Cirsimaritin inhibits influenza A virus replication by downregulating the NF-κB signal transduction pathway

Comprehensive in silico screening of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 main protease

In the current pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), computational drug discovery can play an essential role in finding potential therapeutic agents. Thanks to its anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, sage (Salvia officinalis) is used in traditional medicine. In this study, drugs proposed against COVID-19, including Lopinavir, Remdesivir, Favipiravir, and main flavonoids of sage, were docked favorably against novel coronavirus main protease. Molecular docking findings indicate that Rutin, Luteolin-7-glucoside, Apigenin, and Hispidulin make strong interactions with better binding affinity than selected commercial drugs in the study. But Rutin is the only flavonoid that makes strong hydrogen bond interactions with catalytic dyad and crucial Mpro residues and has more binding affinity than protease inhibitor PF-07321332 as an oral antiviral (PAXLOVID™). Further analysis of Molecular Dynamics and MM-PBSA predicted that chosen ligands could form stable complexes with the main protease. Also, ADMET analysis shows that main flavonoids are expected to have appropriate pharmacokinetic and no toxic properties. The results of the in silico study suggest that Salvia officinalis as a rich source of potent anti-coronavirus flavonoids may play a significant role in counteracting the replication of SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Lead exposure induced developmental nephrotoxicity in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via oxidative stress-based PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition and NF-κB pathway activation

Birds are sensitive to environmental pollution and lead (Pb) contamination could negatively affect nearly all avian organs and systems including kidney of excretive system. Thereby, we used a biological model species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to examine the nephrotoxic effects of Pb exposure and possible toxic mechanism of Pb on birds. Quail chicks of 7-day-old were exposed to 50 ppm Pb of low dose and high dose of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb in drinking water for five weeks. The results showed that Pb exposure induced kidney weight increase while body weight and length reduction. The increase of uric acid (UA), creatinine (CREA) and cystatin c (Cys C) in the plasma suggested renal dysfunction. Moreover, both microstructural and ultrastructural changes demonstrated obvious kidney damages. In particular, renal tubule epithelial cells and glomeruli swelling indicated renal inflammation. Furthermore, changes in the content and activity of oxidative stress markers suggested that Pb caused excessive oxidative stress in the kidney. Pb exposure also induced abnormal apoptosis in the kidney. In addition, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed that Pb disturbed molecular pathways and signaling related with renal function. Especially, Pb exposure resulted in an increase in renal uric acid synthesis by disrupting purine metabolism. Pb caused apoptotic increment by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) pathway and induced aggravated inflammation by activating Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The study implied that Pb caused nephrotoxicity through structural damages, uric acid metabolism disorder, oxidation imbalance, apoptosis and inflammatory pathway activation.

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.

Food Plant Secondary Metabolites Antiviral Activity and Their Possible Roles in SARS-CoV-2 Treatment: An Overview

Natural products and plant extracts exhibit many biological activities, including that related to the defense mechanisms against parasites. Many studies have investigated the biological functions of secondary metabolites and reported evidence of antiviral activities. The pandemic emergencies have further increased the interest in finding antiviral agents, and efforts are oriented to investigate possible activities of secondary plant metabolites against human viruses and their potential application in treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we performed a comprehensive analysis of studies through in silico and in vitro investigations, also including in vivo applications and clinical trials, to evaluate the state of knowledge on the antiviral activities of secondary metabolites against human viruses and their potential application in treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a particular focus on natural compounds present in food plants. Although some of the food plant secondary metabolites seem to be useful in the prevention and as a possible therapeutic management against SARS-CoV-2, up to now, no molecules can be used as a potential treatment for COVID-19; however, more research is needed.

Core Constituents of Caragana sinica Root for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment and the Potential Mechanism

PURPOSE

As a traditional herb product, the root of Caragana sinica (Buc'hoz) Rehder (Chinese name: Jin Quegen [JQG]) has been widely used in folk medicines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. However, which herbal constituents exert a core pharmacological role in RA treatment remains a great challenge due to the multiple phytochemical constituents, targets, and pathways. In this work, we aimed to use a new strategy to explore the core herbal constituents and potential mechanisms of JQG against RA for the first time.

METHODS

A successively partitioned extract of JQG, bioactive partition screening in vitro and in vivo, qualitative analysis, bioinformatic analysis, molecular docking, and mechanism validation were used in this study. The partitioned extract was used to obtain the bioactive partition, while in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and in vivo anti-arthritis effects in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were applied to screen the bioactive partition with the best efficacy. Qualitative analysis was used to identify bioactive constituents. Bioinformatic analysis was used to explore the potential mechanism for RA treatment. Molecular docking and immunofluorescence were used to validate the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

After successively partitioning extract and bioactive partition screening, ethyl acetate extract (EAE) yielded the best anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo among JQG extracts. By ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry, a total of 58 constituents were identified in EAE, and 17 constituents were regarded as the core constituents based on their oral bioavailability and drug-like properties. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway was screened as the core pathway of core constituents for RA treatment based on bioinformatic analysis, and the core constituents showed good ligand-receptor binding activity to NF-κB P65. In vitro study demonstrated that EAE could significantly reduce NF-κB P65 transfer from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that the therapeutic efficacy of JQG for RA treatment could be derived from negative regulation of the NF-κB pathway, and EAE of JQG could represent a promising herb product for RA treatment that deserves further development.

A comprehensive review on natural phenolic compounds as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics

Intensive livestock and poultry farming in China largely relied on the use of in-feed antibiotics until July 2020. The consequences of antibiotic overuse in animal feed include accumulation in animal products and the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance, both of which threaten food safety and human health. China has now completely banned the circulation of commercial feed containing growth-promoting drug additives (except Chinese herbal medicine). Therefore, alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in animal production are greatly needed. Natural phenolic compounds (NPCs) exist widely in plants and are non-toxic, non-polluting, highly reproducible, and leave little residue. Many natural flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes have polyphenol chemical structures and exhibit great potential as alternatives to antibiotics. In this review we delineate the characteristics of plant-derived NPCs and summarize their current applications as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, aiming to provide new strategies for antibiotic-free feeding and promote the development of more sustainable animal husbandry practices.

In Vitro Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Non-Polar Primula veris subsp. veris Extract

Medicinal plants have long been recognized as a tremendous source of candidate compounds for the development of pharmaceuticals, including anti-viral agents. Herein, we report the identification of anti-influenza virus activity in non-polar Primula veris L. subsp. veris extracts. We show that P. veris subsp. veris flower extracts, obtained using supercritical fluid or ultrasound-based extraction, possess virucidal/virus inactivation properties and confer prophylactic and therapeutic effects against influenza virus-induced cytolysis in vitro. By GC-MS and UPLC-HRMS analysis of non-polar P. veris subsp. veris extracts we identified terpenes, flavones, tocopherols, and other classes of phytochemicals with known or putative anti-influenza properties. In silico prediction of cellular functions and molecular pathways affected by these phytochemicals suggests putative effects on signal transduction, inflammasome, and cell death pathways that are relevant to influenza virus pathogenesis. Combining P. veris subsp. veris with extracts of medicinal plants with proven anti-influenza activity such as Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and Cistus creticus L. subsp. creticus achieves an impressive protective effect against infection by influenza virus H1N1 in vitro and reduced progeny virus production by infected cells. Collectively, these findings uncover a previously uncharted biological property of non-polar P. veris flower extracts that warrants further studies to assess clinical efficacy.

5-Methoxyflavone-induced AMPKα activation inhibits NF-κB and P38 MAPK signaling to attenuate influenza A virus-mediated inflammation and lung injury in vitro and in vivo

Influenza-related acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening condition that results mostly from uncontrolled replication of influenza virus (IV) and severe proinflammatory responses. The methoxy flavonoid compound 5-methoxyflavone (5-MF) is believed to have superior biological activity in the treatment of cancer. However, the effects and underlying mechanism of 5-MF on IV-mediated ALI are still unclear. Here, we showed that 5-MF significantly improved the survival of mice with lethal IV infection and ameliorated IV-mediated lung edema, lung histological changes, and inflammatory cell lung recruitment. We found that 5-MF has antiviral activity against influenza A virus (IAV), which was probably associated with increased expression of radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2 (RSAD2) and suppression of endosomal acidification. Moreover, IV-infected A549 cells with 5-MF treatment markedly reduced proinflammatory mediator expression (IL-6, CXCL8, TNF-α, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, GM-CSF, COX-2, and PGE₂) and prevented P-IKBα, P-P65, and P-P38 activation. Interestingly, we demonstrated that 5-MF treatment could trigger activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α in IV-infected A549 cells, as evidenced by activation of the AMPKα downstream molecule P53. Importantly, the addition of AMPKα blocker compound C dramatically abolished 5-MF-mediated increased levels of RSAD2, the inhibitory effects on H1N1 virus-elicited endosomal acidification, and the suppression expression of proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL10, COX-2 and PGE₂), as well as the inactivation of P-IKBα, P-P65, and P-P38 MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, inhibition of AMPKα abrogated the protective effects of 5-MF on H1N1 virus-mediated lung injury and excessive inflammation in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that 5-MF alleviated IV-mediated ALI and suppressed excessive inflammatory responses through activation of AMPKα signaling.

The Current State of Knowledge in Biological Properties of Cirsimaritin

The search for natural plant-based products as new pharmacological alternatives to treat various human pathologies has taken on great importance for researchers and research laboratories. In this context, research has intensified to extract and identify natural molecules endowed with biological effects. The objective of this study is to review the source and pharmacological properties of cirsimaritin. The identification and isolation of this flavonoid from various natural sources, including medicinal plants such as Artemisia judaica, Cirsium japonicum, Lithocarpus dealbatus, Microtea debilis, and Ocimum sanctum, has been carried out and verified using different spectral techniques. Biological effect investigations are carried out with a wide variety of experimental models in vitro and in vivo and laboratory techniques. The results of these research works showed the biological properties of cirsimaritin including anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanisms involved in the multiple activities of this molecule are diverse and include sub-cellular, cellular, and molecular levels. Indeed, this bioactive induces anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects by inhibiting cell membrane receptors, interference with signaling pathways, and inhibiting transcriptional factors such as Nf-κB involved in cell promotion and proliferation. In the light of these results, cirsimaritin appears as a promising and viable alternative natural bioactive drug to treat many pathological conditions.

Sophora subprostrate polysaccharide regulates histone acetylation to inhibit inflammation in PCV2-infected murine splenic lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has caused large economic losses in the swine industry worldwide; therefore, research on relevant therapeutic medicines is still urgently needed. To define the relationship between histone acetylation and inflammation induced by PCV2, we investigated whether traditional Chinese medicinal polysaccharides could alleviate viral infection by regulating histone acetylation. In this study, Sophora subprostrate polysaccharide (SSP)-treated PCV2-infected murine splenic lymphocytes in vitro and murine spleen in vivo were used to explore the regulatory effects of SSP on inflammation and histone acetylation caused by PCV2. SSP at different concentrations significantly reduced the secretion levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, the activity of COX-2, the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 and the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 but promoted the secretion and mRNA expression levels of IL-10. Furthermore, the different concentrations of SSP significantly regulated the activity of histone acetylase (HAT) and the mRNA expression of HAT1, increased the activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and the mRNA expression of HDAC1 and reduced the protein expression levels of Ac-H3 and Ac-H4. Overall, SSP inhibited inflammation in PCV2-infected murine splenic lymphocytes by regulating histone acetylation in vitro and in vivo, thus playing an important role in PCV2 infection.

Santin and cirsimaritin from Betula pubescens and Betula pendula buds induce apoptosis in human digestive system cancer cells

Flavonoids are bioactive secondary metabolites of plants, which exert anti‐cancer effects. However, metabolism in enterocytes and the liver can influence the biological activity of flavonoids contained in the diet. Therefore, results from in vitro studies on cancer cells from the digestive tract and liver may reflect the real effects in the human body. Previously, we have found that the extract from birch buds exerts antiproliferative activity in a panel of cancer cells. In the present study, the anti‐cancer activity of ten flavonoids isolated from the buds of Betula pubescens and Betula pendula was characterized. Among them, santin and cirsimaritin significantly reduced viability, proliferation and clonogenicity of gastric (AGS), colon (DLD‐1) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells. Both flavonoids induced apoptosis, accompanied by activation of caspase‐3, caspase‐7, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9. Moreover, upregulation of p53 was detected only in wild‐type p53 harbouring cells. Together, our results suggest that santin and cirsimaritin exhibit promising anti‐cancer activity in cultures of digestive system cancer cells.

Synthesis and Anti-Influenza Virus Effects of Novel Substituted Polycyclic Pyridone Derivatives Modified from Baloxavir

In this work, a series of novel substituted polycyclic pyridone derivatives were designed and synthesized as potent anti-influenza agents. The cytopathic effect (CPE) assay and cytotoxicity assay indicated that all of the compounds possessed potent anti-influenza virus activity and relatively low cytotoxicity; some of them inhibited the replication of influenza A virus (IAV) at picomolar concentrations. Further studies revealed that, at a concentration of 3 nM, three compounds (10a, 10d, and 10g) could significantly reduce the M2 RNA amounts and M2 protein expression of IAV and inhibit the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Among them, (R)-12-(5H-dibenzo[a,d][7]annulen-5-yl)-7-hydroxy-3,4,12,12a-tetrahydro-1H-[1,4]oxazino[3,4-c]pyrido[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine-6,8-dione (10a) was found to be a promising anti-influenza drug candidate with good human liver microsomal stability, as well as with better selectivity index and oral bioavailability than Baloxavir.

The Effects of Artemisia Plant and Its Components Against Respiratory Viruses Like Influenza and Their Mechanisms of Action

Context: Artemisia genus and its chemical constituents show antiviral activity against different viruses. The aim of this study was to review the effects of selected Artemisia species and their components against respiratory viruses like influenza and coronavirus. Methods: All the articles published in English or Persian related to the effects of Artemisia and its components on viral respiratory infections and relevant mechanisms of action were searched throughout Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library Database from 1966 up to April 2020. Results: A few numbers of Artemisia species such as A. scoparia, A. rupestris, and A. annua and their components showed efficacy against the influenza virus and coronaviruses. Furthermore, some chemical compounds isolated from Artemisia species, like rupestonic acid, showed potent anti-influenza activity. The mechanism of antiviral activity was also determined for some of these compounds. Conclusions: The present study summarized the efficacy of a number of Artemisia species and their components against respiratory viruses like influenza and coronavirus. Future studies on other Artemisia species may lead to the discovery of new antiviral drugs against the influenza virus and coronaviruses.

Flavonoids as Promising Antiviral Agents against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Mechanistic Review

A newly diagnosed coronavirus in 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all human activities since its discovery. Flavonoids commonly found in the human diet have attracted a lot of attention due to their remarkable biological activities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the benefits of flavonoids in COVID-19 disease. Previously-reported effects of flavonoids on five RNA viruses with similar clinical manifestations and/or pharmacological treatments, including influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Ebola, were considered. Flavonoids act via direct antiviral properties, where they inhibit different stages of the virus infective cycle and indirect effects when they modulate host responses to viral infection and subsequent complications. Flavonoids have shown antiviral activity via inhibition of viral protease, RNA polymerase, and mRNA, virus replication, and infectivity. The compounds were also effective for the regulation of interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and sub-cellular inflammatory pathways such as nuclear factor-κB and Jun N-terminal kinases. Baicalin, quercetin and its derivatives, hesperidin, and catechins are the most studied flavonoids in this regard. In conclusion, dietary flavonoids are promising treatment options against COVID-19 infection; however, future investigations are recommended to assess the antiviral properties of these compounds on this disease.

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.

Artemisia scoparia: Traditional uses, active constituents and pharmacological effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia scoparia Waldst.et Kit (A. scoparia), is an important medicinal plant mainly distributed in China, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, India, Central Europe, Saudi Arabia and Iran. It has been used for a long history to treat fever, inflammation, jaundice, and infection, but systematic reviews about the medicinal uses of A. scoparia are still lacking.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review is to provide up-to-date information on A. scoparia, including its botanical characteristics, medicinal resources, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects, in exploring therapeutic and scientific potentials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information related to this article was systematically collected from the scientific literature databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, local books, PhD and MS dissertations, and other web sources.

RESULTS

Herein a total of 102 compounds, such as flavonoids, coumarins, chromones, steroids, volatile oil and phenolic acid isolated from A. scoparia are summarized. Among these compounds, the effects of flavonoids, coumarins and phenolic acids were extensively studied. We have comprehensively summarized modern pharmacological studies on A. scoparia and demonstrated A. scoparia and its active components have a wide range of pharmaceutical activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, liver protection, antiatherogenic, antiviral as well as neuroprotective functions.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important Chinese medicinal plant, modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that A. scoparia has diverse bioactivities, especially on liver protection and anti-inflammatory activities. These prominent bioactivities highlight prospects on new drug development. Nevertheless, the comprehensive evaluation, long-term in vivo toxicity, and clinical efficacy of A. scoparia require further in-depth research.

Uncovering the pharmacological mechanisms of Xijiao Dihuang decoction combined with Yinqiao powder in treating influenza viral pneumonia by an integrative pharmacology strategy

Xijiao Dihuang decoction combined with Yinqiao powder (XDD-YQP) is a classical combination formula; however, its therapeutic effects in treating influenza viral pneumonia and the pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. The therapeutic effect of XDD-YQP in influenza viral pneumonia was evaluated in mice. Subsequently, an everted gut sac model coupled with UPLC/Q-TOF MS were used to screen and identify the active compounds of XDD-YQP. Furthermore, network pharmacological analysis was adopted to probe the mechanisms of the active compounds. Lastly, we verified the targets predicted from network pharmacological analysis by differential bioinformatics analysis. Animal experiments showed that XDD-YQP has a therapeutic effect on influenza viral pneumonia. Moreover, 113 active compounds were identified from intestinal absorbed solutions of XDD-YQP. Using network pharmacological analysis, 90 major targets were selected as critical in the treatment of influenza viral pneumonia through 12 relevant pathways. Importantly, the MAPK signaling pathway was found to be closely associated with the other 11 pathways. Moreover, seven key targets, EGFR, FOS, MAPK1, MAP2K1, HRAS, NRAS, and RELA, which are common targets in the MAPK signaling pathway, were investigated. These seven key targets were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between influenza virus-infected and uninfected individuals. Hence, the seven key targets in the MAPK signaling pathway may play a vital role in the treatment of influenza viral pneumonia with XDD-YQP. This research may offer an integrative pharmacology strategy to clarify the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines. The results provide a theoretical basis for a broader clinical application of XDD-YQP.

Stevia Genus: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities Update

The Stevia genus (Asteraceae) comprises around 230 species, distributed from the southern United States to the South American Andean region. Stevia rebaudiana, a Paraguayan herb that produces an intensely sweet diterpene glycoside called stevioside, is the most relevant member of this genus. Apart from S. rebaudiana, many other species belonging to the Stevia genus are considered medicinal and have been popularly used to treat different ailments. The members from this genus produce sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, longipinanes, and flavonoids as the main types of phytochemicals. Many pharmacological activities have been described for Stevia extracts and isolated compounds, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities being the most frequently mentioned. This review aims to present an update of the Stevia genus covering ethnobotanical aspects and traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the extracts and isolated compounds.

The neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19: Interactions with psychiatric illness and pharmacological treatment

The recent outbreak of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) has had major global impact. The relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and psychiatric diseases is of great concern, with an evident link between corona virus infections and various central and peripheral nervous system manifestations. Unmitigated neuro-inflammation has been noted to underlie not only the severe respiratory complications of the disease but is also present in a range of neuro-psychiatric illnesses. Several neurological and psychiatric disorders are characterized by immune-inflammatory states, while treatments for these disorders have distinct anti-inflammatory properties and effects. With inflammation being a common contributing factor in SARS-CoV-2, as well as psychiatric disorders, treatment of either condition may affect disease progression of the other or alter response to pharmacological treatment. In this review, we elucidate how viral infections could affect pre-existing psychiatric conditions and how pharmacological treatments of these conditions may affect overall progress and outcome in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. We address whether any treatment-induced benefits and potential adverse effects may ultimately affect the overall treatment approach, considering the underlying dysregulated neuro-inflammatory processes and potential drug interactions. Finally, we suggest adjunctive treatment options for SARS-CoV-2-associated neuro-psychiatric symptoms.

Plant-Derived Food Grade Substances (PDFGS) Active Against Respiratory Viruses: A Systematic Review of Non-clinical Studies

Human diet comprises several classes of phytochemicals some of which are potentially active against human pathogenic viruses. This study examined available evidence that identifies existing food plants or constituents of edible foods that have been reported to inhibit viral pathogenesis of the human respiratory tract. SCOPUS and PUBMED databases were searched with keywords designed to retrieve articles that investigated the effect of plant-derived food grade substances (PDFGS) on the activities of human pathogenic viruses. Eligible studies for this review were those done on viruses that infect the human respiratory tract. Forty six (46) studies met the specified inclusion criteria from the initial 5,734 hits. The selected studies investigated the effects of different PDFGS on the infectivity, proliferation and cytotoxicity of different respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B virus (IBV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus (hPIV), Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63), and rhinovirus (RV) in cell lines and mouse models. This review reveals that PDFGS inhibits different stages of the pathological pathways of respiratory viruses including cell entry, replication, viral release and viral-induced dysregulation of cellular homeostasis and functions. These alterations eventually lead to the reduction of virus titer, viral-induced cellular damages and improved survival of host cells. Major food constituents active against respiratory viruses include flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, lectins, vitamin D, curcumin, and plant glycosides such as glycyrrhizin, acteoside, geniposide, and iridoid glycosides. Herbal teas such as guava tea, green and black tea, adlay tea, cistanche tea, kuding tea, licorice extracts, and edible bird nest extracts were also effective against respiratory viruses in vitro. The authors of this review recommend an increased consumption of foods rich in these PDFGS including legumes, fruits (e.g berries, citrus), tea, fatty fish and curcumin amongst human populations with high prevalence of respiratory viral infections in order to prevent, manage and/or reduce the severity of respiratory virus infections.

Therapeutic Single Compounds for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative disease for which an effective disease-modifying therapy is not available. Natural compounds derived from plants have been traditionally used in the clinic to treat OA. Over the years, many studies have explored the treatment of OA using natural extracts. Although various active natural extracts with broad application prospects have been discovered, single compounds are more important for clinical trials than total natural extracts. Moreover, although natural extracts exhibit minimal safety issues, the cytotoxicity and function of all single compounds in a total extract remain unclear. Therefore, understanding single compounds with the ability to inhibit catabolic factor expression is essential for developing therapeutic agents for OA. This review describes effective single compounds recently obtained from natural extracts and the possibility of developing therapeutic agents against OA using these compounds.

Artemisia scoparia and Metabolic Health: Untapped Potential of an Ancient Remedy for Modern Use

Botanicals have a long history of medicinal use for a multitude of ailments, and many modern pharmaceuticals were originally isolated from plants or derived from phytochemicals. Among these, artemisinin, first isolated from Artemisia annua, is the foundation for standard anti-malarial therapies. Plants of the genus Artemisia are among the most common herbal remedies across Asia and Central Europe. The species Artemisia scoparia (SCOPA) is widely used in traditional folk medicine for various liver diseases and inflammatory conditions, as well as for infections, fever, pain, cancer, and diabetes. Modern in vivo and in vitro studies have now investigated SCOPA's effects on these pathologies and its ability to mitigate hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, and other disease states. This review focuses on the effects of SCOPA that are particularly relevant to metabolic health. Indeed, in recent years, an ethanolic extract of SCOPA has been shown to enhance differentiation of cultured adipocytes and to share some properties of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a class of insulin-sensitizing agonists of the adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, SCOPA diet supplementation lowered fasting insulin and glucose levels, while inducing metabolically favorable changes in adipose tissue and liver. These observations are consistent with many lines of evidence from various tissues and cell types known to contribute to metabolic homeostasis, including immune cells, hepatocytes, and pancreatic beta-cells. Compounds belonging to several classes of phytochemicals have been implicated in these effects, and we provide an overview of these bioactives. The ongoing global epidemics of obesity and metabolic disease clearly require novel therapeutic approaches. While the mechanisms involved in SCOPA's effects on metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways are not fully characterized, current data support further investigation of this plant and its bioactives as potential therapeutic agents in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and many other conditions.

Investigating Ketone Bodies as Immunometabolic Countermeasures against Respiratory Viral Infections

Respiratory viral infections remain a scourge, with seasonal influenza infecting millions and killing many thousands annually and viral pandemics, such as COVID-19, recurring every decade. Age, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for severe disease and death from viral infection. Immunometabolic therapies for these populations hold promise to reduce the risks of death and disability. Such interventions have pleiotropic effects that might not only target the virus itself but also enhance supportive care to reduce cardiopulmonary complications, improve cognitive resilience, and facilitate functional recovery. Ketone bodies are endogenous metabolites that maintain cellular energy but also feature drug-like signaling activities that affect immune activity, metabolism, and epigenetics. Here, we provide an overview of ketone body biology relevant to respiratory viral infection, focusing on influenza A and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2, and discuss the opportunities, risks, and research gaps in the study of exogenous ketone bodies as novel immunometabolic interventions in these diseases.

Ganghuo Kanggan Decoction in Influenza: Integrating Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Pharmacological Evaluation

Background: Ganghuo Kanggan decoction (GHKGD) is a clinical experience prescription used for the treatment of viral pneumonia in the Lingnan area of China, and its clinical effect is remarkable. However, the mechanism of GHKGD in influenza is still unclear.

Objective: To predict the active components and signaling pathway of GHKGD and to explore its therapeutic mechanism in influenza and to verified it in vivo using network pharmacology.

Methods: The potential active components and therapeutic targets of GHKGD in the treatment of influenza were hypothesized through a series of network pharmacological strategies, including compound screening, target prediction and pathway enrichment analysis. Based on the target network and enrichment results, a mouse model of influenza A virus (IAV) infection was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of GHKGD on influenza and to verify the possible molecular mechanism predicted by network pharmacology.

Results: A total of 116 candidate active compounds and 17 potential targets were identified. The results of the potential target enrichment analysis suggested GHKGD may involve the RLR signaling pathway to reduce inflammation in the lungs. In vivo experiments showed that GHKGD had a protective effect on pneumonia caused by IAV-infected mice. Compared with the untreated group, the weight loss in the GHKGD group in the BALB/c mice decreased, and the inflammatory pathological changes in lung tissue were reduced (p < 0.05). The expression of NP protein and the virus titers in lung were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The protein expression of RIG-I, NF-kB, and STAT1 and the level of MAVS and IRF3/7 mRNA were remarkably inhibited in GHKGD group (p < 0.05). After the treatment with GHKGD, the level of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2) was increased, while the expression of Th2 (IL-5, IL4) cytokines was reduced (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Through a network pharmacology strategy and in vivo experiments, the multi-target and multi-component pharmacological characteristics of GHKGD in the treatment of influenza were revealed, and regulation of the RLR signaling pathway during the anti-influenza process was confirmed. This study provides a theoretical basis for the research and development of new drugs from GHKGD.

Classical Drug Digitoxin Inhibits Influenza Cytokine Storm, With Implications for Covid-19 Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Influenza viruses, corona viruses and related pneumotropic viruses cause sickness and death partly by inducing cytokine storm, a hyper-proinflammatory host response by immune cells and cytokines in the host airway. Based on our in vivo experience with digitoxin as an inhibitor of TNFα-driven NFĸB signaling for cytokine expression in prostate cancer in rats and in cystic fibrosis in humans, we hypothesize that this drug will also block a virally-activated cytokine storm. Materials Methods: Digitoxin was administered intraperitoneally to cotton rats, followed by intranasal infection with 107TCID50/100 g of cotton rat with influenza strain A/Wuhan/H3N2/359/95. Daily digitoxin treatment continued until harvest on day 4 of the experiment.

RESULTS

The cardiac glycoside digitoxin significantly and differentially suppressed levels of the cytokines TNFα, GRO/KC, MIP2, MCP1, and IFNγ, in the cotton rat lung in the presence of influenza virus.

CONCLUSION

Since cytokine storm is a host response, we suggest that digitoxin may have a therapeutic potential not only for influenza and but also for coronavirus infections.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Influenza: From Basic Science to Clinical Applications

Influenza infection is a highly contagious, acute febrile respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has dominated plenty of theoretical and practical approaches in the treatment of influenza. It is, therefore, important to highlight the effects of TCM in the clinical treatment of influenza and their impact on inhibiting the growth of this virus in laboratory experiments. We scrutinized existing evidence on whether TCM is effective in clinical applications. Moreover, we described the potential mechanisms of TCM against the influenza virus. Our findings provide analytical evidence that supports the effectiveness of TCM in treating influenza infections as well as their mechanisms against this virus.

Luteolin inhibits CVB3 replication through inhibiting inflammation

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection causes many inflammation-related diseases, such as viral myocarditis and aseptic meningitis. However, no vaccines or drugs have been approved for prevention or therapy of CVB3-induced diseases. In this study, luteolin (3,4,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) had been found that could dose-dependently reduce the production of viral progeny and synthesis of CVB3 RNA and protein. The luteolin-mediated inhibition of CVB3 was found to be mechanistically possible, at least in part, through depressing the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK MAPK, and inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation and subsequently attenuated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in CVB3-infected cells. Luteolin may be a potential agent or supplement against CVB3 infection by inhibiting inflammation.

The natural compound Cirsitakaoside enhances antiviral innate responses against vesicular stomatitis virus in vitro and in vivo

Cirsitakaoside, isolated and purified from the stems and leaves of Premna szemaoensis and Macaranga denticulata, is a natural compound with potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, the role of Cirsitakaoside in antiviral activity and the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify whether Cirsitakaoside has antiviral activity and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were pretreated with Cir or DMSO, and then infected by Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) for indicated hours, Q-PCR and ELISA were used to detect the expression of interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunoblot assay were employed to investigate the involved signaling pathway in the antiviral effects of Cirsitakaoside. Furthermore, mice infected with VSV were used to investigate the antiviral activities of Cirsitakaoside in vivo. Our study demonstrated that Cirsitakaoside could promote type I IFN expression and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α production in mouse peritoneal macrophages infected by VSV. Suppressive viral replication effects of Cirsitakaoside were observed on VSV-infected mouse peritoneal macrophages as well. Furthermore, Cirsitakaoside significantly increased the VSV-triggered phosphorylation of TBK1, IRF3 and reduced the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 in mouse peritoneal macrophages. in vivo, the results showed that Cirsitakaoside-treated mice were more resistant to VSV infection by producing more IFN-β and less pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our study indicates that Cirsitakaoside is a good candidate for the treatment of viral infection and inflammation-related diseases.

Agathisflavone, a Biflavonoid from Anacardium occidentale L., Inhibits Influenza Virus Neuraminidase

BACKGROUND

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are the only class of antivirals in clinical use against influenza virus approved worldwide. However, approximately 1-3% of circulating strains present resistance mutations to oseltamivir (OST), the most used NAI. Therefore, it is important to catalogue new molecules to inhibit influenza virus, especially OST-resistant strains. Natural products from tropical plants used for human consumption represent a worthy class of substances. Their use could be stimulated in resource-limited setting where the access to expensive antiviral therapies is restricted.

METHODS

We evaluated the anti-influenza virus activity of agathisflavone derived from Anacardium occidentale L.

RESULTS

The neuraminidase (NA) activity of wild-type and OST-resistant influenza virus was inhibited by agathisflavone, with IC50 values ranging from 20 to 2.0 µM, respectively. Agathisflavone inhibited influenza virus replication with EC50 of 1.3 µM. Sequential passages of the virus in the presence of agathisflavone revealed the emergence of mutation R249S, A250S and R253Q in the NA gene. These changes are outside the OST binding region, meaning that agathisflavone targets this viral enzyme at a region different than conventional NAIs.

CONCLUSION

Altogether our data suggest that agathisflavone has a promising chemical structure for the development of anti-influenza drugs.

p-STAT1 regulates the influenza A virus replication and inflammatory response in vitro and vivo

Influenza A virus infection activates various intracellular signaling pathways, which is mediated by the transcription factors. Here, a quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis of A549 cells after infection with influenza A virus (H5N1) was performed and we found that the transcription factor STAT1 was highly activated. Unexpectedly, upon inhibition of p-STAT1, titers of progeny virus and viral protein synthesis were both reduced. The STAT1 inhibitor Fludarabine (FLUD) inhibited an early progeny step in viral infection and reduced the levels of influenza virus genomic RNA (vRNA). Concomitantly, there was reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines in p-STAT1 inhibited cells. In vivo, suppression of p-STAT1 improved the survival of H5N1 virus-infected mice, reduced the pulmonary inflammatory response and viral burden. Thus, our data demonstrated a critical role for p-STAT1 in influenza virus replication and inflammatory responses. We speculate that STAT1 is an example of a putative antiviral signaling component to support effective replication.

Isorhamnetin, Hispidulin, and Cirsimaritin Identified in Tamarix ramosissima Barks from Southern Xinjiang and Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

As a natural potential resource, Tamarix ramosissima has been widely used as barbecue skewers for a good taste and unique flavor. The polyphenolics in the branch bark play a key role in the quality improvement. The purposes of the present work were to explore the polyphenolic composition of T. ramosissima bark extract and assess their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Hispidulin and cirsimaritin from T. ramosissima bark extract were first identified in the Tamarix genus reported with UPLC-MS analysis. Isorhamnetin (36.91 μg/mg extract), hispidulin (28.79 μg/mg extract) and cirsimaritin (13.35 μg/mg extract) are rich in the bark extract. The extract exhibited promising antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 117.05 μg/mL for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 151.57 μg/mL for hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, as well as excellent reducing power with an EC₅₀ of 93.77 μg/mL. The bark extract showed appreciable antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogens. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive microorganism with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 10 mg/mL followed by S. castellani and S. aureus among the tested bacteria. The T. ramosissima bark extract showed significantly stronger inhibitory activity against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. Nevertheless, this extract failed to show any activity against tested fungi. Overall, these results suggested that T. ramosissima shows potential in improving food quality due to its highly efficacious antioxidant and antibacterial properties.