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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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2
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Ghosh P, Singh R, Ganeshpurkar A, Swetha R, Kumar D, Singh SK, Kumar A. Identification of potential death-associated protein kinase-1 (DAPK1) inhibitors by an integrated ligand-based and structure-based computational drug design approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10785-10797. [PMID: 36576199 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2158935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent serine/threonine kinase that is abundantly expressed in the memory- and cognition-related brain areas. DAPK1 is associated with several pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD); it is an attractive target for designing a novel DAPK1 inhibitor as an effective therapeutic treatment for AD. In the present study, we have used an integrated ligand-based and structure-based drug design method to identify DAPK1 inhibitors. The pharmacophoric features of compound 38 G (PDB ID 4TXC) were mapped, and the models were evaluated using enrichment factor (EF) and goodness of hit (GH) score. The selected models were used to screen Zinc 15 compounds library. The identified hits were passed through drug-likeliness and PAINS filtering. The docking study was performed in three steps to yield molecules with good binding energy and ligand-target interactions. Finally, three hits were obtained, that is, ZINC000020648330, ZINC000006755051 and ZINC000020650468, which were subjected to rigorous molecular dynamics simulation. All three hits exhibited optimal stability under simulated conditions and low predicted toxicity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Powsali Ghosh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory 1, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Ravi Singh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory 1, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Ankit Ganeshpurkar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Rayala Swetha
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory 1, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Singh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory 1, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory 1, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
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Yang Z, Cai X, Ye Q, Zhao Y, Li X, Zhang S, Zhang L. High-Throughput Screening for the Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 with Essential Dynamic Behavior. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:532-545. [PMID: 36876836 DOI: 10.2174/1389450124666230306141725] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Global health security has been challenged by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Due to the lengthy process of generating vaccinations, it is vital to reposition currently available drugs in order to relieve anti-epidemic tensions and accelerate the development of therapies for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the public threat caused by SARS-CoV-2. High throughput screening techniques have established their roles in the evaluation of already available medications and the search for novel potential agents with desirable chemical space and more cost-effectiveness. Here, we present the architectural aspects of highthroughput screening for SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, especially three generations of virtual screening methodologies with structural dynamics: ligand-based screening, receptor-based screening, and machine learning (ML)-based scoring functions (SFs). By outlining the benefits and drawbacks, we hope that researchers will be motivated to adopt these methods in the development of novel anti- SARS-CoV-2 agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
| | - Xinhui Cai
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
| | - Qiushi Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
| | - Yizhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
| | - Xuhua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an710049, China
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Luchnikova NA, Tarasova EV, Grishko VV, Ivshina IB. Rhodococcus rhodochrous IEGM 1360, an Effective Biocatalyst of C3 Oxidative Transformation of Oleanane Triterpenoids. Microbiology (Reading) 2023; 92:204-214. [PMID: 37122534 PMCID: PMC10120485 DOI: 10.1134/s0026261722603360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The optimal conditions for C3 oxidative biotransformation of 1.0 g/L pentacyclic triterpenoids oleanolic (OA) and glycyrrhetinic (GA) acids were determined using the resting cells of Rhodococcus rhodochrous IEGM 1360 from the Regional Specialised Collection of Alkanotrophic Microorganisms. Resting cell suspensions (OD600 2.6, pH 8.0, and OD600 2.2, pH 6.0) showed the highest catalytic activity against OA and GA, resulting in the formation of 61 and 100% of their 3-oxo derivatives, respectively. Using phase contrast, atomic force, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, an adaptive response of rhodococci to the effects of OA and GA was revealed. In silico, the apoptotic activity of 3-oxo-OA and antioxidant activity of 3-oxo-GA have been assumed. In vitro, a pronounced antibacterial activity of 3-oxo-OA against Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis was shown. The absence of toxic effects of the above triterpenoids and their 3-oxo derivatives on aquatic objects and plants was demonstrated in silico and in vitro, respectively. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1134/S0026261722603360.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. A. Luchnikova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Perm Federal Research Center, 614081 Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russia
- Perm State University, 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - E. V. Tarasova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Perm Federal Research Center, 614081 Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russia
- Perm State University, 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - V. V. Grishko
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Perm Federal Research Center, 614013 Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russia
| | - I. B. Ivshina
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Perm Federal Research Center, 614081 Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russia
- Perm State University, 614990 Perm, Russia
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Gonzalez BL, de Oliveira NC, Ritter MR, Tonin FS, Melo EB, Sanches ACC, Fernandez-Llimos F, Petruco MV, de Mello JCP, Chierrito D, de Medeiros Araújo DC. The naturally-derived alkaloids as a potential treatment for COVID-19: A scoping review. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2686-2709. [PMID: 35355337 PMCID: PMC9111026 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which has a high mortality rate and transmissibility. In this context, medicinal plants have attracted attention due to the wide availability and variety of therapeutic compounds, such as alkaloids, a vast class with several proven pharmacological effects, like the antiviral and anti‐inflammatory activities. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the potential applicability of alkaloids for treating COVID‐19. A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Scopus, from database inception to August 2021. Among the 63 eligible studies, 65.07% were in silico model, 20.63% in vitro and 14.28% clinical trials and observational studies. According to the in silico assessments, the alkaloids 10‐hydroxyusambarensine, cryptospirolepine, crambescidin 826, deoxynortryptoquivaline, ergotamine, michellamine B, nigellidine, norboldine and quinadoline B showed higher binding energy with more than two target proteins. The remaining studies showed potential use of berberine, cephaeline, emetine, homoharringtonine, lycorine, narciclasine, quinine, papaverine and colchicine. The possible ability of alkaloids to inhibit protein targets and to reduce inflammatory markers show the potential for development of new treatment strategies against COVID‐19. However, more high quality analyses/reviews in this field are necessary to firmly establish the effectiveness/safety of the alkaloids here described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fernanda Stumpf Tonin
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Paraná-UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Borges Melo
- Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná-UNIOESTE, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Danielly Chierrito
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá-UEM, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Liu Q, Wan J, Wang G. A survey on computational methods in discovering protein inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. Brief Bioinform 2021; 23:6384382. [PMID: 34623382 PMCID: PMC8524468 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of acute respiratory disease in 2019, namely Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), has become an unprecedented healthcare crisis. To mitigate the pandemic, there are a lot of collective and multidisciplinary efforts in facilitating the rapid discovery of protein inhibitors or drugs against COVID-19. Although many computational methods to predict protein inhibitors have been developed [
1–
5], few systematic reviews on these methods have been published. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the existing methods to discover potential inhibitors of COVID-19 virus, so-called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). First, we briefly categorize and describe computational approaches by the basic algorithms involved in. Then we review the related biological datasets used in such predictions. Furthermore, we emphatically discuss current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors with the latest findings and development of computational methods in uncovering protein inhibitors against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Guohua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.,Information and Computer Engineering College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
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Alves M, Fernandes MA, Bahat G, Benetos A, Clemente H, Grodzicki T, Martínez-Sellés M, Mattace-Raso F, Rajkumar C, Ungar A, Werner N, Strandberg TE. Protecting older patients with cardiovascular diseases from COVID-19 complications using current medications. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:725-739. [PMID: 34031865 PMCID: PMC8143992 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 complications, derangements of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), vascular endothelial dysfunction leading to inflammation and coagulopathy, and arrhythmias play an important role. Therefore, it is worth considering the use of currently available drugs to protect COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular diseases. METHODS We review the current experience of conventional cardiovascular drugs [angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, anticoagulants, acetosalicylic acid, antiarrhythmic drugs, statins] as well as some other drug classes (antidiabetic drugs, vitamin D and NSAIDs) frequently used by older patients with cardiovascular diseases. Data were sought from clinical databases for COVID-19 and appropriate key words. Conclusions and recommendations are based on a consensus among all authors. RESULTS Several cardiovascular drugs have a potential to protect patients with COVID-19, although evidence is largely based on retrospective, observational studies. Despite propensity score adjustments used in many analyses observational studies are not equivalent to randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Ongoing RCTs include treatment with antithrombotics, pulmonary vasodilators, RAAS-related drugs, and colchicine. RCTs in the acute phase of COVID-19 may not, however, recognise the benefits of long term anti-atherogenic therapies, such as statins. CONCLUSIONS Most current cardiovascular drugs can be safely continued during COVID-19. Some drug classes may even be protective. Age-specific data are scarce, though, and conditions which are common in older patients (frailty, comorbidities, polypharmacy) must be individually considered for each drug group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina, Serviço de Medicina III, Hospital Pulido Valente, CHULNUniversity of LisbonUniversidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marília Andreia Fernandes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gülistan Bahat
- Istanbul Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Istanbul University, Capa, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Athanase Benetos
- Department of Geriatrics and FHU CARTAGE-PROFILES, CHRU de Nancy and INSERM 1116, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Hugo Clemente
- Department of Geriatrics, Centre Hospitalier de Wallonie Picarde, Tournai, Belgium
| | - Tomasz Grodzicki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Manuel Martínez-Sellés
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBER-CV. Universidad Europea, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesco Mattace-Raso
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Ungar
- Department of Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Nikos Werner
- Heart Center Trier, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder, Trier, Germany
| | - Timo E Strandberg
- Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, PO Box 340, N00029, Helsinki, Finland.
- University of Oulu, Center for Life Course Health Research, Oulu, Finland.
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Sibilio P, Bini S, Fiscon G, Sponziello M, Conte F, Pecce V, Durante C, Paci P, Falcone R, Norata GD, Farina L, Verrienti A. In silico drug repurposing in COVID-19: A network-based analysis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111954. [PMID: 34358753 PMCID: PMC8316014 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a worldwide public health emergency. Despite the beginning of a vaccination campaign, the search for new drugs to appropriately treat COVID-19 patients remains a priority. Drug repurposing represents a faster and cheaper method than de novo drug discovery. In this study, we examined three different network-based approaches to identify potentially repurposable drugs to treat COVID-19. We analyzed transcriptomic data from whole blood cells of patients with COVID-19 and 21 other related conditions, as compared with those of healthy subjects. In addition to conventionally used drugs (e.g., anticoagulants, antihistaminics, anti-TNFα antibodies, corticosteroids), unconventional candidate compounds, such as SCN5A inhibitors and drugs active in the central nervous system, were identified. Clinical judgment and validation through clinical trials are always mandatory before use of the identified drugs in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Sibilio
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Bini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiscon
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy; Fondazione per la Medicina Personalizzata, Via Goffredo Mameli, 3/1, Genova, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Conte
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy; Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Falcone
- Phase 1 Unit-Clinical Trial Center Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Excellence in Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan and Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, SISA Bassini Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Farina
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Romeo I, Mesiti F, Lupia A, Alcaro S. Current Updates on Naturally Occurring Compounds Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 Druggable Targets. Molecules 2021; 26:632. [PMID: 33530467 PMCID: PMC7865633 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified in China as the etiologic agent of the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Due to its high transmissibility, this virus quickly spread throughout the world, causing considerable health issues. The scientific community exerted noteworthy efforts to obtain therapeutic solutions for COVID-19, and new scientific networks were constituted. No certified drugs to efficiently inhibit the virus were identified, and the development of de-novo medicines requires approximately ten years of research. Therefore, the repurposing of natural products could be an effective strategy to handle SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to update on current status of the natural occurring compounds recognizing SARS-CoV-2 druggable targets. Among the clinical trials actually recruited, some natural compounds are ongoing to examine their potential role to prevent and to treat the COVID-19 infection. Many natural scaffolds, including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and benzoquinones, were investigated by in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo approaches. Despite the large data set obtained by a computational approach, experimental evidences in most cases are not available. To fill this gap, further efforts to validate these results are required. We believe that an accurate investigation of naturally occurring compounds may provide insights for the potential treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Mesiti
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
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