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Chai Y, Wang Z, Li Y, Wang Y, Wan Y, Chen X, Xu Y, Ge L, Li H. Glycyrrhizin alleviates radiation-induced lung injury by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae009. [PMID: 38283822 PMCID: PMC10811523 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae009] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is the major adverse response of radiation therapy for thoracic malignant tumors, and there is a lack of effective interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effect of Glycyrrhizin (GL) on RP and its potential mechanism. Method The body weight and lung weight of mice were monitored. HE staining was used to observe lung injury, and the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress biomarkers and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry was performed to check MLE-12 apoptosis. ER stress activator, Tunicamycin (Tuni), was used to verify the potential mechanism of GL. A systemic pharmacology explored the potential targets and pathways of GL. Results In this study, the lungs of irradiated mice showed significant pneumonic changes. In vivo and in vitro assay, NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly activated, the expression of ER stress biomarkers was elevated, flow cytometry confirms increased apoptosis in irradiated MLE-12 cells. GL inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and ER stress pathways. Furthermore, systemic pharmacology revealed that the radioprotective effect of GL may be related to the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion In the present study, the results indicated that GL may regulate NLRP3 inflammasome through ER stress, thus exerting irradiation-protective effects on RP, and the ER stress pathway may be a potential target for RP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Chai
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Ziming Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Yun Li
- Kindstar Global Precision Medicine Institute, Gaoxin 2nd Road, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei 43000, China
- Department of Scientific Research Project, Wuhan Kindstar Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Guanggu Biological City, No. 666 Gaoxin Avenue, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 43000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Yu Wan
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Hongxia Li
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 3200, Changsha Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
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Zhang Y, She L, Ding H, Chen B, Fu Z, Wang L, Zhang T, Han L. Comprehensive quality control of Qingjin Yiqi granule based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS and UPLC-QQQ-MS. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2024; 35:184-197. [PMID: 37726965 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Qingjin Yiqi granule (QYG) is a prescription medicine of traditional Chinese medicine which is widely used clinically for the recovery of coronavirus patients. However, there is currently limited research on the quality control of QYG. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of QYG qualitatively and quantitatively by making full use of advanced chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. METHODS Firstly, a multicomponent characterisation of QYG was performed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q Exactive™ hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) system using a rapid negative/positive switching mode. Secondly, the co-condition fingerprint analysis of constituted herbal medicines of QYG was performed to unveil active ingredients as the quality markers of QYG. Thirdly, the marker compounds in 10 batches of QYG were quantified by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Waters Xevo TQ-S triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) system. RESULTS A comprehensive method that combined the inclusion list and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) to achieve a systematic characterisation of QYG was established by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. After analysis based on Compound Discoverer software and Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) platform, a total of 332 compounds were detected. Eleven Q-markers were determined for the quality evaluation of QYG by comparison with the fingerprint of nine constituted herbal medicines. An adjusted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) quantification method was further established to simultaneously determine the 11 Q-markers for holistic quality evaluation of QYG. CONCLUSION This is the first study to report comprehensive multicomponent characterisation, identification, and quality assessment of QYG, which could be used for effective guarantee of the quality of QYG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Lihe She
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Hui Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Biying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Zhifei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Liming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lifeng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
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Ameri A, Farashahinejad M, Davoodian P, Safa O, Kusha A, Dadvand H, Hassanipour S, Fathalipour M. Efficacy and safety of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in moderately ill patients with COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:3037-3045. [PMID: 37847472 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01352-4] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Licorice extract (glycyrrhizin), a potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant remedy, is a potential therapeutic option for COVID-19. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of licorice in patients with moderate COVID-19. In this study, 60 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive licorice (at a dose of 760 mg three times a day for seven days) or control groups. The primary outcomes were SPO2, body temperature, and respiratory rate (RR) after the end of the intervention. The findings indicated that SPO2, body temperature, and RR had no significant difference between the groups at the end of the intervention. However, CRP and ALT improved in the licorice group toward the baseline. The number of patients with worse prognoses, LOS, mortality, and the incidence of adverse events were not different between the groups at the end of the study. Licorice had no beneficial effect on the clinical symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, this intervention demonstrated a safe profile of adverse events. The confirmation of the results of this preparatory trial requires more detailed multiple-center trials with a larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ameri
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Farashahinejad
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Parivash Davoodian
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Omid Safa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amin Kusha
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Habib Dadvand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fathalipour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Zou Q, Chen Y, Qin H, Tang R, Han T, Guo Z, Zhao J, Xu D. The role and mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1286364. [PMID: 38033575 PMCID: PMC10682724 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1286364] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The constant presence of infectious diseases poses an everlasting threat to the entire world. In recent years, there has been an increased attention toward the application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of emerging infectious diseases, as it has played a significant role. The aim of this article is to provide a concise overview of the roles and mechanisms of TCM in treating infectious diseases. TCM possesses the ability to modulate relevant factors, impede signaling pathways, and inhibit microbial growth, thereby exhibiting potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects that demonstrate remarkable efficacy against viral and bacterial infections. This article concludes that the comprehensive regulatory features of Chinese herbal medicines, with their various components, targets, and pathways, result in synergistic effects. The significance of Chinese herbal medicines in the context of infectious diseases should not be underestimated; however, it is crucial to also acknowledge their underutilization. This paper presents constructive suggestions regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese medicines. Particularly, it emphasizes the effectiveness and characteristics of Chinese medicines in the treatment of infectious diseases, specifying how these medicines' active substances can be utilized to target infectious diseases. This perspective is advantageous in facilitating researchers' pharmacological studies on Chinese medicines, focusing on the specific points of action. The mechanism of action of Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of infectious diseases is comprehensively elucidated in this paper, providing compelling evidence for the superior treatment of infectious diseases through Chinese medicine. This information is favorable for advancing the development of TCM and its potential applications in the field of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifei Zou
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yitong Chen
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Huanxin Qin
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Taojian Han
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ziyi Guo
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Delin Xu
- Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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Fu Y, Fang Y, Gong S, Xue T, Wang P, She L, Huang J. Deep learning-based network pharmacology for exploring the mechanism of licorice for the treatment of COVID-19. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5844. [PMID: 37037848 PMCID: PMC10086012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Licorice, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of COVID-19, but all active compounds and corresponding targets are still not clear. Therefore, this study proposed a deep learning-based network pharmacology approach to identify more potential active compounds and targets of licorice. 4 compounds (quercetin, naringenin, liquiritigenin, and licoisoflavanone), 2 targets (SYK and JAK2) and the relevant pathways (P53, cAMP, and NF-kB) were predicted, which were confirmed by previous studies to be associated with SARS-CoV-2-infection. In addition, 2 new active compounds (glabrone and vestitol) and 2 new targets (PTEN and MAP3K8) were further validated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (simultaneous molecular dynamics), as well as the results showed that these active compounds bound well to COVID-19 related targets, including the main protease (Mpro), the spike protein (S-protein) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Overall, in this study, glabrone and vestitol from licorice were found to inhibit viral replication by inhibiting the activation of Mpro, S-protein and ACE2; related compounds in licorice may reduce the inflammatory response and inhibit apoptosis by acting on PTEN and MAP3K8. Therefore, licorice has been proposed as an effective candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 through PTEN, MAP3K8, Mpro, S-protein and ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yangyue Fang
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Shuai Gong
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Tao Xue
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Li She
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Jianping Huang
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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Liu H, Dai Y, Li J, Liu P, Zhou W, Yu DG, Ge R. Fast and convenient delivery of fluidextracts liquorice through electrospun core-shell nanohybrids. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1172133. [PMID: 37091339 PMCID: PMC10117974 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1172133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: As an interdisciplinary field, drug delivery relies on the developments of modern science and technology. Correspondingly, how to upgrade the traditional dosage forms for a more efficacious, safer, and convenient drug delivery poses a continuous challenge to researchers.Methods, results and discussion: In this study, a proof-of-concept demonstration was conducted to convert a popular traditional liquid dosage form (a commercial oral compound solution prepared from an intermediate licorice fluidextract) into a solid dosage form. The oral commercial solution was successfully encapsulated into the core–shell nanohybrids, and the ethanol in the oral solution was removed. The SEM and TEM evaluations showed that the prepared nanofibers had linear morphologies without any discerned spindles or beads and an obvious core–shell nanostructure. The FTIR and XRD results verified that the active ingredients in the commercial solution were compatible with the polymeric matrices and were presented in the core section in an amorphous state. Three different types of methods were developed, and the fast dissolution of the electrospun core–shell nanofibers was verified.Conclusion: Coaxial electrospinning can act as a nano pharmaceutical technique to upgrade the traditional oral solution into fast-dissolving solid drug delivery films to retain the advantages of the liquid dosage forms and the solid dosage forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yelin Dai
- Wenqi Middle School, Shanghai, China
- Qingpu Campus, High School Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Li
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- The Base of Achievement Transformation, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Orthopaedic Basic and Clinical Transformation, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Deng-Guang Yu, ; Ruiliang Ge,
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Deng-Guang Yu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Deng-Guang Yu, ; Ruiliang Ge,
| | - Ruiliang Ge
- Department of Outpatient, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Deng-Guang Yu, ; Ruiliang Ge,
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Zhou H, Yang T, Lu Z, He X, Quan J, Liu S, Chen Y, Wu K, Cao H, Liu J, Yu L. Liquiritin exhibits anti-acute lung injury activities through suppressing the JNK/Nur77/c-Jun pathway. Chin Med 2023; 18:35. [PMID: 37013552 PMCID: PMC10068703 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), a well-known traditional medicine, is traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as cough, sore throat, asthma and bronchitis. We aim to investigate the effects of liquiritin (LQ), the main bioactive compound in licorice against acute lung injury (ALI) and explore the potential mechanism. METHODS Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish. Intratracheal instillation of 3 mg/kg of LPS was used for induction an ALI mice model. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were tested using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of JNK/Nur77/c-Jun related proteins. Protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured by BCA protein assay. The effect of JNK on Nur77 transcriptional activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay, while electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to examine the c-Jun DNA binding activity. RESULTS LQ has significant anti-inflammatory effects in zebrafish and RAW264.7 cells. LQ inhibited the expression levels of p-JNK (Thr183/Tyr185), p-Nur77 (Ser351) and p-c-Jun (Ser63), while elevated the Nur77 expression level. Inhibition of JNK by a specific inhibitor or small interfering RNA enhanced the regulatory effect of LQ on Nur77/c-Jun, while JNK agonist abrogated LQ-mediated effects. Moreover, Nur77-luciferase reporter activity was suppressed after JNK overexpression. The effects of LQ on the expression level of c-Jun and the binding activity of c-Jun with DNA were attenuated after Nur77 siRNA treatment. LQ significantly ameliorated LPS-induced ALI with the reduction of lung water content and BALF protein content, the downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in lung BALF and the suppression of JNK/Nur77/c-Jun signaling, which can be reversed by a specific JNK agonist. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that LQ exerts significant protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation both in vivo and in vitro via suppressing the activation of JNK, and consequently inhibiting the Nur77/c-Jun signaling pathway. Our study suggests that LQ may be a potential therapeutic candidate for ALI and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhou
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Tangjia Yang
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Zibin Lu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Quan
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanhong Liu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyao Chen
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangtai Wu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihui Cao
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junshan Liu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, People's Republic of China.
| | - Linzhong Yu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
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Saponins of Selected Triterpenoids as Potential Therapeutic Agents: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030386. [PMID: 36986485 PMCID: PMC10055990 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Saponins represent important natural derivatives of plant triterpenoids that are secondary plant metabolites. Saponins, also named glycoconjugates, are available both as natural and synthetic products. This review is focused on saponins of the oleanane, ursane, and lupane types of triterpenoids that include several plant triterpenoids displaying various important pharmacological effects. Additional convenient structural modifications of naturally-occurring plant products often result in enhancing the pharmacological effects of the parent natural structures. This is an important objective for all semisynthetic modifications of the reviewed plant products, and it is included in this review paper as well. The period covered by this review (2019–2022) is relatively short, mainly due to the existence of previously published review papers in recent years.
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Yang F, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Lu H, Li J, Bai N, Geng N. Efficacy and safety of Qi and Blood Tonic Chinese Medicines in the treatment of COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32136. [PMID: 36626419 PMCID: PMC9750632 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) is a sudden public event affecting all human beings, with the rapid transmission, extensive groups affected, many complications, and high mortality. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of preventing and treating infectious diseases, and numerous studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine, especially herbal medicine, has a positive effect on the prevention, treatment, and post-healing recovery of this COVID-19, and herbal medicines to supplement qi and blood often occupy a certain proportion of it. However, there is no relevant meta-analysis to date. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of qi and blood tonic herbal medicines in the treatment of COVID-19 through Systematic Review and meta-analysis to provide a reference basis for widespread clinical application. METHODS We will search from the following databases for the period from the time of database construction to March 1st, 2023. The English databases include: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, WOS, Google Scholar, and CENTRAL; The Chinese databases include: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Literature Database, Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang. Randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese that include Chinese herbal medicines for tonifying Qi and Blood in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 will be included. Data were independently screened and collected by 2 investigators. The risk of bias for each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis of the data. Primary outcome indicators included cure, mortality, and exacerbation rates (change in disease severity category, patient admission to ICU, etc.). Secondary outcome indicators included recovery rate or duration of major symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, fatigue, and weakness, etc.), rate or duration of nucleic acid conversion for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, improvement or recovery of chest CT performance, length of hospital stay, and other adverse events. RESULTS This protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-P guidelines to ensure clarity and completeness of reporting in all phases of the systematic review. CONCLUSION This study will provide evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of Qi and Blood Tonic Chinese Medicines for the treatment of COVID-19. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022361822 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022361822).
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaosi Zhang
- Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Tianshui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianshui, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Bai
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Naizhi Geng
- First Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Naizhi Geng, First Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China (e-mail: )
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Cao JF, Gong Y, Wu M, Yang X, Xiong L, Chen S, Xiao Z, Li Y, Zhang L, Zan W, Zhang X. Exploring the mechanism of action of licorice in the treatment of COVID-19 through bioinformatics analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1003310. [PMID: 36120307 PMCID: PMC9481297 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1003310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The rapid worldwide spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become not only a global challenge, but also a lack of effective clinical treatments. Studies have shown that licorice can significantly improve clinical symptoms such as fever, dry cough and shortness of breath in COVID-19 patients with no significant adverse effects. However, there is still a lack of in-depth analysis of the specific active ingredients of licorice in the treatment of COVID-19 and its mechanism of action. Therefore, we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics to explore the mechanism of action of licorice in the treatment of COVID-19.Methods: We used bioinformatics to screen active pharmaceutical ingredients and potential targets, the disease-core gene target-drug network was established and molecular docking was used for verification. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to verify that active ingredients were stably combined with protein targets. The supercomputer platform was used to measure and analyze stability of protein targets at the residue level, solvent accessible surface area, number of hydrogen bonds, radius of gyration and binding free energy.Results: Licorice had 255 gene targets, COVID-19 had 4,628 gene targets, the intersection gene targets were 101. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that licorice played an important role mainly through the signaling pathways of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress. Molecular docking showed that Glycyrol, Phaseol and Glyasperin F in licorice may playe a role in treating COVID-19 by acting on STAT3, IL2RA, MMP1, and CXCL8. Molecular dynamics were used to demonstrate and analyze the binding stability of active ingredients to protein targets.Conclusion: This study found that Phaseol in licorice may reduce inflammatory cell activation and inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of CXCL8 and IL2RA; Glycyrol may regulate cell proliferation and survival by acting on STAT3. Glyasperin F may regulate cell growth by inhibiting the activation of MMP1, thus reducing tissue damage and cell death caused by excessive inflammatory response and promoting the growth of new tissues. Therefore, licorice is proposed as an effective candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 through STAT3, IL2RA, MMP1, and CXCL8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Cao
- Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu Medical College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunli Gong
- Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Wu
- Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Yang
- Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyan Chen
- Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zixuan Xiao
- Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry Sciences, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Lixin Zhang, , orcid.org/0086-135-2919-4157; Wang Zan, , orcid.org/0086-186-2812-0209; Xiao Zhang, , orcid.org/0086-130-8661-6376
| | - Wang Zan
- Chengdu Medical College of Pharmacy, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lixin Zhang, , orcid.org/0086-135-2919-4157; Wang Zan, , orcid.org/0086-186-2812-0209; Xiao Zhang, , orcid.org/0086-130-8661-6376
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Chengdu Medical College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lixin Zhang, , orcid.org/0086-135-2919-4157; Wang Zan, , orcid.org/0086-186-2812-0209; Xiao Zhang, , orcid.org/0086-130-8661-6376
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11
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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS. COVID-19 disease and autoimmune disorders: A mutual pathway. World J Methodol 2022; 12:200-223. [PMID: 36159097 PMCID: PMC9350728 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i4.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a real challenge for humanity with high morbidity and mortality. Despite being primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can affect nearly every human body tissue, causing many diseases. After viral infection, the immune system can recognize the viral antigens presented by the immune cells. This immune response is usually controlled and terminated once the infection is aborted. Nevertheless, in some patients, the immune reaction becomes out of control with the development of autoimmune diseases. Several human tissue antigens showed a strong response with antibodies directed against many severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins, such as SARS-CoV-2 S, N, and autoimmune target proteins. The immunogenic effects of SARS-CoV-2 are due to the sizeable viral RNA molecules with interrupted transcription increasing the pool of epitopes with increased chances of molecular mimicry and interaction with the host immune system, the overlap between some viral and human peptides, the viral induced-tissue damage, and the robust and complex binding between sACE-2 and SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Consequently, COVID-19 and its vaccine may trigger the development of many autoimmune diseases in a predisposed patient. This review discusses the mutual relation between COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases, their interactive effects on each other, the role of the COVID-19 vaccine in triggering autoimmune diseases, the factors affecting the severity of COVID-19 in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, and the different ways to minimize the risk of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Algharbia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Chest Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Algharbia, Egypt
- Department of Chest Disease, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
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12
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Wang YN, Feng HY, Nie X, Zhang YM, Zou L, Li X, Yu XY, Zhao YY. Recent Advances in Clinical Diagnosis and Pharmacotherapy Options of Membranous Nephropathy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:907108. [PMID: 35694252 PMCID: PMC9178124 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.907108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome among adults, which is the leading glomerular disease that recurs after kidney transplantation. Treatment for MN remained controversial and challenging, partly owing to absence of sensitive and specific biomarkers and effective therapy for prediction and diagnosis of disease activity. MN starts with the formation and deposition of circulating immune complexes on the outer area in the glomerular basement membrane, leading to complement activation. The identification of autoantibodies against the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A (THSD7A) antigens illuminated a distinct pathophysiological rationale for MN treatments. Nowadays, detection of serum anti-PLA2R antibodies and deposited glomerular PLA2R antigen can be routinely applied to MN. Anti-PLA2R antibodies exhibited much high specificity and sensitivity. Measurement of PLA2R in immune complex deposition allows for the diagnosis of PLA2R-associated MN in patients with renal biopsies. In the review, we critically summarized newer diagnosis biomarkers including PLA2R and THSD7A tests and novel promising therapies by using traditional Chinese medicines such as Astragalus membranaceus, Tripterygium wilfordii, and Astragaloside IV for the treatment of MN patients. We also described unresolved questions and future challenges to reveal the diagnosis and treatments of MN. These unprecedented breakthroughs were quickly translated to clinical diagnosis and management. Considerable advances of detection methods played a critical role in diagnosis and monitoring of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hao-Yu Feng
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin Nie
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ya-Mei Zhang
- Key Disciplines of Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Li
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of General Practice, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Li, ; Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
| | - Xiao-Yong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Li, ; Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Li, ; Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
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13
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COVID-19 Crisis, Herbal Medicines, and Natural Products - Concerns and Suggestions. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-120872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last days of 2019 in China, medical experts and organizations worldwide have proposed guidelines for its prevention and treatment. However, despite the availability of state-of-the-art technologies, modern medicine specialists have so far not been successful in controlling it. This has led traditional medicine experts to propagate their knowledge to prevent and cure COVID-19, creating an open debate. According to scientific literature, traditional medicine experts claim beneficial effects of herbal medicines against viral infections and their effectiveness in controlling the symptoms of respiratory disorders. Modern medicine specialists express their concerns about the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicines, in addition to the risk of herb-drug interactions and the lack of randomized clinical studies. Herbal medicines have been popular since prehistoric times, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are increasingly used worldwide. The lack of definite cure and the high cost of available modern medicines have also promoted the use of herbal medicines. An evidence-based approach using herbal medicines with proven antiviral activities or containing compounds providing symptomatic relief in COVID-19 can be considered for clinical studies. The interaction of herbal medicines with modern drugs should also be considered in patients taking them. Traditional and modern medicine aim to provide effective and safe treatment and prevent COVID-19 infection. Considering the ground realities of the COVID-19 crisis and keeping in view the worldwide use of herbal medicines, in our opinion, the pros and cons of their use should be carefully weighed, and practical solutions should be considered.
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Gomaa AA, Mohamed HS, Abd-Ellatief RB, Gomaa MA, Hammam DS. Advancing combination treatment with glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids for hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 infection: a randomized clinical trial. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:477-486. [PMID: 35233748 PMCID: PMC8886861 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to a potential therapeutic role for glycyrrhizin(GR) and boswellic acids (BA) in the treatment of COVID-19 but conclusive evidence is lacking. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of GR + BA versus placebo for the treatment of hospitalized patients with moderate SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants infection. The current study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants diagnosed by PCR test who were admitted to Sohag University hospital were eligible if they were at least 18 years of age and had moderate symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral GR capsule (60 mg) and BA (200 mg) twice daily for 14 days or a matching placebo. All patients also received treatment with the institutional protocol for COVID-19. The primary outcome was mortality and time to recovery. Secondary outcome was clinical status score, 14 days after receiving study drugs. Adverse events from use of study drugs have been evaluated for up to 14 days. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT04487964). During the 6-month enrollment period (June-November, 2021) only 50 patients (54% women; median age 60 years, IQR 54–65) met eligibility and were randomly assigned. Evaluation of the primary outcome at 14 days showed that there were five deaths in the placebo group and no deaths in the GR + BA group. With regard to recovery time, it was significantly shorter (p = 0.0001) in the group receiving GR + BA capsule compared to the placebo group (median 7.0; IQR 6.0–8.0 days vs. median 12.5; IQR 12–20 days). Clinical status on the ordinal score scale as a secondary outcome showed a significant difference between the GR + BA group (median (IQR) score, 2 [2–3]) and placebo groups (mean (IQR) score, 3 [3–5.5]). There was a significant decrease in CRB (p = 0.000041) in GR + BA compared with the placebo group. In conclusion, this safe, inexpensive, antiviral, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory combination may be considered for use in mild to moderate infections of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants. The study is limited by the small sample size; therefore, larger randomized trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Hamdy S Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Rasha B Abd-Ellatief
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Gomaa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa S Hammam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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