Antiviral Activities of Several Oral Traditional Chinese Medicines against Influenza Viruses

Lizhong decoction inhibits porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lizhong decoction (LZD) is a frequently utilized traditional Chinese remedy for diarrhea. It is unknown how effective it is as an antiviral against PEDV infection.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In vitro and in vivo PEDV infection models were used to evaluate the anti-PEDV potential of LZD extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC-MS was used for qualitative analysis of LZD. The antiviral effect of LZD against PEDV using flow cytometry (FC), Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), immunofluorescence assay (IFA) analysis in Vero and IPEC-J2 cells. Additionally, we measured the survival rate, clinical symptoms, body weights, fecal scores, temperature, histological analysis, and viral load in a model of newborn piglets infected with PEDV in order to assess the antiviral impact of LZD in vivo.

RESULTS

In total, 648 compounds were identified, including 144 Alkaloids, 128 Terpenoids, etc. LZD effectively suppressed PEDV replication in vitro. According to time of addition experiments, LZD mostly inhibited PEDV during the viral life cycle's replication stages. During PEDV infection, LZD can Significantly decrease the apoptotic rate of IPEC-J2 cells and Vero cells. In comparison to the model group, LZD was able to decrease the viral titers in the infected piglets' intestinal and visceral tissues, ameliorate their intestinal pathology, cause a significant increase in body weight growth and increase the piglet survival rate.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the aqueous solution derived from LZD suppressed PEDV replication both in vitro and in vivo, indicating its potential as a candidate for pharmaceutical development.

Biomedical Applications of Chinese Herb-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles by Phytonanotechnology

Recent advances in nanotechnology have opened up new avenues for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Chinese herbal medicine is a natural gift to humanity, and it has long been used as an antibacterial and anticancer agent. This study will highlight recent developments in the phytonanotechnological synthesis of Chinese herbal medicines to utilize their bioactive components in biomedical and therapeutic applications. Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to chemical and physical approaches for various biomedical applications. The comprehensive rationale of combinational or synergistic effects of Chinese herb-based AgNPs synthesis was investigated with superior physicochemical and biological properties, and their biomedical applications, including antimicrobial and anticancer activity and wound healing properties. AgNPs can damage the cell ultrastructure by triggering apoptosis, which includes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA disintegration, protein inactivation, and the regulation of various signaling pathways. However, the anticancer mechanism of Chinese herbal medicine-based AgNPs is more complicated due to the potential toxicity of AgNPs. Further in-depth studies are required to address Chinese herbs' various bioactive components and AgNPs as a synergistic approach to combat antimicrobial resistance, therapeutic efficiency of drug delivery, and control and prevention of newly emerged diseases.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Huanglian-Houpo Decoction Based on Berberine Hydrochloride and Magnolol Against H1N1 Influenza Virus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Huanglian-Houpo decoction (HH), which is recorded in the famous traditional Chinese medicine monograph "Puji Fang," contains two individual herbs, Huanglian (Rhizoma coptidis) and Houpo (Magnoliae officinalis cortex). It was regularly used to treat seasonal epidemic colds and influenzas in ancient China. Our laboratory discovered that HH has a significant anti-H1N1 influenza virus effect. However, no pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data concerning the anti-H1N1 influenza virus activity of HH are available to date. In the current study, the concentration-time profiles of two major components of HH, berberine and magnolol, in rat plasma were investigated.

METHODS

An integrate pharmacokinetic approach was developed for evaluating the holistic pharmacokinetic characteristics of berberine and magnolol from HH. Additionally, the inhibition rate and levels of IFN-β in MDCK cells infected by influenza virus were analyzed. Data were calculated using 3p97 with pharmacokinetic analysis.

RESULTS

The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters were maximum plasma concentration (C_max) 0.9086 μg/ml, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 347.74 μg·min/ml, and time to reach C_max (T_max) 64.69 min for berberine and C_max = 0.9843 μg/ml, AUC= 450.64 μg·min/ml, T_max = 56.86 min for magnolol, respectively. Furthermore, integrated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis showed that the highest plasma concentration, inhibition rate and interferon-β (IFN-β) secretion of HH first increased and then weakened over time, reaching their peaks at 60 min. The plasma concentration of HH is directly related to the anti-influenza virus effect.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that berberine and magnolol are the main active ingredients of HH related to its anti-influenza virus effect, which is related to the improvement of IFN-β secretion.

Phytochemical Profiles and their Anti-inflammatory Responses Against Influenza from Traditional Chinese Medicine or Herbs

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or herbs are widely used in the prevention and treatment of viral infectious diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of TCMs remain largely obscure due to complicated material basis and multi-target therapeutics. TCMs have been reported to display anti-influenza activity associated with immunoregulatory mechanisms by enhancing host antiinfluenza immune responses. Previous studies have helped us understand the direct harm caused by the virus itself. In this review, we have tried to summarize recent progress in TCM-based anti-influenza research on the indirect harmful immune responses caused by influenza viruses. In particular, the phytochemicals from TCMs responsible for molecular mechanisms of action belonging to different classes, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides, have been identified and demonstrated. In addition, this review focuses on the pharmacological mechanism, e.g., inflammatory responses and the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, which can provide a theoretical basis and approaches for TCM based anti-influenza treatment.

Edible and Herbal Plants for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19

Background: The outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now become a global pandemic spreading throughout the world. Unfortunately, due to the high infectiousness of the novel β-coronavirus, it is very likely to become an ordinary epidemic. The development of dietary supplements and functional foods might provide a strategy for the prevention and management of COVID-19.

Scope and Approach: A great diversity of potential edible and medicinal plants and/or natural compounds showed potential benefits in managing SARS, which may also combat COVID-19. Moreover, many plants and compounds have currently been proposed to be protective against COVID-19. This information is based on data-driven approaches and computational chemical biology techniques. In this study, we review promising candidates of edible and medicinal plants for the prevention and management of COVID-19. We primarily focus on analyzing their underlying mechanisms. We aim to identify dietary supplements and functional foods that assist in managing this epidemic.

Key findings and Conclusion: We infer that acetoside, glyasperin, isorhamnetin, and several flavonoid compounds may prevent and/or be effective in managing COVID-19 by targeting the viral infection, reducing the host cytokine storm, regulating the immune response, and providing organ protection. These bioactive dietary components (used either alone or in combination) might assist in the development of dietary supplements or functional foods for managing COVID-19.

Huanglian-Houpo drug combination ameliorates H1N1-induced mouse pneumonia via cytokines, antioxidant factors and TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways

Huanglian-Houpo drug combination (HHDC) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine that has been effectively used to treat seasonal colds and flu. However, no systematic studies of the effects of HHDC on H1N1 influenza infection and the associated mechanisms have been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-H1N1 influenza effects of HHDC and explore the underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of H1N1-induced pneumonia was established and the mice were treated with HHDC (4, 8 and 16 g/kg) for 5 days after viral challenge. The antiviral effects of HHDC and the underlying mechanisms in the mice were investigated and evaluated with respect to inflammation, oxidative stress and Toll-like receptor (TLR)/myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways. HHDC provided significant protection against weight loss and reduced the H1N1 viral load in the lungs. In addition, HHDC significantly decreased the lung index and increased the spleen and thymus indices of the H1N1-infected mice. HHDC also significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes of pneumonia, decreased serum levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ, and increased the serum level of IL-2. Moreover, HHDC significantly increased the levels of the antioxidant factors superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reduced the serum level of nitric oxide. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR3, TLR7, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 in the lung tissues were significantly decreased by HHDC. These findings suggest that HHDC directly inhibited H1N1 infection in vivo and exerted a therapeutic effect on influenza-induced pneumonia in mice by modulating cytokines, antioxidant factors and TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Current strategies against COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) recently was declared a pandemic by world health organization (WHO) Due to sudden outbreaks, currently, no completely effective vaccine or drug is clinically approved. Several therapeutic strategies can be envisaged to prevent further mortality and morbidity. Based on the past contribution of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and immune-based therapies as a treatment option in crucial pathogen outbreaks, we aimed to summarize potential therapeutic strategies that could be helpful to stop further spread of SARS-CoV-2 by effecting its structural components or modulation of immune responses. Several TCM with or without modification could be effective against the structural protein, enzymes, and nucleic acid should be tested from available libraries or to identify their immune-stimulatory activities to enhance several antiviral biological agents for effective elimination of SARS-CoV-2 from the host. TCM is not only effective in the direct inhibition of virus attachment and internalization in a cell but can also prevent their replication and can also help to boost up host immune response. Immune-modulatory effects of TCMs may lead to new medications and can guide us for the scientific validity of drug development. Besides, we also summarized the effective therapies in clinical for controlling inflammation. This review will be not only helpful for the current situation of COVID-19, but can also play a major role in such epidemics in the future.

Evolution and Biological Evaluation of Matrinic Derivatives with Amantadine Fragments As New Anti-Influenza Virus Agents

A series of novel tricyclic matrinic derivatives with 11-adamantyl substitution were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their activities against Influenza A H3N2 virus, based on the privileged structure strategy. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that the introduction of an 11-adamantyl might be helpful for the potency. Among them, compounds 9f and 9j exhibited the promising anti-H3N2 activities with IC50 values of 7.2 μM and 10.2 μM, respectively, better than that of lead 1. Their activities were further confirmed at the protein level. Moreover, compound 9f displayed a high pharmacokinetic (PK) stability profile in whole blood and a safety profile in vivo. In primary mechanism, compound 9f could inhibit the virus replication cycle at early stage by targeting M2 protein, consistent with that of the parent amantadine. This study provided powerful information for further strategic optimization to develop these compounds into a new class of anti-influenza agents.

Prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections: Presentations on antivirals, traditional therapies and host-directed interventions at the 5th ISIRV Antiviral Group conference

The International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases held its 5th Antiviral Group (isirv-AVG) Conference in Shanghai, China, in conjunction with the Shanghai Public Health Center and Fudan University from 14-16 June 2017. The three-day programme encompassed presentations on some of the clinical features, management, immune responses and virology of respiratory infections, including influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H7N9) viruses, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, adenovirus Type 80, enterovirus D68, metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Updates were presented on several therapeutics currently in clinical trials, including influenza polymerase inhibitors pimodivir/JNJ6362387, S033188, favipiravir, monoclonal antibodies MHAA45449A and VIS410, and host directed strategies for influenza including nitazoxanide, and polymerase ALS-008112 and fusion inhibitors AK0529, GS-5806 for RSV. Updates were also given on the use of the currently licensed neuraminidase inhibitors. Given the location in China, there were also presentations on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicines. Following on from the previous conference, there were ongoing discussions on appropriate endpoints for severe influenza in clinical trials from regulators and clinicians, an issue which remains unresolved. The aim of this conference summary is to provide information for not only conference participants, but a detailed referenced review of the current status of clinical trials, and pre-clinical development of therapeutics and vaccines for influenza and other respiratory diseases for a broader audience.

Chinese herbal medicine compound Yi-Zhi-Hao pellet inhibits replication of influenza virus infection through activation of heme oxygenase-1

As a leading cause of respiratory disease, influenza A virus (IAV) presents a pandemic threat in annual seasonal outbreaks. Given the limitation of existing anti-influenza therapies, there remains to be a requirement for new drugs. Compound Yi-Zhi-Hao pellet (CYZH) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in the clinic, whose formula has been recorded in Complication of National Standard for Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat common cold. In this study, we found that CYZH exhibited a broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity and inhibited the expression of viral RNA and proteins in vitro. Mechanistically, CYZH had no inhibitory activities against viral protein hemagglutinin and IAV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Instead, it induced activation of erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which subsequently upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Also, CYZH protected cells from oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen series. In conclusions, CYZH inhibits IAV replication in vitro, at least partly by activating expression of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

A novel benzo-heterocyclic amine derivative N30 inhibits influenza virus replication by depression of Inosine-5'-Monophospate Dehydrogenase activity

BACKGROUD

Influenza virus is still a huge threat to the world-wide public health. Host inosine-5'- monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) involved in the synthesis of guanine nucleotides, is known to be a potential target to inhibit the replication of viruses. Herein, we evaluated antiviral activity of a benzo-heterocyclic amine derivative N30, which was designed to inhibit IMPDH.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that N30 inhibited the replication of H1N1, H3N2, influenza B viruses, including oseltamivir and amantadine resistant strains in vitro. Mechanistically, neuraminidase inhibition assay and hemagglutination inhibition assay suggested that N30 did not directly target the two envelope glycoproteins required for viral adsorption or release. Instead, the compound could depress the activity of IMPDH type II. Based on these findings, we further confirmed that N30 provided a strong inhibition on the replication of respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, enterovirus 71 and a diverse strains of coxsackie B virus.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the small molecule N30, as an inhibitor of IMPDH, might be a potential candidate to inhibit the replication of various viruses.