Evaluations of Andrographolide-Rich Fractions of Andrographis paniculata with Enhanced Potential Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antihypertensive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Andrographis paniculata is widely used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries. It has been classified as a safe and non-toxic medicine by traditional Chinese medicine. The investigation of the biological activities of A. paniculata is still focused on the crude extract and isolation of its main active compound, andrographolide, and its derivatives. However, the use of andrographolide alone has been shown to exacerbate unwanted effects. This highlights the importance of developing a fraction of A. paniculata with enhanced efficacy as an herbal-based medicine. In this study, the extraction and fractionation of A. paniculata, followed by quantitative analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a DAD detector, were established to quantify the andrographolide and its derivative in each fraction. Biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities, were evaluated to study their correlations with the quantification of active substances of A. paniculata extract and its fractions. The 50% methanolic fraction of A. paniculata exhibited the best cytotoxic activities against CACO-2 cells, as well as the best anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activities compared to other extracts. The 50% methanolic fraction also displayed the highest quantification of its main active compound, andrographolide, and its derivatives, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, neoandrographolide, and andrograpanin, among others.

Andrographis paniculata extract as an immunity modulator against cancer via telomerase inhibition

In accordance with the importance of telomerase inhibition as a potential target in cancer therapy, and increasing reports on the association between short telomeres and severe COVID-19 symptoms as well as extensive application of Andrographis paniculata as a remedy for both cancer and SARS-CoV-2, the present study aimed at investigating the impact of the plant’s extracts on telomerase activity (as an important enzyme regulating telomere length). Telomerase inhibition in MCF-7 cells treated with the Dichloromethane, ethanol, water, and methanol extracts of A. paniculata was assessed using Telomerase Repeated Amplification Protocol (TRAP). The above-mentioned extracts inhibited telomerase by 80.3 ± 1.4%, 78.5 ± 1.35%, 77.5 ± 1.81%, and 73.7 ± 1.81%, respectively. Furthermore, the flow cytometry analysis showed that the water and methanol extracts induced higher rates of total apoptosis by 32.8% and 25%, respectively, compared with dichloromethane (10.07%) and ethanol (10.7%) extracts. The inhibitory effect of A. paniculata on telomerase activity can be considered as a potential immunity modulator in cancer therapy; however, telomerase inhibition as a safe approach to SARS-CoV-2 is arguable. Two mechanisms can be considered accordingly; (a) reducing the existing population of short telomeres via telomerase inhibition in cancer cells (arresting proliferation and finally cell death) may decrease the susceptibility against SARS-CoV-2, especially in cancer patients or patients prone to cancer, and (b) increasing the population of short telomeres via telomerase inhibition in normal/somatic cells may increase the susceptibility against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the telomerase inhibition of A. paniculata as an immunity modulator in cancer and COVID-19 should be investigated, carefully.

Molecular Docking and In-Silico Analysis of Natural Biomolecules against Dengue, Ebola, Zika, SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern and Monkeypox Virus

The emergence and rapid evolution of human pathogenic viruses, combined with the difficulties in developing effective vaccines, underline the need to develop innovative broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutic agents. The present study aims to determine the in silico antiviral potential of six bacterial antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), two phytochemicals (silvestrol, andrographolide), and two bacterial secondary metabolites (lyngbyabellin A, hapalindole H) against dengue virus, Zika virus, Ebola virus, the major variants of SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus. The comparison of docking scores obtained with natural biomolecules was performed with specific neutralizing antibodies (positive controls for ClusPro) and antiviral drugs (negative controls for Autodock Vina). Glycocin F was the only natural biomolecule tested to show high binding energies to all viral surface proteins and the corresponding viral cell receptors. Lactococcin G and plantaricin ASM1 also achieved high docking scores with all viral surface proteins and most corresponding cell surface receptors. Silvestrol, andrographolide, hapalindole H, and lyngbyabellin A showed variable docking scores depending on the viral surface proteins and cell receptors tested. Three glycocin F mutants with amino acid modifications showed an increase in their docking energy to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 Indian variant, and of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Japan/Brazil variant, and the dengue DENV envelope protein. All mutant AMPs indicated a frequent occurrence of valine and proline amino acid rotamers. AMPs and glycocin F in particular are the most promising biomolecules for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral treatments targeting the attachment and entry of viruses into their target cell.

A comprehensive review on disposition kinetics and dosage of oral administration of Andrographis paniculata, an alternative herbal medicine, in co-treatment of coronavirus disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a present global health crisis that is driving the investigation of alternative phytomedicines for antiviral purposes. The evidence suggests that Andrographis paniculata crude or extract is a promising candidate for treating symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review aims to consolidate the available reports on the disposition kinetics of andrographolide, a main active component of A. paniculata. The second objective of this review is to summarize the available reports on an appropriate oral dosage for the use of andrographolide in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and other viral infectious diseases. The data were collected from the literature on absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion of andrographolide, and information was also obtained from scientific databases about the use of A. paniculata. The finding of this review on pharmacokinetics indicates that andrographolide is slightly absorbed into the blood circulation and exhibits poor oral bioavailability, whereas its distribution process is unrestricted. In the termination phase, andrographolide preferentially undergoes biotransformation partly through phase I hydroxylation and phase II conjugation, and it is then eliminated via the renal excretion and hepatobiliary system. The key summary of the recommended dosage for andrographolide in uncomplicated URTI treatment is 30 mg/day for children and 60 mg/day for adults. The dose for adult patients with pharyngotonsillitis could be increased to 180 mg/day, but not exceed 360 mg/day. Co-treatment with A. paniculata in concert with the standard supportive care for influenza reduced the severity of symptoms, shortened treatment duration, and decreased the risk of developing post-influenza complications. The recommended starting dose for use in patients with mild COVID-19 is 180 mg/day of andrographolide, based on the dose used in patients experiencing a URTI with inflammation. This review is not only applicable for evaluating the appropriate doses of andrographolide for antiviral treatments but also encourages future research evaluating the effectiveness of these recommended dosages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Efficacy of Kan Jang® in Patients with Mild COVID-19: Interim Analysis of a Randomized, Quadruple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Kan Jang®, the fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. ex. Nees and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim extracts, is a herbal medicinal product for relieving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Kan Jang®/Nergecov® on duration and the relief of inflammatory symptoms in adults with mild COVID-19. 86 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and mild symptoms for one to three days received supportive treatment (paracetamol) and six Kan Jang® (daily dose of andrographolides-90 mg) or placebo capsules a day for 14 consecutive days in this randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, two-parallel-group study. The primary efficacy outcomes were the decrease in the acute-phase duration and the severity of symptoms score (sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of smell, taste, pain in muscles), an increase in cognitive functions, physical performance, quality of life, and decrease in IL-6, c-reactive protein, and D-dimer in blood. Kan Jang®/Nergecov® was effective in reducing the risk of progression to severe COVID-19, decreasing the disease progression rate by almost 2.5-fold compared to placebo. Absolute risk reduction by Kan Jang treatment is 14%, the relative risk reduction is 243.9%, and the number Needed to Treat is 7.14. Kan Jang®/Nergecov® reduces the duration of disease, virus clearance, and days of hospitalization and accelerates recovery of patients, relief of sore throat, muscle pain, runny nose, and normalization of body temperature. Kan Jang®/Nergecov® significantly relieves the severity of inflammatory symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, and muscle pain, decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 level in the blood, and increases patients' physical performance (workout) compared to placebo. In this study, for the first time we demonstrate that Kan Jang®/Nergecov® is effective in treating mild COVID-19.

Recent Development of Small Molecules for SARS-CoV-2 and the Opportunity for Fragment-Based Drug Discovery

Abstract:

The ongoing pandemic of Covid-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a major threat to global public health, drawing attention to develop new therapeutics for treatment. Much research work is focused on identifying or repurposing new small molecules to serve as potential inhibitors by interacting with viral or host-cell molecular targets and understanding the nature of the virus in the host cells. Identifying small molecules as potent inhibitors at an early stage is advantageous to make a molecule with higher potency and then find a lead compound for the development of drug discovery. Small molecules can show their inhibition property by targeting either SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) enzyme, papain-like protease (PLpro) enzyme, or helicase (Hel), or blocking the spike (S) protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. A very recent outbreak of a new variant (B.1.617.2—termed as Delta variant) of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide posed a greater challenge as it is resistant to clinically undergoing vaccine trials. Thus, the development of new drug molecules is of potential interest to combat SARS-CoV-2 disease, and for that, fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) approach could be one of the ways to bring out an effective solution. Two cysteine protease enzymes would be an attractive choice of target for fragment-based drug discovery to tune the molecular structure at an early stage with suitable functionality. In this short review, the recent development of small-molecule as inhibitors against Covid-19 are discussed and the opportunity for FBDD is envisioned optimistically to provide an outlook regarding Covid-19 that may pave the way in the direction of the Covid-19 drug development paradigm.

Chemical Profiles of Herbal Compress and Their Persistence Affected by Steaming and Storage Time

The steamed herbal compress is one of the well-known traditional medicines used to relieve pain and stress and to promote emotional and physical well-being. Although it has several therapeutic benefits due to its chemical compounds, there are insufficient reports on the effect of steaming of the herbal compress to promote the release of active compounds and its shelf life. Hence, this study aims at analysing the effect of various steaming processes and storage conditions on the chemical composition of most commonly used herbs such as kaffir lime, lemongrass, plai, soap pod, tamarind, and turmeric. The herbs were extracted with solid-liquid and Soxhlet-mediated extraction using 95% ethanol, hexane, and water as solvents. The analysis of chemical profiles of herbs indicated that Soxhlet extraction is the best extraction procedure based on the extraction yield and abundance of eluted compounds. The herbs were then steam-processed according to the traditional practice of using herbal compress with water alone, and water in combination with 5% ethanol or 5% coconut oil to analyse the effect of steaming. The results indicated that a steaming process can promote the release of bioactive compounds from herbs. The effect of storage was also investigated by storing herbs for 1 day and 7 days at 4°C. The finding suggested that storage has resulted in changes in the bioactive composition of herbs pointing to the necessity of modifying storage conditions to eliminate the loss of beneficial compounds. Thus, this study can be helpful for product development to improve the quality of products by modifying their steaming or storage conditions.

Andrographolide: A Herbal-Chemosynthetic Approach for Enhancing Immunity, Combating Viral Infections, and Its Implication on Human Health

Plants consistently synthesize and accumulate medically valuable secondary metabolites which can be isolated and clinically tested under in vitro conditions. An advancement with such important phytochemical production has been recognized and utilized as herbal drugs. Bioactive andrographolide (AGL; C20H30O5) isolated from Andrographis paniculate (AP) (Kalmegh) is a diterpenoid lactones having multifunctional medicinal properties including anti-manic, anti-inflammatory, liver, and lung protective. AGL is known for its immunostimulant activity against a variety of microbial infections thereby, regulating classical and alternative macrophage activation, Ag-specific antibody production during immune disorder therapy. In vitro studies with AGL found it to be effective against multiple tumors, neuronal disorders, diabetes, pneumonia, fibrosis, and other diverse therapeutic misadventures. Generally, virus-based diseases like ZIKA, influenza A virus subtype (H1NI), Ebola (EBOV), Dengue (DENV), and coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemics have greatly increased scientific interest and demands to develop more effective and economical immunomodulating drugs with minimal side effects. Trials and in vitro pharmacological studies with AGL and medicinally beneficial herbs might contribute to benefit the human population without using chemical-based synthetic drugs. In this review, we have discussed the possible role of AGL as a promising herbal-chemo remedy during human diseases, viral infections and as an immunity booster.

Antiviral Activities of Andrographolide and Its Derivatives: Mechanism of Action and Delivery System

Andrographispaniculata (Burm.f.) Nees has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries, especially China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This herbaceous plant extract contains active compounds with multiple biological activities against various diseases, including the flu, colds, fever, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Several isolated compounds from A. paniculata, such as andrographolide and its analogs, have attracted much interest for their potential treatment against several virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The mechanisms of action in inhibiting viral infections can be categorized into several types, including regulating the viral entry stage, gene replication, and the formation of mature functional proteins. The efficacy of andrographolide as an antiviral candidate was further investigated since the phytoconstituents of A. paniculata exhibit various physicochemical characteristics, including low solubility and low bioavailability. A discussion on the delivery systems of these active compounds could accelerate their development for commercial applications as antiviral drugs. This study critically reviewed the current antiviral development based on andrographolide and its derivative compounds, especially on their mechanism of action as antiviral drugs and drug delivery systems.