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Maikhunthod B, Chaipayang S, Jittmittraphap A, Thippornchai N, Boonchuen P, Tittabutr P, Eumkeb G, Sabuakham S, Rungrotmongkol T, Mahalapbutr P, Leaungwutiwong P, Teaumroong N, Tanthanuch W. Exploring the therapeutic potential of Thai medicinal plants: in vitro screening and in silico docking of phytoconstituents for novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:274. [PMID: 39030504 PMCID: PMC11264683 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04586-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high virulence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has triggered global health and economic concerns. The absence of specific antiviral treatments and the side effects of repurposed drugs present persistent challenges. This study explored a promising antiviral herbal extract against SARS-CoV-2 from selected Thai medicinal plants based on in vitro efficacy and evaluated its antiviral lead compounds by molecular docking. METHODS Twenty-two different ethanolic-aqueous crude extracts (CEs) were rapidly screened for their potential activity against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as a surrogate using a plaque reduction assay. Extracts achieving ≥ 70% anti-PEDV efficacy proceeded to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity test using a 50% tissue culture infectious dose method in Vero E6 cells. Molnupiravir and extract-free media served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Potent CEs underwent water/ethyl acetate fractionation to enhance antiviral efficacy, and the fractions were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 performance. The fraction with the highest antiviral potency was identified using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Molecular docking analyses of these compounds against the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 (6LU7) were performed to identify antiviral lead molecules. The top three hits were further evaluated for their conformational stability in the docked complex using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. RESULTS The water fraction of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) leaf CE (WF-MLCE) exhibited the most potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy with low cytotoxicity profile (CC50 of ~ 0.7 mg/mL), achieving 99.92% in pre-entry mode and 99.88% in postinfection treatment mode at 0.25 mg/mL. Flavonoids and conjugates were the predominant compounds identified in WF-MLCE. Molecular docking scores of several flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro demonstrated their superior antiviral potency compared to molnupiravir. Remarkably, myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, maragrol B, and quercetin 3-O-robinobioside exhibited binding energies of ~ - 9 kcal/mol. The stability of each ligand-protein complex of these compounds with the Mpro system showed stability during MD simulation. These three molecules were pronounced as antiviral leads of WF-MLCE. Given the low cytotoxicity and high antiviral potency of WF-MLCE, it holds promise as a candidate for future therapeutic development for COVID-19 treatment, especially considering its economic and pharmacological advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bussayarat Maikhunthod
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Sukanya Chaipayang
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Akanitt Jittmittraphap
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Narin Thippornchai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Pakpoom Boonchuen
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Panlada Tittabutr
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Griangsak Eumkeb
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Sahachai Sabuakham
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Structural and Computational Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Pornsawan Leaungwutiwong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Neung Teaumroong
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.
| | - Waraporn Tanthanuch
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.
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Weathers P, Towler M, Kiani BH, Dolivo D, Dominko T. Differential Anti-Fibrotic and Remodeling Responses of Human Dermal Fibroblasts to Artemisia sp., Artemisinin, and Its Derivatives. Molecules 2024; 29:2107. [PMID: 38731597 PMCID: PMC11085156 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a ubiquitous pathology, and prior studies have indicated that various artemisinin (ART) derivatives (including artesunate (AS), artemether (AM), and dihydroartemisinin (DHA)) can reduce fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. The medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. is the natural source of ART and is widely used, especially in underdeveloped countries, to treat a variety of diseases including malaria. A. afra contains no ART but is also antimalarial. Using human dermal fibroblasts (CRL-2097), we compared the effects of A. annua and A. afra tea infusions, ART, AS, AM, DHA, and a liver metabolite of ART, deoxyART (dART), on fibroblast viability and expression of key fibrotic marker genes after 1 and 4 days of treatment. AS, DHA, and Artemisia teas reduced fibroblast viability 4 d post-treatment in up to 80% of their respective controls. After 4 d of treatment, AS DHA and Artemisia teas downregulated ACTA2 up to 10 fold while ART had no significant effect, and AM increased viability by 10%. MMP1 and MMP3 were upregulated by AS, 17.5 and 32.6 fold, respectively, and by DHA, 8 and 51.8 fold, respectively. ART had no effect, but A. annua and A. afra teas increased MMP3 5 and 16-fold, respectively. Although A. afra tea increased COL3A1 5 fold, MMP1 decreased >7 fold with no change in either transcript by A. annua tea. Although A. annua contains ART, it had a significantly greater anti-fibrotic effect than ART alone but was less effective than A. afra. Immunofluorescent staining for smooth-muscle α-actin (α-SMA) correlated well with the transcriptional responses of drug-treated fibroblasts. Together, proliferation, qPCR, and immunofluorescence results show that treatment with ART, AS, DHA, and the two Artemisia teas yield differing responses, including those related to fibrosis, in human dermal fibroblasts, with evidence also of remodeling of fibrotic ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA; (M.T.); (B.H.K.); (D.D.); (T.D.)
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Alipour Z, Zarezadeh S, Ghotbi-Ravandi AA. The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:172-203. [PMID: 37956978 DOI: 10.1055/a-2209-6357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, a global pandemic was announced due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to cause COVID-19. Despite worldwide efforts, there are only limited options regarding antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19. Although vaccines are now available, issues such as declining efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 variants and the aging of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the importance of finding more antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the disease. Drug repurposing has been used to rapidly find COVID-19 therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical evidence for the therapeutic benefits and certain serious side effects of repurposed antivirals, the search for an antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 with fewer side effects continues. In recent years, numerous studies have included antiviral chemicals from a variety of plant species. A better knowledge of the possible antiviral natural products and their mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 will help to develop stronger and more targeted direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to compile the current data on potential plant metabolites that can be investigated in COVID-19 drug discovery and development. This review represents a collection of plant secondary metabolites and their mode of action against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alipour
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Zarezadeh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Ghotbi-Ravandi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Rakotosamimanana S, Mangahasimbola RT, Ratovoson R, Randremanana RV. Determinants of COVID-19-related knowledge and disrupted habits during epidemic waves among women of childbearing age in urban and rural areas of the Malagasy Middle East. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1990. [PMID: 37828477 PMCID: PMC10571364 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With regard to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Madagascar, little is known about the knowledge, the perceptions and the impacts of this disease on women of childbearing age. People's knowledge of COVID-19 can have an impact on their attitudes towards seeking care. The aim of the current study is to determine the knowledge of COVID-19 and associated determinants among women of childbearing age in Moramanga. METHODS A cross-sectional study based on questionnaire administration was used among women of childbearing age. Data collection was conducted from August to October 2021. A scoring method was applied to evaluate their knowledge level and perceptions about COVID-19 and its impacts on their lives. A binary stepwise logistic regression was performed to determine the sociodemographic determinants of their knowledge level about COVID-19. RESULTS A total of 885 women of childbearing age from urban and rural Moramanga areas were interviewed. Approximately 49.8% (441/885) lived in urban areas, and 50.2% (444/885) lived in rural areas. Approximately 35.3% (322/885) of the participants had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. Multivariate analysis showed that the probability of having a good level of knowledge of COVID-19 had a significant statistical association (p value < 0.05) with living in an urban area [AOR: 2.89; 95% CI (1.89-4.42)], telephone ownership [AOR: 1.71; 95% CI (1.16-2.53)], radio ownership [AOR 2.2; 95% CI (1.43-3.38)], watching TV [AOR = 1.95; 95% CI (1.34-2.83)] and reading journal papers [AOR = 3.74 95% CI (1.69-8.27)]. CONCLUSIONS Almost a third of the sampled women of childbearing age had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. Access to information through telecommunications technologies increases the chances of being better informed about the disease. To avoid the negative repercussions of infectious disease epidemics, it is necessary to improve the awareness of childbearing women about these diseases by taking demographic features of the population into account.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rila Ratovoson
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
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Nikitin E, Fitsev I, Egorova A, Logvinenko L, Terenzhev D, Bekmuratova F, Rakhmaeva A, Shumatbaev G, Gatiyatullina A, Shevchuk O, Kalinnikova T. Five Different Artemisia L. Species Ethanol Extracts' Phytochemical Composition and Their Antimicrobial and Nematocide Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14372. [PMID: 37762675 PMCID: PMC10532408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the plants that exhibit significant or established pharmacological activity, the genus Artemisia L. deserves special attention. This genus comprises over 500 species belonging to the largest Asteraceae family. Our study aimed at providing a comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical composition of the ethanol extracts of five different Artemisia L. species (collected from the southwest of the Russian Federation) and their antimicrobial and nematocide activity as follows: A. annua cv. Novichok., A. dracunculus cv. Smaragd, A. santonica cv. Citral, A. abrotanum cv. Euxin, and A. scoparia cv. Tavrida. The study of the ethanol extracts of the five different Artemisia L. species using the methods of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) allowed establishing their phytochemical profile. The obtained data on the of five different Artemisia L. species ethanol extracts' phytochemical composition were used to predict the antibacterial and antifungal activity against phytopathogenic microorganisms and nematocidal activity against the free-living soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The major compounds found in the composition of the Artemisia L. ethanol extracts were monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, coumarins, and phenolic acids. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the extracts began to manifest at a concentration of 150 µg/mL. The A. dracunculus cv. Smaragd extract had a selective effect against Gram-positive R. iranicus and B. subtilis bacteria, whereas the A. scoparia cv. Tavrida extract had a selective effect against Gram-negative A. tumefaciens and X. arboricola bacteria and A. solani, R. solani and F. graminearum fungi. The A. annua cv. Novichok, A. dracunculus cv. Smaragd, and A. santonica cv. Citral extracts in the concentration range of 31.3-1000 µg/mL caused the death of nematodes. It was established that A. annua cv. Novichok affects the UNC-63 protein, the molecular target of which is the nicotine receptor of the N-subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Nikitin
- A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arbuzov Str. 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia; (E.N.)
| | - Igor Fitsev
- A.M. Butlerov Chemical Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya Str. 18, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Anastasia Egorova
- Research Institute for Problems of Ecology and Mineral Wealth Use of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Daurskaya Str. 28, 420087 Kazan, Russia
| | - Lidia Logvinenko
- Nikitsky Botanic Gardens, National Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 298648 Yalta, Russia (O.S.)
| | - Dmitriy Terenzhev
- A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arbuzov Str. 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia; (E.N.)
| | - Feruzakhon Bekmuratova
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation, and Biological Safety», Nauchny Gorodok-2, 420075 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Adelya Rakhmaeva
- A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arbuzov Str. 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia; (E.N.)
| | - Georgiy Shumatbaev
- A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arbuzov Str. 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia; (E.N.)
| | - Alsu Gatiyatullina
- Research Institute for Problems of Ecology and Mineral Wealth Use of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Daurskaya Str. 28, 420087 Kazan, Russia
| | - Oksana Shevchuk
- Nikitsky Botanic Gardens, National Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 298648 Yalta, Russia (O.S.)
| | - Tatiana Kalinnikova
- Research Institute for Problems of Ecology and Mineral Wealth Use of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Daurskaya Str. 28, 420087 Kazan, Russia
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Varela K, Arman HD, Berger MS, Sponsel VM, Lin CHA, Yoshimoto FK. Inhibition of Cysteine Proteases via Thiol-Michael Addition Explains the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Bioactive Properties of Arteannuin B. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:1654-1666. [PMID: 37458412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Artemisia annua is the plant that produces artemisinin, an endoperoxide-containing sesquiterpenoid used for the treatment of malaria. A. annua extracts, which contain other bioactive compounds, have been used to treat other diseases, including cancer and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a methyl ester derivative of arteannuin B was isolated when A. annua leaves were extracted with a 1:1 mixture of methanol and dichloromethane. This methyl ester was thought to be formed from the reaction between arteannuin B and the extracting solvent, which was supported by the fact that arteannuin B underwent 1,2-addition when it was dissolved in deuteromethanol. In contrast, in the presence of N-acetylcysteine methyl ester, a 1,4-addition (thiol-Michael reaction) occurred. Arteannuin B hindered the activity of the SARS CoV-2 main protease (nonstructural protein 5, NSP5), a cysteine protease, through time-dependent inhibition. The active site cysteine residue of NSP5 (cysteine-145) formed a covalent bond with arteannuin B as determined by mass spectrometry. In order to determine whether cysteine adduction by arteannuin B can inhibit the development of cancer cells, similar experiments were performed with caspase-8, the cysteine protease enzyme overexpressed in glioblastoma. Time-dependent inhibition and cysteine adduction assays suggested arteannuin B inhibits caspase-8 and adducts to the active site cysteine residue (cysteine-360), respectively. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of how A. annua possesses antiviral and cytotoxic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Varela
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Hadi D Arman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Mitchel S Berger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94122, United States
| | - Valerie M Sponsel
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Chin-Hsing Annie Lin
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Francis K Yoshimoto
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
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Weathers PJ. Artemisinin as a therapeutic vs. its more complex Artemisia source material. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1158-1169. [PMID: 36541391 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00072e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2017-2022Many small molecule drugs are first discovered in nature, commonly the result of long ethnopharmacological use by people, and then characterized and purified from their biological sources. Traditional medicines are often more sustainable, but issues related to source consistency and efficacy present challenges. Modern medicine has focused solely on purified molecules, but evidence is mounting to support some of the more traditional uses of medicinal biologics. When is a more traditional delivery of a therapeutic appropriate and warranted? What studies are required to establish validity of a traditional medicine approach? Artemisia annua and A. afra are two related but unique medicinal plant species with long histories of ethnopharmacological use. A. annua produces the sesquiterpene lactone antimalarial drug, artemisinin, while A. afra produces at most, trace amounts of the compound. Both species also have an increasing repertoire of modern scientific and pharmacological data that make them ideal candidates for a case study. Here accumulated recent data on A. annua and A. afra are reviewed as a basis for establishing a decision tree for querying their therapeutic use, as well as that of other medicinal plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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Nair MS, Huang Y, Wang M, Weathers PJ. SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants are susceptible in vitro to Artemisia annua hot water extracts. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116291. [PMID: 36804200 PMCID: PMC9937997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Artemisia annua L. has >2000 yr of history in treating fever a symptom common to many infectious diseases including viruses. The plant is widely used as a tea infusion in many areas of the globe to thwart many infectious diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus continues to infect millions while rapidly evolving new variants that are more transmissible and evade vaccine-elicited antibodies, e.g., omicron and its subvariants. Having shown potency against all previously tested variants, A. annua L. extracts were further tested against highly infectious omicron and its recent subvariants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using Vero E6 cells, we measured the in vitro efficacy (IC50) of stored (frozen) dried-leaf hot-water A. annua L. extracts of four cultivars (A3, BUR, MED, and SAM) against SARS-CoV-2 variants: original WA1 (WT), BA.1 (omicron), BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4. End point virus titers of infectivity in cv. BUR-treated human lung A459 cells overexpressing hu-ACE2 were determined for both WA1 and BA.4 viruses. RESULTS When normalized to the artemisinin (ART) or leaf dry weight (DW) equivalent of the extract, the IC50 values ranged from 0.5 to 16.5 μM ART and from 20 to 106 μg DW. IC50 values were within limits of assay variation of our earlier studies. End-point titers confirmed a dose-response inhibition in ACE2 overexpressing human lung cells to the BUR cultivar. Cell viability losses were not measurable at leaf dry weights ≤50 μg for any cultivar extract. CONCLUSIONS A. annua hot-water extracts (tea infusions) continue to show efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and its rapidly evolving variants and deserve greater attention as a possible cost-effective therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Nair
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Y Huang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - M Wang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - P J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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Buck CB. The mint versus Covid hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2023; 173:111047. [PMID: 37007799 PMCID: PMC10062428 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2023.111047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent lines of evidence suggest the intriguing hypothesis that consuming common culinary herbs of the mint family might help prevent or treat Covid. Individual citizens could easily explore the hypothesis using ordinary kitchen materials. I offer a philosophical framework to account for the puzzling lack of public health messaging about this interesting idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Buck
- Lab of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Building 37 Room 4118, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-4263 USA
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Kazachinskaia EI, Zibareva LN, Filonenko ES, Ivanova AV, Gadzhieva MM, Bekshokov KK, Kononova YV, Chepurnov AA, Shestopalov AМ. Investigation of the inhibitory activity of extracts, fractions and secondary metabolites of <i>Silene</i> spp. (<i>Caryophyllaceae</i>) and <i>Serratula cupuliformis</i> (<i>Asteraceae</i>) on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. SOUTH OF RUSSIA: ECOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.18470/1992-1098-2023-1-62-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Aim. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts, fractions and secondary metabolites of plants of the genus Silene [Caryophylaceae] and Serratula cupuliformis [Asteraceae) on the replication of SARS-CoV-2.Material and Methods. Silene spp. and Serratula cupuliformis of the Siberian Botanical Garden of National Research Tomsk State University were used. Ethanol extracts and butanol fractions of Silene spp. were prepared. The flavonoid shaftoside and the ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone from Lychnis chalcedonica were isolated. Analysis of BAS was carried out by the HPLC method. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts on SARS-CoV-2 replication was performed in Vero cell culture by direct inactivation [neutralization) of virions. Comparison samples were dry ethanol extracts of chaga [Inonotus obliquus, Basidiomycota), spices of cloves [Syzygium aromaticum, Myrtaceae) and root of licorice [Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Fabaceae).Results. The inhibitory activity of ethanol extracts and butanol fractions of Silene spp., as well as individual compounds [shaftozide and 20-E) was revealed in the range of 50% effective concentrations [EC50) when dissolved in water from 339.85±83.92 pg/ml to 1.59±0.39 pg/ml and when dissolved in DMSO from 119.34±26.34 pg/ml to 2.22±0.57 pg/ml, respectively. The butanol fraction of Serratula cupuliformis was active with EC50=21.74±4.80 and 27.42±6.05 pg/mL. These results for some samples of Silene spp. and Serratula cupuliformis are comparable to the EC50 values of the comparators.Conclusion. The results obtained suggest the presence of biologically active substances in the herbal preparations studied that act destructively on virions of SARS-CoV-2 and affect one of the main stages of its "life" cycle - on the attachment to receptors of sensitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. I. Kazachinskaia
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences; Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology
| | | | | | - A. V. Ivanova
- Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology
| | | | - K. K. Bekshokov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russian Ministry of Health
| | - Yu. V. Kononova
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. A. Chepurnov
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences; Dagestan State University
| | - A. М. Shestopalov
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences; Dagestan State University
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Kiani BH, Alonso MN, Weathers PJ, Shell SS. Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua Extracts Have Bactericidal Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Physiologically Relevant Carbon Sources and Hypoxia. Pathogens 2023; 12:227. [PMID: 36839499 PMCID: PMC9963027 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a deadly pathogen and causative agent of human tuberculosis, causing ~1.5 million deaths every year. The increasing drug resistance of this pathogen necessitates novel and improved treatment strategies. A crucial aspect of the host-pathogen interaction is bacterial nutrition. In this study, Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra dichloromethane extracts were tested for bactericidal activity against Mtb strain mc26230 under hypoxia and various infection-associated carbon sources (glycerol, glucose, and cholesterol). Both extracts showed significant bactericidal activity against Mtb, regardless of carbon source. Based on killing curves, A. afra showed the most consistent bactericidal activity against Mtb for all tested carbon sources, whereas A. annua showed the highest bactericidal activity in 7H9 minimal media with glycerol. Both extracts retained their bactericidal activity against Mtb under hypoxic conditions. Further investigations are required to determine the mechanism of action of these extracts and identify their active constituent compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Scarlet S. Shell
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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12
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Каzachinskaia ЕI, Romanova VD, Ivanоva AV, Chepurnov АА, Murtazalieva ZA, Коnonova YV, Shaulo DN, Romanyuk VV, Shestopalov АМ. Inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of <i>Artemisia</i> spp. on SARS‐CoV‐2 replication <i>in vitro</i>. SOUTH OF RUSSIA: ECOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.18470/1992-1098-2022-4-111-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aim. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of some Artemisia spp. growing in the Novosibirsk region for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication.Materials and Methods. The laboratory strain SARS‐CoV‐2/human/RUS/Nsk‐FRCFTM‐1/2020 was passed on Vero cell culture. Dry ethanol extracts of plant parts (stems, flowers, leaves) of six types of Artemisia were prepared. The types used were: A. vulgaris L.; A. glauca (Pall. Ex Willd.); A. dracunculus L. (from three growth locations); A. absinthium L.; A. frigida Willd.; and A. sieversiana Ehrh. ex Willd. Dry extracts were dissolved in DMSO. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts against SARS‐CoV‐2 (an infectious titer of 103 TCID50/ml) replication was performed in a Vero E6 cell culture. To do this, the method of direct inactivation (neutralization) of virions, as well as schemes of “preventive” and “therapeutic” of cells, were used. Comparison samples were dry ethanol extracts of Inonotus obliquus, Syzygium aromaticum L. and Camellia sinensis L.Results. Extracts of leaves of Artemisia spp. proved to be most effective in direct inactivation of virions. By equal and decreasing activity these are the species: A. vulgaris; A. dracunculus*; A. absinthium; A. dracunculus***; A. dracunculus**; A. frigidа; A. glauca; and A. sieversiana with a 50% effective concentration of range 1.10±0.24 – 11.72±2.89 μg/ml. Extracts of flowers of A. vulgaris, A.glauca, A. dracunculus*, A. dracunculus**, A. dracunculus***, A. frigida and A. sieversiana also contain biologically active substances which act both destructively on virions and after the virus has entered cells. For extracts of stems consistently high values of EC50 were found for A. glauca (6.84±1.35; 7.81±2.00 and 14.06±3.06 μg/ml) according to the results of three experimental schemes.Conclusion. The results obtained can become the basis for the development of inexpensive domestic drugs for the treatment and/or prevention of COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Е. I. Каzachinskaia
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences; “Vector” State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology, Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Welfare
| | - V. D. Romanova
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. V. Ivanоva
- “Vector” State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology, Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Welfare
| | - А. А. Chepurnov
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | | | - Yu. V. Коnonova
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - D. N. Shaulo
- Central Siberian Botanical Garden, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | | | - А. М. Shestopalov
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
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13
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The Trimeric Artesunate Analog TF27, a Broadly Acting Anti-Infective Model Drug, Exerts Pronounced Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity Spanning Variants and Host Cell Types. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010115. [PMID: 36678744 PMCID: PMC9866877 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Starting in 2019, the spread of respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated pandemic of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) has led to enormous efforts in the development of medical countermeasures. Although innovative vaccines have scaled back the number of severe COVID cases, the emergence of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) illustrates how vaccine development struggles to keep pace with viral evolution. On the other hand, while the recently approved antiviral drugs remdesivir, molnupiravir, and Paxlovid are considered as broadly acting anti-coronavirus therapeutics, only molnupiravir and Paxlovid are orally available and none of these drugs are recommended for prophylactic use. Thus, so far unexploited small molecules, targeting strategies, and antiviral mechanisms are urgently needed to address issues in the current pandemic and in putative future outbreaks of newly emerging variants of concern. Recently, we and others have described the anti-infective potential and particularly the pronounced antiviral activity of artesunate and related compounds of the trioxane/sesquiterpene class. In particular, the trimeric derivative TF27 demonstrated strong anti-cytomegalovirus activity at nanomolar concentrations in vitro as well as in vivo efficacy after oral administration in therapeutic and even prophylactic treatment settings. Here, we extended this analysis by evaluating TF27 for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential. Our main findings are as follows: (i) compound TF27 exerted strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro (EC50 = 0.46 ± 0.20 µM), (ii) antiviral activity was clearly distinct from the induction of cytotoxicity, (iii) pretreatment with TF27 prevented virus replication in cultured cells, (iv) antiviral activity has likewise been demonstrated in Calu-3 human lung and Caco-2 human colon cells infected with wild-type, delta, or omicron SARS-CoV-2, respectively, and (v) analysis of TF27 combination treatments has revealed synergistic interaction with GC376, but antagonistic interaction with EIDD-1931. Combined, the data demonstrated the pronounced anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of TF27 and thus highlight the potential of trioxane compounds for further pharmacologic development towards improved options for COVID-specific medication.
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14
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Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19. Int J Biomater 2022; 2022:5943649. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/5943649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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15
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de Oliveira JR, Antunes BS, do Nascimento GO, Kawall JCDS, Oliveira JVB, Silva KGDS, Costa MADT, Oliveira CR. Antiviral activity of medicinal plant-derived products against SARS-CoV-2. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1797-1809. [PMID: 35894129 PMCID: PMC9679310 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221108915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents information from several studies that have demonstrated the antiviral activity of extracts (Andrographis paniculata, Artemisia annua, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Olea europaea, Piper nigrum, and Punica granatum) and phytocompounds derived from medicinal plants (artemisinins, glycyrrhizin, and phenolic compounds) against SARS-CoV-2. A brief background of the plant products studied, the methodology used to evaluate the antiviral activity, the main findings from the research, and the possible mechanisms of action are presented. These plant products have been shown to impede the adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell, and prevent multiplication of the virus post its entry into the host cell. In addition to antiviral activity, the plant products have also been demonstrated to exert an immunomodulatory effect by controlling the excessive release of cytokines, which is commonly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatas Rafael de Oliveira
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Sales Antunes
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Oliveira do Nascimento
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Cadorini de Souza Kawall
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - João Victor Bianco Oliveira
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Kevin Gustavo dos Santos Silva
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Aparecida de Toledo Costa
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rocha Oliveira
- School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University (UAM), Avenida Deputado Benedito Matarazzo, 6707 - Jardim Aquarius, São José dos Campos 12242-010, SP, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Talim, 330 - Vila Nair, São José dos Campos 12231-280, SP, Brazil
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16
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Frimpong EK, Yamoah P, Wiafe E, Demana PH, Matlala M. Market Women's Perspectives on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): The Case of Ghana and South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9658. [PMID: 35955014 PMCID: PMC9367916 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Globally, countries are still battling health challenges and the negative economic stress on the citizenry caused by COVID-19. This study explored the perspectives of market women in Ghana and South Africa on COVID-19. Data collection was executed in both Ghana and South Africa between March 2021 and December 2021. Employing semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Most of the market women in Ghana described COVID-19 as a global pandemic, while market women in South Africa described the disease as the deadly flu. There were similarities in the perceived signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Market women in both countries specifically observed that not adhering to the safety protocols was the major mode of transmission. Lemon, garlic and ginger were the most common foodstuffs used by the market women to fight COVID-19. To prevent COVID-19 at their places of work, market women stressed the importance of observing the safety protocols. An overwhelming majority of market women in both countries bemoaned the negative impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and suggested the need for financial assistance from their respective governments. The findings are intended to assist policymakers in both Ghana and South Africa to implement interventional projects to assist women whom the literature suggests are the most vulnerable during pandemics such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Kwabena Frimpong
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2790, South Africa
| | - Peter Yamoah
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Wiafe
- Pharmacy Department, Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho MA 374, Ghana
| | - Patrick Hulisani Demana
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Medunsa 0204, South Africa
| | - Moliehi Matlala
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Medunsa 0204, South Africa
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17
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Nair M, Huang Y, Weathers P. SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants succumb in vitro to Artemisia annua hot water extracts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.07.22.501141. [PMID: 35923322 PMCID: PMC9347282 DOI: 10.1101/2022.07.22.501141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) global pandemic continuous to infect and kill millions while rapidly evolving new variants that are more transmissible and evading vaccine-elicited antibodies. Artemisia annua L. extracts have shown potency against all previously tested variants. Here we further queried extract efficacy against omicron and its recent subvariants. Using Vero E6 cells, we measured the in vitro efficacy (IC 50 ) of stored (frozen) dried-leaf hot-water A. annua L. extracts of four cultivars (A3, BUR, MED, and SAM) against SARS-CoV-2 variants: original WA1 (WT), BA.1.1.529+R346K (omicron), BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4. IC 50 values normalized to the extract artemisinin (ART) content ranged from 0.5-16.5 µM ART. When normalized to dry mass of the extracted A. annua leaves, values ranged from 20-106 µg. Although IC 50 values for these new variants are slightly higher than those reported for previously tested variants, they were within limits of assay variation. There was no measurable loss of cell viability at leaf dry weights ≤50 µg of any cultivar extract. Results continue to indicate that oral consumption of A. annua hot-water extracts (tea infusions) could potentially provide a cost-effective approach to help stave off this pandemic virus and its rapidly evolving variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.S. Nair
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Y. Huang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - P.J. Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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18
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Agrawal PK, Agrawal C, Blunden G. Artemisia Extracts and Artemisinin-Based Antimalarials for COVID-19 Management: Could These Be Effective Antivirals for COVID-19 Treatment? Molecules 2022; 27:3828. [PMID: 35744958 PMCID: PMC9231170 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As the world desperately searches for ways to treat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a growing number of people are turning to herbal remedies. The Artemisia species, such as A. annua and A. afra, in particular, exhibit positive effects against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 related symptoms. A. annua is a source of artemisinin, which is active against malaria, and also exhibits potential for other diseases. This has increased interest in artemisinin's potential for drug repurposing. Artemisinin-based combination therapies, so-called ACTs, have already been recognized as first-line treatments against malaria. Artemisia extract, as well as ACTs, have demonstrated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also shown anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) that plays a key role in the development of severe COVID-19. There is now sufficient evidence in the literature to suggest the effectiveness of Artemisia, its constituents and/or artemisinin derivatives, to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting its invasion, and replication, as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and mitigating lung damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan K. Agrawal
- Natural Product Inc., 7963 Anderson Park Lane, Westerville, OH 43081, USA;
| | - Chandan Agrawal
- Natural Product Inc., 7963 Anderson Park Lane, Westerville, OH 43081, USA;
| | - Gerald Blunden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK;
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19
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Herrmann L, Yaremenko IA, Çapcı A, Struwe J, Tailor D, Dheeraj A, Hodek J, Belyakova YY, Radulov PS, Weber J, Malhotra SV, Terent'ev AO, Ackermann L, Tsogoeva SB. Synthesis and in vitro Study of Artemisinin/Synthetic Peroxide-Based Hybrid Compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and Cancer. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200005. [PMID: 35187791 PMCID: PMC9086992 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cause life-threatening diseases in millions of people worldwide, in particular, in patients with cancer, and there is an urgent need for antiviral agents against this infection. While in vitro activities of artemisinins against SARS-CoV-2 and cancer have recently been demonstrated, no study of artemisinin and/or synthetic peroxide-based hybrid compounds active against both cancer and SARS-CoV-2 has been reported yet. However, the hybrid drug's properties (e. g., activity and/or selectivity) can be improved compared to its parent compounds and effective new agents can be obtained by modification/hybridization of existing drugs or bioactive natural products. In this study, a series of new artesunic acid and synthetic peroxide based new hybrids were synthesized and analyzed in vitro for the first time for their inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 and leukemia cell lines. Several artesunic acid-derived hybrids exerted a similar or stronger potency against K562 leukemia cells (81-83 % inhibition values) than the reference drug doxorubicin (78 % inhibition value) and they were also more efficient than their parent compounds artesunic acid (49.2 % inhibition value) and quinoline derivative (5.5 % inhibition value). Interestingly, the same artesunic acid-quinoline hybrids also show inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro (EC50 13-19 μm) and no cytotoxic effects on Vero E6 cells (CC50 up to 110 μM). These results provide a valuable basis for design of further artemisinin-derived hybrids to treat both cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Herrmann
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM)Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Ivan A. Yaremenko
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic ChemistryRussian Academy of Sciences47 Leninsky prosp.119991MoscowRussian Federation
| | - Aysun Çapcı
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM)Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Julia Struwe
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare ChemieGeorg-August-Universität GöttingenTammannstraße 237077GöttingenGermany
| | - Dhanir Tailor
- Department of CellDevelopmental and Cancer BiologyCenter for Experimental TherapeuticsKnight Cancer InstituteOregon Health and Science University97201PortlandORUSA
| | - Arpit Dheeraj
- Department of CellDevelopmental and Cancer BiologyCenter for Experimental TherapeuticsKnight Cancer InstituteOregon Health and Science University97201PortlandORUSA
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesFlemingovo namesti 216610PragueCzech Republic
| | - Yulia Yu. Belyakova
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic ChemistryRussian Academy of Sciences47 Leninsky prosp.119991MoscowRussian Federation
| | - Peter S. Radulov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic ChemistryRussian Academy of Sciences47 Leninsky prosp.119991MoscowRussian Federation
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesFlemingovo namesti 216610PragueCzech Republic
| | - Sanjay V. Malhotra
- Department of CellDevelopmental and Cancer BiologyCenter for Experimental TherapeuticsKnight Cancer InstituteOregon Health and Science University97201PortlandORUSA
| | - Alexander O. Terent'ev
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic ChemistryRussian Academy of Sciences47 Leninsky prosp.119991MoscowRussian Federation
| | - Lutz Ackermann
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare ChemieGeorg-August-Universität GöttingenTammannstraße 237077GöttingenGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Potsdamer Str. 5810785BerlinGermany
| | - Svetlana B. Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM)Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 1091058ErlangenGermany
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20
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Panahi Y, Dadkhah M, Talei S, Gharari Z, Asghariazar V, Abdolmaleki A, Matin S, Molaei S. Can anti-parasitic drugs help control COVID-19? Future Virol 2022. [PMID: 35359702 PMCID: PMC8940209 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Novel COVID-19 is a public health emergency that poses a serious threat to people worldwide. Given the virus spreading so quickly, novel antiviral medications are desperately needed. Repurposing existing drugs is the first strategy. Anti-parasitic drugs were among the first to be considered as a potential treatment option for this disease. Even though many papers have discussed the efficacy of various anti-parasitic drugs in treating COVID-19 separately, so far, no single study comprehensively discussed these drugs. This study reviews some anti-parasitic recommended drugs to treat COVID-19, in terms of function and in vitro as well as clinical results. Finally, we briefly review the advanced techniques, such as artificial intelligence, that have been used to find effective drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Panahi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Sahand Talei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Gharari
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Asghariazar
- Deputy of Research & Technology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Namin, Iran.,Bio Science & Biotechnology Research center (BBRC), Sabalan University of Advanced Technologies (SUAT), Namin, Iran
| | - Somayeh Matin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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21
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Nair MS, Huang Y, Fidock DA, Towler MJ, Weathers PJ. Artemisia annua L. hot-water extracts show potent activity in vitro against Covid-19 variants including delta. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114797. [PMID: 34737005 PMCID: PMC8559441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE For millennia, Artemisia annua L. was used in Southeast Asia to treat "fever". This medicinal plant is effective against multiple pathogens and is used by many global communities as a source of artemisinin derivatives that are first-line drugs to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites. AIM OF THE STUDY The SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) global pandemic has killed millions and evolved numerous variants, with delta being the most transmissible to date and causing break-through infections of vaccinated individuals. We further queried the efficacy of A. annua cultivars against new variants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using Vero E6 cells, we measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of dried-leaf hot-water A. annua L. extracts of four cultivars, A3, BUR, MED, and SAM, to determine their efficacy against five infectious variants of the virus: alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), gamma (P.1), delta (B.1.617.2), and kappa (B.1.617.1). RESULTS In addition to being effective against the original wild type (WT) WA1, A. annua cultivars A3, BUR, MED, and SAM were also potent against all five variants. IC50 and IC90 values based on measured artemisinin content ranged from 0.3 to 8.4 μM and 1.4-25.0 μM, respectively. The IC50 and IC90 values based on dried leaf weight (DW) used to make the tea infusions ranged from 11.0 to 67.7 μg DW and 59.5-160.6 μg DW, respectively. Cell toxicity was insignificant at a leaf dry weight of ≤50 μg in the extract of any cultivar. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that oral consumption of A. annua hot-water extracts (tea infusions) could potentially provide a cost-effective therapy to help stave off the rapid global spread of these variants, buying time for broader implementation of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Nair
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Y Huang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - D A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - M J Towler
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| | - P J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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22
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Farmanpour-Kalalagh K, Beyraghdar Kashkooli A, Babaei A, Rezaei A, van der Krol AR. Artemisinins in Combating Viral Infections Like SARS-CoV-2, Inflammation and Cancers and Options to Meet Increased Global Demand. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:780257. [PMID: 35197994 PMCID: PMC8859114 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.780257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural bioactive sesquiterpene lactone containing an unusual endoperoxide 1, 2, 4-trioxane ring. It is derived from the herbal medicinal plant Artemisia annua and is best known for its use in treatment of malaria. However, recent studies also indicate the potential for artemisinin and related compounds, commonly referred to as artemisinins, in combating viral infections, inflammation and certain cancers. Moreover, the different potential modes of action of artemisinins make these compounds also potentially relevant to the challenges the world faces in the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial studies indicate positive effects of artemisinin or Artemisia spp. extracts to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 related symptoms and WHO-supervised clinical studies on the potential of artemisinins to combat COVID-19 are now in progress. However, implementing multiple potential new uses of artemisinins will require effective solutions to boost production, either by enhancing synthesis in A. annua itself or through biotechnological engineering in alternative biosynthesis platforms. Because of this renewed interest in artemisinin and its derivatives, here we review its modes of action, its potential application in different diseases including COVID-19, its biosynthesis and future options to boost production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Farmanpour-Kalalagh
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli,
| | - Alireza Babaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Promising Antiviral Activity of Agrimonia pilosa Phytochemicals against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Supported with In Vivo Mice Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121313. [PMID: 34959713 PMCID: PMC8709118 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has focused the entire world’s attention toward searching for a potential remedy for this disease. Thus, we investigated the antiviral activity of Agrimonia pilosa ethanol extract (APEE) against SARS-CoV-2 and it exhibited a potent antiviral activity with IC50 of 1.1 ± 0.03 µg/mL. Its mechanism of action was elucidated, and it exhibited a virucidal activity and an inhibition of viral adsorption. Moreover, it presented an immunomodulatory activity as it decreased the upregulation of gene expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical fingerprint of APEE was conducted using LC-ESI-MS/MS technique for the first time. We detected 81 compounds and most of them belong to the flavonoid and coumarin classes. Interestingly, isoflavonoids, procyanidins, and anthocyanins were detected for the first time in A. pilosa. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was evidenced in DPPH (IC50 62.80 µg/mL) and ABTS (201.49 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/mg) radical scavenging, FRAP (60.84 mg TE/mg), and ORAC (306.54 mg TE/g) assays. Furthermore, the protective effect of APEE was investigated in Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Lung W/D ratio, serum IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, HO-1, Caspase-1, caspase-3, TLR-4 expression, TAC, NO, MPO activity, and histopathological examination of lung tissues were assessed. APEE induced a marked downregulation in all inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis markers, and TLR-4 expression. In addition, it alleviated all histopathological abnormalities confirming the beneficial effects of APEE in ALI. Therefore, APEE could be a potential source for therapeutic compounds that could be investigated, in future preclinical and clinical trials, in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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