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Salamat A, Kosar N, Mohyuddin A, Imran M, Zahid MN, Mahmood T. SAR, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Natural Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Spike Protein. Molecules 2024; 29:1144. [PMID: 38474656 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051144] [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] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus and its mutations have affected human health globally and created significant danger for the health of people all around the world. To cure this virus, the human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), and spike proteins were found to be likely candidates for the synthesis of novel therapeutic drug. In the past, proteins were capable of engaging in interaction with a wide variety of ligands, including both manmade and plant-derived small molecules. Pyrus communis L., Ginko bibola, Carica papaya, Syrian rue, and Pimenta dioica were some of the plant species that were studied for their tendency to interact with SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) in this research project (6LU7). This scenario investigates the geometry, electronic, and thermodynamic properties computationally. Assessing the intermolecular forces of phytochemicals with the targets of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro spike protein (SP) resulted in the recognition of a compound, kaempferol, as the most potent binding ligand, -7.7 kcal mol-1. Kaempferol interacted with ASP-187, CYS-145, SER-144, LEU 141, MET-165, and GLU-166 residues. Through additional molecular dynamic simulations, the stability of ligand-protein interactions was assessed for 100 ns. GLU-166 remained intact with 33% contact strength with phenolic OH group. We noted a change in torsional conformation, and the molecular dynamics simulation showed a potential variation in the range from 3.36 to 7.44 against a 45-50-degree angle rotation. SAR, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness characteristic investigations showed that kaempferol may be the suitable candidate to serve as a model for designing and developing new anti-COVID-19 medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqsa Salamat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Management and Technology (UMT), C-II, Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Naveen Kosar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Management and Technology (UMT), C-II, Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Mohyuddin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Management and Technology (UMT), C-II, Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Nauman Zahid
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir P.O. Box 32038, Bahrain
| | - Tariq Mahmood
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir P.O. Box 32038, Bahrain
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Boakye‐Yiadom M, Yeboah R, Offei‐Abrokwa D, Wilson EB, Darko SA, Tamakloe E. The use of Nibima and Immunim, two Ghanaian herbal medicines in the management of mild COVID-19: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8539. [PMID: 38405358 PMCID: PMC10890966 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Nibima and Immunim manages mild COVID-19 in 7 days. Abstract Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to severe complications and deaths. The search for phytotherapeutic agents to augment the fight against the current COVID-19 pandemic is therefore of highest priority. A 52-year-old female with no history of chronic illness presented to our clinic facility with a 3 days loss of smell and headache which persisted after self-medication. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 in the SARS-CoV-2 Ag test as well as the Typhoid rapid antibody test. Routine laboratory tests were not remarkable. A 60 mL three times daily dose of Nibima and 5 mL in 40 mL of warm water dose of Immunim were given to the patient for 7 days. Patient recovered sense of smell and regained appetite but cough although reduced persisted. She also tested negative for COVID-19 after 7 days treatment. This case is the first documented case of COVID-19 management with herbal medicines in Ghana. We strongly suggest a larger control trial on these products to ascertain these findings to repurpose them as viable treatments for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavis Boakye‐Yiadom
- Clinical Research DepartmentCentre for Plant Medicine ResearchMampong‐AkuapemGhana
| | - Ronald Yeboah
- Clinical Research DepartmentCentre for Plant Medicine ResearchMampong‐AkuapemGhana
| | - David Offei‐Abrokwa
- Clinical Research DepartmentCentre for Plant Medicine ResearchMampong‐AkuapemGhana
| | - Ekuwa Baisiwa Wilson
- Clinical Research DepartmentCentre for Plant Medicine ResearchMampong‐AkuapemGhana
| | - Samuel Annang Darko
- Clinical Research DepartmentCentre for Plant Medicine ResearchMampong‐AkuapemGhana
| | - Emmanuel Tamakloe
- Clinical Research DepartmentCentre for Plant Medicine ResearchMampong‐AkuapemGhana
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Azam MS, Islam MN, Wahiduzzaman M, Alam M, Dhrubo AAK. Antiviral foods in the battle against viral infections: Understanding the molecular mechanism. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:4444-4459. [PMID: 37576049 PMCID: PMC10420791 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3454] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses produce a variety of illnesses, which may also cause acute respiratory syndrome. All viral infections, including COVID-19, are associated with the strength of the immune system. Till now, traditional medicine or vaccines for most viral diseases have not been effective. Antiviral and immune-boosting diets may provide defense against viral diseases by lowering the risk of infection and assisting rapid recovery. The purpose of this review was to gather, analyze, and present data based on scientific evidence in order to provide an overview of the mechanistic insights of antiviral bioactive metabolites. We have covered a wide range of food with antiviral properties in this review, along with their potential mechanism of action against viral infections. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of using antiviral food have been critically reviewed. Bioactive plant compounds, not only help in maintaining the body's normal physiological mechanism and good health but are also essential for improving the body's immunity and therefore can be effective against viral diseases. These agents fight viral diseases either by incorporating the body's defense mechanism or by enhancing the cell's immune system. Regular intake of antiviral foods may prevent future pandemic and consumption of these antiviral agents with traditional medicine may reduce the severity of viral diseases. Therefore, the synergistic effect of antiviral foods and medication needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Shofiul Azam
- Department of Food EngineeringDhaka University of Engineering & TechnologyGazipurBangladesh
| | - Md. Nahidul Islam
- Department of Agro‐ProcessingBangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural UniversityGazipurBangladesh
- Institute of Food Safety and ProcessingBangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural UniversityGazipurBangladesh
| | - Md. Wahiduzzaman
- Bio‐Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS‐MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Mahabub Alam
- Department of Food Engineering and Tea TechnologyShahjalal University of Science and TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Akib Atique Khan Dhrubo
- Department of Chemical EngineeringDhaka University of Engineering & TechnologyGazipurBangladesh
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Deutou Wondeu AL, Talom BM, Linardos G, Ngoumo BT, Bello A, Ndassi Soufo AM, Momo AC, Doll C, Tamuedjoun AT, Kiuate JR, Cappelli G, Russo C, Perno CF, Tchidjou HK, Scaramella L, Galgani A. The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2242. [PMID: 36798849 PMCID: PMC9926561 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Seroprevalence studies, to estimate the proportion of people that has been infected by SARS-CoV-2 are importance in African countries, where incidence is among the lowest in the world. Objective This study aimed at evaluating the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within a university setting of Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study performed in December 2020 - December 2021, among students and staffs of the Evangelical University of Cameroon. COVID-19 antigen rapid detection test (RDT) was performed using Standard Q Biosensor, and one year after SARS-CoV-2 antibody-test was performed within the same population using RDT and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results 106 participants were enrolled (80% students), female sex was the most represented. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 was 0.0% based on antigen RDTs. The seroprevalence of SARSCoV- 2 antibodies was estimated at 73.6% (95% CI. 64.5-81.0) for IgG and 1.9% (95% CI. 0.2-6.8) for IgM/IgG with RDTs, and 91.9% (95% CI. 84.7-96.4) for anti-nucleocapsid with CLIA. 95.3% (101) reported having developed at least one of the known COVID-19 symptoms (cough and headache being the most common). 90.3% (28) of people who experienced at least one of these symptoms developed IgG antibodies. 40.6% (43) of participants took natural herbs, whereas 55.7% (59) took conventional drugs. The most used herb was Zingiber officinale, while the most used drugs were antibiotics. Conclusion In this Cameroonian University community, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high, with a greater detection using advanced serological assays. This indicates a wide viral exposure, and the need to adequate control measures especially for those experiencing any related COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrillene Laure Deutou Wondeu
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
- Department of Biology and Interdipartimental Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Metchum Talom
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | - Barnes Tanetsop Ngoumo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aïchatou Bello
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aurele Marc Ndassi Soufo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aimé Cesaire Momo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Christian Doll
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
- Department of Trauma-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alaric Talom Tamuedjoun
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Jules-Roger Kiuate
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- Institute for Biological Systems, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lucia Scaramella
- Unit of Food Biotechnology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M.Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Galgani
- Department of Biology and Interdipartimental Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020273. [PMID: 36678143 PMCID: PMC9864875 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020273] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With over 6 million coronavirus pandemic deaths, the African continent reported the lowest death rate despite having a high disease burden. The African community's resilience to the pandemic has been attributed to climate and weather conditions, herd immunity, repeated exposure to infectious organisms that help stimulate the immune system, and a disproportionately large youth population. In addition, functional foods, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements contain micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can help boost the immune system. This review identified significant traditional fermented foods and herbal remedies available within the African continent with the potential to boost the immune system in epidemics and pandemics. Methodology: Databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched using relevant search terms to identify traditional African fermented foods and medicinal plants with immune-boosting or antiviral capabilities. Cereal-based fermented foods, meat-, and fish-based fermented foods, and dairy-based fermented foods containing antioxidants, immunomodulatory effects, probiotics, vitamins, and peptides were identified and discussed. In addition, nine herbal remedies and spices belonging to eight plant families have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antiviral properties. Peptides, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, ascorbic acid, minerals, vitamins, and saponins are some of the bioactive compounds in the remedies. Bioactive compounds in food and plants significantly support the immune system and help increase resistance against infectious diseases. The variety of food and medicinal plants found on the African continent could play an essential role in providing community resilience against infectious diseases during epidemics and pandemics. The African continent should investigate nutritional, herbal, and environmental factors that support healthy living and longevity.
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Senghor AS, Mbaye MS, Diop R, Tosam MJ, Kabou P, Niang A, Okoye G. Towards a transactional medicine approach to combating global emerging pathogens: the case of COVID-19. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2272710. [PMID: 37917803 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2272710] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and China reported the first case to the World Health Organization in December 2019, there was no evidence-based treatment to combat it. With the catastrophic situation that followed, materialised by a considerable number of deaths, researchers, doctors, traditional healers, and governments of all nations committed themselves to find therapeutic solutions, including preventive and curative. There are effective treatments offered both by modern medicine and traditional medicine for COVID-19 today. However, other therapeutic proposals have not been approved due to the lack of effectiveness and scientific rigour during their development process. Proponents of modern medicine prefer biomedical therapies while in some countries, traditional treatments are used regularly because of their availability, affordability and satisfaction they bring to the population. In this paper, we propose a transactional medicine approach where the interaction between traditional and modern medicine produces a change. With this approach, the promoters of traditional medicine and those of modern medicine will be able to acquire knowledge through the experience produced by their encounters. Transactional medicine aims to be a model for decolonising medicine and recognising the value of both traditional and modern medicine in the fight against COVID-19 and other global emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdou Simon Senghor
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research (P-SHOR), University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mame Salah Mbaye
- Department sociétés, territoires et développement, chaire de recherche du Canada en Innovation sociale et développement du territoire, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Canada
| | - Rougui Diop
- Department of Sociology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mbih Jerome Tosam
- Department of Philosophy, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Patrick Kabou
- Department of Law, University of Toulouse 1 Capitole, Toulouse, France
| | - Abdoulaye Niang
- Department of Sociology, Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal
| | - Godwin Okoye
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research (P-SHOR), University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nasir Ahmed M, Hughes K. Role of ethno-phytomedicine knowledge in healthcare of COVID-19: advances in traditional phytomedicine perspective. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022; 11:96. [PMID: 35966214 PMCID: PMC9362587 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, ethnomedicinal plants have been used in diverse geographical locations for their purported prophylactic and pharmacological effects. Medicinal plants have been relied on by people around the globe for centuries, as 80% of the world’s population rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs, according to the World Health Organization.
Main body This review portrays advances in traditional phytomedicine by bridging the knowledge of ethno-phytomedicine and COVID-19 healthcare. Ethnomedicinal plants have been used for symptoms related to COVID-19 as antiviral, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antipyretic, and lung–gut immune boosters. Traditionally used medicinal plants have the ability to inhibit virus entry and viral assembly, bind to spike proteins, membrane proteins, and block viral replications and enzymes. The efficacy of traditional medicinal plants in the terms of COVID-19 management can be evaluated by in vitro, in vivo as well as different in silico techniques (molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning, etc.) which have been applied extensively to the quest and design of effective biotherapeutics rapidly. Other advances in traditional phytomedicines against COVID-19 are controlled clinical trials, and notably the roles in the gut microbiome. Targeting the gut microbiome via medicinal plants as prebiotics is also found to be an alternative and potential strategy in the search for a COVID-19 combat strategy. Conclusions Since medicinal plants are the sources of modern biotherapeutics development, it is essential to build collaborations among ethnobotanists, scientists, and technologists toward developing the most efficient and the safest adjuvant therapeutics against the pandemic of the twenty-first century, COVID-19.
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Elegbeleye JA, Krishnamoorthy S, Bamidele OP, Adeyanju AA, Adebowale OJ, Agbemavor WSK. Health-promoting foods and food crops of West-Africa origin: The bioactive compounds and immunomodulating potential. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14331. [PMID: 36448596 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The rural communities of the sub-Sahara regions in Africa are rich in diverse indigenous culinary knowledge and foods, food crops, and condiments such as roots/tubers, cereal, legumes/pulses, locust beans, and green leafy vegetables. These food crops are rich in micronutrients and phytochemicals, which have the potentials to address hidden hunger as well as promote health when consumed. Some examples of these are fermented foods such as ogi and plants such as Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Zingiber officinales (garlic), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), and condiments. Food crops from West Africa contain numerous bioactive substances such as saponins, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, and monoterpenoid chemicals among others. These bioresources have proven biological and pharmacological activities due to diverse mechanisms of action such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant activities which made them suitable as candidates for nutraceuticals and pharma foods. This review seeks to explore the different processes such as fermentation applied during food preparation and food crops of West-African origin with health-promoting benefits. The different bioactive compounds present in such food or food crops are discussed extensively as well as the diverse application, especially regarding respiratory diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The plants and herbs summarized here are more easily accessible and affordable by therapists and others having a passion for promising medicinal properties of African-origin plants.The mechanisms and unique metabolic potentials of African food crops discussed in this article will promote their applicability as a template molecule for novel drug discoveries in treatment strategies for emerging diseases. This compilation of antiviral plants will help clinicians and researchers bring new preventive strategies in combating COVID-19 like viral diseases, ultimately saving millions of affected people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Srinivasan Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Technology Dissemination, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Adeyemi A Adeyanju
- Department of Food Science and Microbiology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | | | - Wisdom Selorm Kofi Agbemavor
- Radiation Technology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon Accra, Ghana
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Uhomoibhi JOO, Shode FO, Idowu KA, Sabiu S. Molecular modelling identification of phytocompounds from selected African botanicals as promising therapeutics against druggable human host cell targets of SARS-CoV-2. J Mol Graph Model 2022; 114:108185. [PMID: 35430474 PMCID: PMC9002601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2022.108185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly pathogenic and transmissible. It is mediated by the binding of viral spike proteins to human cells via entry and replication processes involving human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE2), transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (Cath L). The identification of novel therapeutics that can modulate viral entry or replication has been of research interest and would be germane in managing COVID-19 subjects. This study investigated the structure-activity relationship inhibitory potential of 99 phytocompounds from selected African botanicals with proven therapeutic benefits against respiratory diseases focusing on SARS-CoV-2's human cell proteins (hACE2, TMPRSS2, and Cathepsin L) as druggable targets using computational methods. Evaluation of the binding energies of the phytocompounds showed that two compounds, Abrusoside A (-63.393 kcal/mol) and Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (-58.939 kcal/mol) had stronger affinity for the exopeptidase site of hACE2 compared to the reference drug, MLN-4760 (-54.545 kcal/mol). The study further revealed that Verbascoside (-63.338 kcal/mol), Abrectorin (-37.880 kcal/mol), and Friedelin (-36.989 kcal/mol) are potential inhibitors of TMPRSS2 compared to Nafamostat (-36.186 kcal/mol), while Hemiphloin (-41.425 kcal/mol), Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (-37.257 kcal/mol), and Myricetin-3-O-galactoside (-36.342 kcal/mol) are potential inhibitors of Cathepsin L relative to Bafilomycin A1 (-38.180 kcal/mol). The structural analysis suggests that these compounds do not compromise the structural integrity of the proteins, but rather stabilized and interacted well with the active site amino acid residues critical to inhibition of the respective proteins. Overall, the findings from this study are suggestive of the structural mechanism of inhibitory action of the identified leads against the proteins critical for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the human host cell. While the study has lent credence to the significant role the compounds could play in developing potent SARS-CoV-2 candidate drugs against COVID-19, further structural refinement, and modifications of the compounds for subsequent in vitro as well as preclinical and clinical evaluations are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Omo-Osagie Uhomoibhi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Francis Oluwole Shode
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Kehinde Ademola Idowu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Mujwar S, Harwansh RK. In silico bioprospecting of taraxerol as a main protease inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 to develop therapy against COVID-19. Struct Chem 2022; 33:1517-1528. [PMID: 35502321 PMCID: PMC9046011 DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-01943-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 was caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 disease outbreak has been avowed as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization at the end of March 2020. It leads to the global economic crash, resulting in the starvation of a large population belonging to economically backward countries. Hence, the development of an alternative medicine along with the vaccine is of the utmost importance for the management of COVID-19. Therefore, screening of several herbal leads was performed to explore their potential against SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, viral main protease was selected as a key enzyme for performing the study. Various computational approaches, including molecular docking simulation, were used in the current study to find potential inhibitors of viral main protease from a library of 150 herbal leads. Toxicity and ADME prediction of selected molecules were also analysed by Osiris molecular property explorer software. Molecular dynamic simulation of the top 10 docked herbal leads was analysed for stability using 100 ns. Taraxerol (−10.17 kcal/mol), diosgenin (10.12 kcal/mol), amyrin (−9.56 kcal/mol), and asiaticoside (−9.54 kcal/mol) were among the top four herbal leads with the highest binding affinity with the main protease enzyme. Thus, taraxerol was found to be an effective drug candidate against the main protease enzyme for the management of COVID-19. Furthermore, its clinical effect and safety profile need to be established through an in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somdutt Mujwar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University) Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207 India
| | - Ranjit K. Harwansh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, 281406 India
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Beressa TB, Deyno S, Mtewa AG, Aidah N, Tuyiringire N, Lukubye B, Weisheit A, Tolo CU, Ogwang PE. Potential Benefits of Antiviral African Medicinal Plants in the Management of Viral Infections: Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:682794. [PMID: 35002686 PMCID: PMC8740180 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.682794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Viruses cause various human diseases, some of which become pandemic outbreaks. This study synthesized evidence on antiviral medicinal plants in Africa which could potentially be further studied for viral infections including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. Methods: PUBMED, CINAHIL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched through keywords; antiviral, plant, herb, and Africa were combined using “AND” and “OR”. In-vitro studies, in-vivo studies, or clinical trials on botanical medicine used for the treatment of viruses in Africa were included. Results: Thirty-six studies were included in the evidence synthesis. Three hundred and twenty-eight plants were screened for antiviral activities of which 127 showed noteworthy activities against 25 viral species. These, were Poliovirus (42 plants), HSV (34 plants), Coxsackievirus (16 plants), Rhinovirus (14plants), Influenza (12 plants), Astrovirus (11 plants), SARS-CoV-2 (10 plants), HIV (10 plants), Echovirus (8 plants), Parvovirus (6 plants), Semiliki forest virus (5 plants), Measles virus (5 plants), Hepatitis virus (3 plants), Canine distemper virus (3 plants), Zika virus (2 plants), Vesicular stomatitis virus T2 (2 plants). Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Enterovirus, Dengue virus, Ebola virus, Chikungunya virus, Yellow fever virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Human cytomegalovirus each showed sensitivities to one plant. Conclusion: The current study provided a list of African medicinal plants which demonstrated antiviral activities and could potentially be candidates for COVID-19 treatment. However, all studies were preliminary and in vitro screening. Further in vivo studies are required for plant-based management of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamirat Bekele Beressa
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Serawit Deyno
- Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Andrew G Mtewa
- Chemistry Section, Department of Applied Studies, Institute of Technology, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe, Malawi
| | - Namuli Aidah
- Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Naasson Tuyiringire
- Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Ben Lukubye
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Anke Weisheit
- Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Casim Umba Tolo
- Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Patrick Engeu Ogwang
- Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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12
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Association between Nafamostat Mesylate and In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Multicenter Observational Study. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010116. [PMID: 35011857 PMCID: PMC8745709 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nafamostat mesylate may be effective against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, it is not known whether its use is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality in clinical practice. We conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate the effect of nafamostat mesylate in patients with COVID-19 using the Medical Data Vision Co. Ltd. hospital-based database in Japan. We compared patients with COVID-19 who were (n = 121) and were not (n = 15,738) administered nafamostat mesylate within 2 days of admission between January and December 2020. We conducted a 1:4 propensity score matching with multiple imputations for smoking status and body mass index and combined the 20 imputed propensity score-matched datasets to obtain the adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality. Crude in-hospital mortality was 13.2% (16/121) and 5.0% (790/15,738), respectively. In the propensity score-matched analysis with multiple imputations, the adjusted odds ratio (use vs. no use of nafamostat mesylate) for in-hospital mortality was 1.27 (95% confidence interval: 0.61–2.64; p = 0.52). Sensitivity analyses showed similar results. The results of this retrospective observational study did not support an association between nafamostat mesylate and improved in-hospital outcomes in patients with COVID-19, although further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to assess the generalizability of our findings.
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13
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Ebob OT, Babiaka SB, Ntie-Kang F. Natural Products as Potential Lead Compounds for Drug Discovery Against SARS-CoV-2. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2021; 11:611-628. [PMID: 34515981 PMCID: PMC8435765 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-021-00317-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
For the past 2 years, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 infection has become a world pandemic, ruining the lives and economies of several nations in the world. This has scaled up research on the virus and the resulting infection with the goal of developing new vaccines and therapies. Natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery, including against infectious diseases caused by microbes (viruses, bacteria and fungi). In this review article, we conducted a literature survey aimed at identifying natural products with inhibitory concentrations against the coronaviruses or their target proteins, which lie below 10 µM. This led to the identification of 42 compounds belonging to the alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, phenolic, xanthone and saponin classes. The cut off concentration of 10 µM was to limit the study to the most potent chemical entities, which could be developed into therapies against the viral infection to make a contribution towards limiting the spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyere Tanyi Ebob
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Smith B. Babiaka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Fidele Ntie-Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
- Institute for Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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14
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Thomas E, Stewart LE, Darley BA, Pham AM, Esteban I, Panda SS. Plant-Based Natural Products and Extracts: Potential Source to Develop New Antiviral Drug Candidates. Molecules 2021; 26:6197. [PMID: 34684782 PMCID: PMC8537559 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are among the most complex medical problems and have been a major threat to the economy and global health. Several epidemics and pandemics have occurred due to viruses, which has led to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity rates. Natural products have always been an inspiration and source for new drug development because of their various uses. Among all-natural sources, plant sources are the most dominant for the discovery of new therapeutic agents due to their chemical and structural diversity. Despite the traditional use and potential source for drug development, natural products have gained little attention from large pharmaceutical industries. Several plant extracts and isolated compounds have been extensively studied and explored for antiviral properties against different strains of viruses. In this review, we have compiled antiviral plant extracts and natural products isolated from plants reported since 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Siva S. Panda
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (E.T.); (L.E.S.); (B.A.D.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.)
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15
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Rackimuthu S, Kazmi Z, Osman Elmahi OK, Hunain R, Ghazi BK, Zaidi ZA, Costa ACDS, Ahmad S, Essar MY. Antiviral and antiretroviral drug shortages amidst COVID-19: How Africa is struggling. Innov Pharm 2021; 12:10.24926/iip.v12i4.4328. [PMID: 36033124 PMCID: PMC9401371 DOI: 10.24926/iip.v12i4.4328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral drugs are of paramount importance in the accomplishment of the vision of zero new cases of COVID-19 globally, through sustainable retaliation against viral diseases. However, several challenges currently exist in Africa which include insufficient infrastructure, deteriorating health systems, and rising costs of healthcare delivery with concomitant rising inequity with regards to access to health services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic itself has stimulated an increased use of phytotherapy in Africa as a result of essential drug shortages that have been attributed to a plethora of contributing factors such as travel restrictions, reduced per capita income as well as increased expenditure on transport. As a result, the paucity of antiviral along with antiretroviral drugs used to combat COVID-19 as well as several other endemic viral diseases in Africa has created a worrisome state. This article therefore discusses and aims to underscore the causes, effects, and implications of antiviral and antiretroviral shortages amid COVID-19 in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zohra Kazmi
- Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
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