS-CoV-2 ranging from prior to viral entry until acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review also discussed nanoformulations or nanocarriers in achieving effective WS delivery to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, consequently preventing the emergence of drug resistance, and eventually therapeutic failure.

Inhibitory Potential of the Ocimum sanctum Phytochemicals on Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase, a Well-Known Drug Target for Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: An In Silico Investigation

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable neoplasm of B-lymphocytes, which accounts for about one-third of all leukemias. Ocimum sanctum, an herbaceous perennial, is considered as one of the important sources of drugs for the treatment of various diseases, including cancers and autoimmune diseases. The present study was designed to screen various phytochemicals of O. sanctum for discovering their potential to inhibit Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a well-known drug target of CLL. Various phytochemicals of O. sanctum were screened for their potential to inhibit BTK using several in silico protocols. First, the molecular docking approach was used to calculate the docking scores of the selected phytochemicals. Then, the selected top-ranked phytochemicals were screened for their physicochemical characteristics using ADME analysis. Finally, the stability of the selected compounds in their corresponding docking complexes with BTK was analysed using molecular dynamics simulations. Primarily, our observations revealed that, out of the 46 phytochemicals of O. sanctum, six compounds possessed significantly better docking scores (ranging from -9.2 kcal/mol to -10 kcal/mol). Their docking scores were comparable to those of the control inhibitors, acalabrutinib (-10.3 kcal/mol), and ibrutinib (-11.3 kcal/mol). However, after ADME analysis of these top-ranked six compounds, only three compounds (Molludistin, Rosmarinic acid, and Vitexin) possessed drug likeliness characteristics. During the MD analysis, the three compounds Molludistin, Rosmarinic acid, and Vitexin were found to remain stable in the binding pocket in their corresponding docking complexes with BTK. Therefore, among the 46 phytochemicals of O. sanctum tested in this study, the three compounds, Molludistin, Rosmarinic acid, and Vitexin are the best inhibitors of BTK. However, these findings need to be confirmed by biological experiments in the laboratory.

Cyanometabolites: molecules with immense antiviral potential

Cyanometabolites are active compounds derived from cyanobacteria that include small low molecular weight peptides, oligosaccharides, lectins, phenols, fatty acids, and alkaloids. Some of these compounds may pose a threat to human and environment. However, majority of them are known to have various health benefits with antiviral properties against pathogenic viruses including Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Influenza A virus (IAV) etc. Cyanometabolites classified as lectins include scytovirin (SVN), Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin (OAAH), cyanovirin-N (CV-N), Microcystis viridis lectin (MVL), and microvirin (MVN) also possess a potent antiviral activity against viral diseases with unique properties to recognize different viral epitopes. Studies showed that a small linear peptide, microginin FR1, isolated from a water bloom of Microcystis species, inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), making it useful for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our review provides an overview of the antiviral properties of cyanobacteria from the late 90s till now and emphasizes the significance of their metabolites in combating viral diseases, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has received limited attention in previous publications. The enormous medicinal potential of cyanobacteria is also emphasized in this review, which justifies their use as a dietary supplement to fend off pandemics in future.

Nanomedicine for drug resistant pathogens and COVID-19 using mushroom nanocomposite inspired with bacteriocin – A Review

Multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens have become a major global health challenge and have severely threatened the health of society. Current conditions have gotten worse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and infection rates in the future will rise. It is necessary to design, respond effectively, and take action to address these challenges by investigating new avenues. In this regard, the fabrication of metal NPs utilized by various methods, including green synthesis using mushroom, is highly versatile, cost-effective, eco-compatible, and superior. In contrast, biofabrication of metal NPs can be employed as a powerful weapon against MDR pathogens and have immense biomedical applications. In addition, the advancement in nanotechnology has made possible to modify the nanomaterials and enhance their activities. Metal NPs with biomolecules composite to prevents their microbial adhesion and kills the microbial pathogens through biofilm formation. Bacteriocin is an excellent antimicrobial peptide that works well as an augmentation substance to boost the antimicrobial effects. As a result, we concentrate on the creation of new, eco-compatible mycosynthesized metal NPs with bacteriocin nanocomposite via electrostatic, covalent, or non-covalent bindings. The synergistic benefits of metal NPs with bacteriocin to combat MDR pathogens and COVID-19, as well as other biomedical applications, are discussed in this review. Moreover, the importance of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) in risk analysis of manufactured metal nanocomposite nanomaterial and their future possibilities also discussed.

An updated review on phytochemistry and molecular targets of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha)

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal belongs to the nightshade family Solanaceae and is commonly known as Ashwagandha. It is pharmacologically a significant medicinal plant of the Indian sub-continent, used in Ayurvedic and indigenous systems of medicine for more than 3,000 years. It is a rich reservoir of pharmaceutically bioactive constituents known as withanolides (a group of 300 naturally occurring C-28 steroidal lactones with an ergostane-based skeleton). Most of the biological activities of W. somnifera have been attributed to two key withanolides, namely, withaferin-A and withanolide-D. In addition, bioactive constituents such as withanosides, sitoindosides, steroidal lactones, and alkaloids are also present with a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential. Several research groups worldwide have discovered various molecular targets of W. somnifera, such as inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. It also enhances dopaminergic D2 receptor activity (relief in Parkinson’s disease). The active principles such as sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin-A possess free radical properties. Withanolide-D increases the radio sensitivity of human cancer cells via inhibiting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage to non-homologous end-joining repair (NHEJ) pathways. Withanolide-V may serve as a potential inhibitor against the main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to combat COVID. The molecular docking studies revealed that the withanolide-A inhibits acetyl-cholinesterase in the brain, which could be a potential drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, withanolide-A reduces the expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is responsible for memory loss in epileptic rats. This review demonstrates that W. somnifera is a rich source of withanolides and other bioactive constituents, which can be used as a safe drug for various chronic diseases due to the minimal side effects in various pre-clinical studies. These results are interesting and signify that more clinical trials should be conducted to prove the efficacy and other potential therapeutic effects in human settings.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in reports on the health-promoting benefits of winter cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, including neuroprotective, sedative and adaptogenic effects and effects on sleep. There are also reports of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, there are reports of reproductive outcomes and tarcicidal hormone action. This growing body of research on Ashwagandha highlights its potential as a valuable natural remedy for many health concerns. This narrative review delves into the most recent findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ashwagandha’s potential uses and any known safety concerns and contraindications.

Artificial intelligence based virtual screening study for competitive and allosteric inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious and dangerous coronavirus that first appeared in late 2019 causing COVID-19, a pandemic of acute respiratory illnesses that is still a threat to health and the general public safety. We performed deep docking studies of 800 M unique compounds in both the active and allosteric sites of the SARS-COV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and the 15 M and 13 M virtual hits obtained were further taken for conventional docking and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. The best XP Glide docking scores obtained were -14.242 and -12.059 kcal/mol by CHEMBL591669 and the highest binding affinities were -10.5 kcal/mol (from 444215) and -11.2 kcal/mol (from NPC95421) for active and allosteric sites, respectively. Some hits can bind both sites making them a great area of concern. Re-docking of 8 random allosteric complexes in the active site shows a significant reduction in docking scores with a t-test P value of 2.532 × 10-11 at 95% confidence. Some specific interactions have higher elevations in docking scores. MD studies on 15 complexes show that single-ligand systems are stable as compared to double-ligand systems, and the allosteric binders identified are shown to modulate the active site binding as evidenced by the changes in the interaction patterns and stability of ligands and active site residues. When an allosteric complex was docked to the second monomer to check for homodimer formation, the validated homodimer could not be re-established, further supporting the potential of the identified allosteric binders. These findings could be important in developing novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ethnopharmacological Potential of Phytochemicals and Phytogenic Products against Human RNA Viral Diseases as Preventive Therapeutics

RNA viruses have been the most destructive due to their transmissibility and lack of control measures. Developments of vaccines for RNA viruses are very tough or almost impossible as viruses are highly mutable. For the last few decades, most of the epidemic and pandemic viral diseases have wreaked huge devastation with innumerable fatalities. To combat this threat to mankind, plant-derived novel antiviral products may contribute as reliable alternatives. They are assumed to be nontoxic, less hazardous, and safe compounds that have been in uses in the beginning of human civilization. In this growing COVID-19 pandemic, the present review amalgamates and depicts the role of various plant products in curing viral diseases in humans.

Diversity of medicinal plants and their therapeutic usages of Kachin people (Jinghpaw) in the central part of Kachin State, Myanmar

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional medical system plays a major role in healthcare in Kachin State, Myanmar, where long-term political instability persists and conventional healthcare facilities are inadequate. A knowledge of the traditional medicinal plants therefore benefits the Kachin people, yet documentation and records of the uses of these plants are rare. In this study, we attempt to answer the questions on what medicinal plants and how they are used by the Kachin people.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to document knowledge of the traditional medicinal plants and to identify those most frequently used by the Kachin people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-two informants from eight villages in three townships were interviewed, and their knowledge of medicinal plants was recorded. The reported ailments were classified to the standard categories of the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2) system. Use reports (UR) were employed to evaluate the knowledge consensus of the informants.

RESULTS

We recorded a total of 117 species used as medicinal plants, of which 22 are newly recorded medicinal plant species for Myanmar. The plants belonged to 103 genera in 52 families, and were used to treat a total of 72 ailments from 17 ICPC-2 disease categories. Fabaceae and Lamiaceae were the most highly represented families of medicinal plants, with eleven and eight species used, respectively. The most cited species based on URs were Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson (URs = 39), Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (URs = 28), Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. (URs = 26), Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (URs = 24), and Chloranthus elatior Link. (URs = 22). Digestive system disorder was the most prevalent disease category, and was treated with 47 different medicinal plants (URs = 142). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part; decoction was the dominant method of preparation; and oral consumption was the most frequent method of administration.

CONCLUSION

Our study documented a list of 117 medicinal plants and their uses in traditional medicine based on the local knowledge of the Kachin people. The study also identified the five most frequently cited species and found that the plants investigated are used to treat a total of 72 diseases. The 642 therapeutic reports we collected showcase a rich and diverse living knowledge of medicinal plant use by the Kachin people. Moreover, we present 22 new medicinal records, enriching the list of known medicinal plants in Myanmar. This exploratory study has enabled us to assemble the local knowledge of the Kachin people into solid dataset that will allow further scientific validation and will potentially contribute to better integration of medicinal plants into the healthcare provision for Kachin people in Myanmar.

Multi-target molecular dynamic simulations reveal glutathione-S-transferase as the most favorable drug target of knipholone in Plasmodium falciparum

Knipholone is an antiplasmodial phytocompound obtained from the roots of Kniphofia foliosa. Despite several available studies, the molecular drug targets of knipholone in P. falciparum remained unknown. Nowadays, in silico techniques are widely used to study the molecular interactions between compounds and proteins as they provide results quickly with high precision and accuracy. In this study, we aim to identify the potential molecular drug targets of knipholone in P. falciparum. We selected 10 proteins of P. falciparum with unique metabolic functions and we found that knipholone showed better binding affinity than the native ligands of 6 proteins. Out of the 6 proteins, knipholone showed better enzyme inhibitory potential than the native ligands of 4 proteins. We carried out a 100 ns MD simulations for knipholone and the native ligands of four proteins and this was followed by binding free energy calculations. In each step, the performance of knipholone was compared to the native ligands of the proteins. Knipholone outperformed the native ligand of Glutathione-S-Transferase (1OKT) at crucial computational studies as evidence from the lower protein-ligand root mean square deviation value, protein root mean square fluctuation value, and protein-ligand binding free energies. The ligand properties of knipholone provide additional evidence for its stability and it maintains adequate protein-ligand contacts during the entire simulation. The density functional theory study also supported the stability of knipholone at the active binding site of 1OKT. From the studied proteins, we conclude that Glutathione-S-Transferase is the most favorable drug target for knipholone in P. falciparum.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico screening and covalent binding of phytochemicals of Ocimum sanctum against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) main protease

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has compelled the scientific community to search for an effective drug that can cure or a vaccine that can prevent the disease. Alternatively, symptomatic treatment and traditional immunity boosters are prescribed. Holy Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) has been known as an ancient remedy for cure of common cold and respiratory ailment. Several reports have come on virtual screening of phytochemicals including those of Tulsi against various enzymes of the virus. We undertook in silico analysis of the ethanol extracted phytochemicals of Tulsi as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) main protease with an approach to look into the possibility of covalent ligand binding with the catalytic residue Cys145, which makes the report unique. The results suggest that the flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds of Tulsi, have potential to covalently bind to the catalytic residue Cys145 of main protease and irreversibly inhibit the viral enzyme. Luteolin-7-O-glucuronide is specially considered for its optimum properties, namely, low toxicity (LD₅₀ 5000 mg/kg body weight), high drug-likeness score (0.71), the active site binding free energy (ΔG_bind) -19.19 kcal/mol by GBSA method and covalent binding energy -24.23 kcal/mol. Further experimental validations are required to establish the theoretical findings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Biodiversity, Biochemical Profiling, and Pharmaco-Commercial Applications of Withania somnifera: A Review

Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Ashwagandha), a key medicinal plant native to India, is used globally to manage various ailments. This review focuses on the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological advances of its plant-derived constituents. It has been reported that at least 62 crucial and 48 inferior primary and secondary metabolites are present in the W. somnifera leaves, and 29 among these found in its roots and leaves are chiefly steroidal compounds, steroidal lactones, alkaloids, amino acids, etc. In addition, the whole shrub parts possess various medicinal activities such as anti-leukotriene, antineoplastic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, immunostimulatory, and rejuvenating properties, mainly observed by in vitro demonstration. However, the course of its medical use remains unknown. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of W. somnifera, which will be useful for mechanism studies and potential medical applications of W. somnifera, as well as for the development of a rational quality control system for W. somnifera as a therapeutic material in the future.

In silico Screening of Potential SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Thymus schimperi

Background

COVID-19 is still instigating significant social and economic chaos worldwide; however, there is no approved antiviral drug yet. Here, we used in silico analysis to screen potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^pro) inhibitors extracted from the essential oil of Thymus schimperi which could contribute to the discovery of potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 phytochemicals.

Methods

The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles of compounds were determined through SwissADME and ProToxII servers. AutoDock tools were used for molecular docking analysis studies, while Chimera, DS studio, and LigPlot were used for post-docking studies. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed for 200 ns under constant pressure.

Results

All compounds exhibited a bioavailability score of ≥0.55 entailing that at least 55% of the drugs can be absorbed unchanged. Only five (9%), nine (16%) and two (3.6%) of the compounds showed active hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and immunotoxicity, respectively. Except for flourazophore P, which showed a little mutagenicity, all other compounds did not show mutagenic properties. On the other hand, only pinene beta was found to have a little cytotoxicity. Five compounds demonstrated effective binding to the catalytic dyad of the SARS-CoV-2 M^pro substrate binding pocket, while two of them (geranylisobutanoate and 3-octane) are found to be the best hits that formed hydrogen bonds with Glu¹⁶⁶ and Ser¹⁴⁴ of SARS-CoV-2 M^pro.

Conclusion

Based on our in silico analysis, top hits from Thymus schimperi may serve as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended to characterize these compounds for clinical applications.

An in-silico pharmacophore-based molecular docking study to evaluate the inhibitory potentials of novel fungal triterpenoid Astrakurkurone analogues against a hypothetical mutated main protease of SARS-CoV-2 virus

BACKGROUND

The main protease is an important structural protein of SARS-CoV-2, essential for its survivability inside a human host. Considering current vaccines' limitations and the absence of approved therapeutic targets, Mpro may be regarded as the potential candidate drug target. Novel fungal phytocompound Astrakurkurone may be studied as the potential Mpro inhibitor, considering its medicinal properties reported elsewhere.

METHODS

In silico molecular docking was performed with Astrakurkurone and its twenty pharmacophore-based analogues against the native Mpro protein. A hypothetical Mpro was also constructed with seven mutations and targeted by Astrakurkurone and its analogues. Furthermore, multiple parameters such as statistical analysis (Principal Component Analysis), pharmacophore alignment, and drug likeness evaluation were performed to understand the mechanism of protein-ligand molecular interaction. Finally, molecular dynamic simulation was done for the top-ranking ligands to validate the result.

RESULT

We identified twenty Astrakurkurone analogues through pharmacophore screening methodology. Among these twenty compounds, two analogues namely, ZINC89341287 and ZINC12128321 showed the highest inhibitory potentials against native and our hypothetical mutant Mpro, respectively (-7.7 and -7.3 kcal mol-1) when compared with the control drug Telaprevir (-5.9 and -6.0 kcal mol-1). Finally, we observed that functional groups of ligands namely two aromatic and one acceptor groups were responsible for the residual interaction with the target proteins. The molecular dynamic simulation further revealed that these compounds could make a stable complex with their respective protein targets in the near-native physiological condition.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, Astrakurkurone analogues ZINC89341287 and ZINC12128321 can be potential therapeutic agents against the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Fighting cytokine storm and immunomodulatory deficiency: By using natural products therapy up to now

A novel coronavirus strain (COVID-19) caused severe illness and mortality worldwide from 31 December 2019 to 21 March 2023. As of this writing, 761,071,826 million cases have been diagnosed worldwide, with 6,879,677 million deaths accorded by WHO organization and has spread to 228 countries. The number of deaths is closely connected to the growth of innate immune cells in the lungs, mainly macrophages, which generate inflammatory cytokines (especially IL-6 and IL-1β) that induce "cytokine storm syndrome" (CSS), multi-organ failure, and death. We focus on promising natural products and their biologically active chemical constituents as potential phytopharmaceuticals that target virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Successful therapy for this condition is currently rare, and the introduction of an effective vaccine might take months. Blocking viral entrance and replication and regulating humoral and cellular immunity in the uninfected population are the most often employed treatment approaches for viral infections. Unfortunately, no presently FDA-approved medicine can prevent or reduce SARS-CoV-2 access and reproduction. Until now, the most important element in disease severity has been the host's immune response activation or suppression. Several medicines have been adapted for COVID-19 patients, including arbidol, favipiravir, ribavirin, lopinavir, ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, dexamethasone, and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs, such as tocilizumab, glucocorticoids, anakinra (IL-1β cytokine inhibition), and siltuximab (IL-6 cytokine inhibition). However, these synthetic medications and therapies have several side effects, including heart failure, permanent retinal damage in the case of hydroxyl-chloroquine, and liver destruction in the case of remdesivir. This review summarizes four strategies for fighting cytokine storms and immunomodulatory deficiency induced by COVID-19 using natural product therapy as a potential therapeutic measure to control cytokine storms.

Phytonutrient Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2/NSP5-Encoded Main Protease (Mpro) Autocleavage Enzyme Critical for COVID-19 Pathogenesis

The genomic reshuffling, mutagenicity, and high transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen highlights an urgent need for effective antiviral interventions for COVID-19 control. Targeting the highly conserved viral genes and/or gene-encoded viral proteins such as main proteinase (M^pro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and helicases are plausible antiviral approaches to prevent replication and propagation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are prone to extensive mutagenesis; however, any genetic alteration to its highly conserved M^pro enzyme is often detrimental to the viral pathogen. Therefore, inhibitors that target the M^pro enzyme could reduce the risk of mutation-mediated drug resistance and provide effective antiviral protection. Several existing antiviral drugs and dietary bioactives are currently repurposed to treat COVID-19. Dietary bioactives from three ayurvedic medicinal herbs, 18 β-glycyrrhetinic acid (ΔG = 8.86 kcal/mol), Solanocapsine (ΔG = 8.59 kcal/mol), and Vasicoline (ΔG = 7.34 kcal/mol), showed high-affinity binding to M^pro enzyme than the native N3 inhibitor (ΔG = 5.41 kcal/mol). Flavonoids strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 M^pro with comparable or higher potency than the antiviral drug, remdesivir. Several tannin hydrolysates avidly bound to the receptor-binding domain and catalytic dyad (His₄₁ and Cys₁₄₅) of SARS-CoV-2 M^pro through H-bonding forces. Quercetin binding to M^pro altered the thermostability of the viral protein through redox-based mechanism and inhibited the viral enzymatic activity. Interaction of quercetin-derivatives with the M^pro seem to be influenced by the 7-OH group and the acetoxylation of sugar moiety on the ligand molecule. Based on pharmacokinetic and ADMET profiles, several phytonutrients could serve as a promising redox nutraceutical for COVID-19 management.

The immunomodulatory role of withania somnifera (L.) dunal in inflammatory diseases

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) (also known as Ashwagandha) is a botanical drug that has been used for centuries to treat many chronic diseases like high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. As many botanical drugs, w. Somnifera possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-asthmatic properties. W. somnifera is often compared to the ginseng plant due to its ability to reduce stress, improve cognitive functions (e.g., memory), and promote a healthy immune system. It promotes immunomodulatory effects whose function is to balance the humoral and cellular responses of the adaptive immune system. The therapeutic effect of w. Somnifera is attributed to active ingredients like alkaloids, steroidal lactones (such as withanolides, withaferins), and steroidal saponins. Although w. Somnifera is safe and highly recommended for treating various diseases, the current knowledge and understanding of its operational mechanisms are limited. One of the proposed mechanisms states that w. Somnifera promotes cellular-mediated immunity or initiates chemical interactions that contribute to therapeutic effects. Withania somnifera has been shown to play a significant role in immunological diseases by modulating several cytokines, increasing T-cell proliferation and enhancing macrophages functions. In this review, we will discuss the latest therapeutic effects of w. Somnifera on a number of diseases through modulating immunological markers and which specific components of w. Somnifera induce these therapeutic activities. We will also focus on the chemical properties in w. Somnifera components and their immunomodulatory role in type 2 allergic diseases where type 2 inflammation is highly imbalanced.

Pharmacological potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers on the experimental models of COVID-19, T cell differentiation, and neutrophil functions

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) due to severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to life-threatening pneumonia which has been associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pathologies. Centuries-old Asian traditional medicines such as Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS) and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (TC) possess potent immunomodulatory effects and were used by the AYUSH ministry, in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the present study, we investigated WS and TC's anti-viral and immunomodulatory efficacy at the human equivalent doses using suitable in vitro and in vivo models. While both WS and TC showed immuno-modulatory potential, WS showed robust protection against loss in body weight, viral load, and pulmonary pathology in the hamster model of SARS-CoV2. In vitro pretreatment of mice and human neutrophils with WS and TC had no adverse effect on PMA, calcium ionophore, and TRLM-induced ROS generation, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and NETs formation. Interestingly, WS significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines-induced Th1, Th2, and Th17 differentiation. We also used hACE2 transgenic mice to further investigate the efficacy of WS against acute SARS-CoV2 infection. Prophylactic treatment of WS in the hACE2 mice model showed significant protection against body weight loss, inflammation, and the lung viral load. The results obtained indicate that WS promoted the immunosuppressive environment in the hamster and hACE2 transgenic mice models and limited the worsening of the disease by reducing inflammation, suggesting that WS might be useful against other acute viral infections. The present study thus provides pre-clinical efficacy data to demonstrate a robust protective effect of WS against COVID-19 through its broader immunomodulatory activity.

In silico screening of Pueraria tuberosa (PTY-2) for targeting COVID-19 by countering dual targets Mpro and TMPRSS2

COVID-19 pandemic was started in Wuhan city of China in December 2019; immensely affected global population. Herein, an effort was made to identify potential inhibitors from active phytochemicals of Pueraria tuberosa (PTY-2) via molecular docking study. Our study showed five potential inhibitors (Robinin, Genistin, Daidzin, Hydroxytuberosone, Tuberostan) against M^pro and five inhibitors (Robinin, Anhydrotuberosin, Daidzin, Hydroxytuberosone, Stigmasterol) against TMPRSS2. Out of these, Robinin, Daidzin and Hydroxytuberosone were common inhibitors for M^pro and TMPRSS2. Among these, Robinin showed the highest binding affinity, therefore, tested for MD simulation runs and found stable. ADMET analysis revealed the best-docked compounds are safe and follow the Lipinski Rule of Five. Thus, it could be suggested that phytochemicals of PTY-2 could serve as potential inhibitors for COVID-19 targets.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico screening of phytopolyphenolics for the identification of bioactive compounds as novel protease inhibitors effective against SARS-CoV-2

Due to the unavailability specific drugs or vaccines (FDA approved) that can cure COVID-19, the development of potent antiviral drug candidates/therapeutic molecules against COVID-19 is urgently required. This study was aimed at in silico screening and study of polyphenolic phytochemical compounds in a rational way by virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) enzymes. The objective of the study was to identify plant-derived polyphenolic compounds and/or flavonoid molecules as possible antiviral agents with protease inhibitory potential against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we report plant-derived polyphenolic compounds (including flavonoids) as novel protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. From virtual docking and molecular docking study, 31 polyphenolic compounds were identified as active antiviral molecules possessing well-defined binding affinity with acceptable ADMET, toxicity and lead-like or drug-like properties. Six polyphenolic compounds, namely, enterodiol, taxifolin, eriodictyol, leucopelargonidin, morin and myricetin were found to exhibit remarkable binding affinities against the proteases with taxifolin and morin exhibiting the highest binding affinity toward Mpro and PLpro respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of these compounds in complex with the proteases showed that the binding of the compounds is characterized by structural perturbations of the proteases suggesting their antiviral activities. These compounds can therefore be investigated further by in vivo and in vitro techniques to assess their potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and thus serve as the starting point for the development of potent antiviral agents against the deadly COVID-19.

Exploration of Potent Antiviral Phytomedicines from Lauraceae Family Plants against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

A new Coronaviridae strain, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged from Wuhan city of China and caused one of the substantial global health calamities in December 2019. Even though several vaccines and drugs have been developed worldwide since COVID-19, a cost-effective drug with the least side effects is still unavailable. Currently, plant-derived compounds are mostly preferred to develop antiviral therapeutics due to its less toxicity, easy access, and cost-effective characteristics. Therefore, in this study, 124 phytochemical compounds from plants of Lauraceae family with medicinal properties were virtually screened against SARS-CoV-2 M^pro. Identification of four phytomolecules, i.e., cassameridine, laetanine, litseferine and cassythicine, with docking scores -9.3, -8.8, -8.6, and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively, were undertaken by virtual screening, and molecular docking. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic simulation and essential dynamics analysis have contributed in understanding the stability and inhibitory effect of these selected compounds. These phytomolecules can be considered for further in vitro and in vivo experimental study to develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics targeting the main protease (M^pro).

Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has once again prompted people to resort to the remedies of folk and alternative medicine. Medicinal plants, because of their chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and the action of biologically active substances, can stop and relieve the symptoms of the disease. The purpose of the work is a comparative flora analysis of medicinal plants to identify the most prospective plant and further production of a remedy for the avoidance, treatment, and rehabilitation of COVID-19. The search for prospective medicinal plants was performed by analyzing the literature in online databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed, including official WHO media sites. According to recent studies related to COVID-19, a significant number of medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunostimulatory effects have been identified. A comparative study of nine medicinal plants was conducted to determine the most suitable medicinal plant to treat coronavirus infection. According to the results of the comparative analysis, Chamaenerion angustifolium Seg. showed itself as the most prospective medicinal plant with the greatest pharmacological effect compared with other types of medicinal plants. Its therapeutic properties allow physiological relief of 18 symptoms of coronavirus infection. It is advisable to conduct further clinical trials for the treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19 using preparations from this plant.

A comprehensive review on pharmacologic agents, immunotherapies and supportive therapeutics for COVID-19

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected many countries throughout the world. As urgency is a necessity, most efforts have focused on identifying small molecule drugs that can be repurposed for use as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Although several drug candidates have been identified using in silico method and in vitro studies, most of these drugs require the support of in vivo data before they can be considered for clinical trials. Several drugs are considered promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. In addition to the direct-acting antiviral drugs, supportive therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, immunotherapies, immunomodulators, and nutritional therapy could contribute a major role in treating COVID-19 patients. Some of these drugs have already been included in the treatment guidelines, recommendations, and standard operating procedures. In this article, we comprehensively review the approved and potential therapeutic drugs, immune cells-based therapies, immunomodulatory agents/drugs, herbs and plant metabolites, nutritional and dietary for COVID-19.