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Cinatl J, Wass MN, Michaelis M. Multiple mechanisms enable broad-spectrum activity of the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 against acute respiratory tract infections. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1455870. [PMID: 39469622 PMCID: PMC11513585 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1455870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
There is clinical evidence showing that the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 is a safe and effective treatment for a range of acute infectious respiratory illnesses. Moreover, EPs 7630 has been shown to reduce the use of antibiotics, which is important in the context of rising antibiotic resistance levels. A wide range of mechanisms appears to contribute to the beneficial effects of EPs 7630, e.g. antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and epithelial barrier effects. This broad spectrum of pharmacological activities seems to enable the clinical activity of EPs 7630 against multiple respiratory infections. In particular, the combination of antiviral and immunomodulatory effects may enable EPs 7630 to tackle acute viral respiratory infections both in early stages of the disease process, which are driven by virus replication, as well as in later stages, which are caused by an overshooting immune response. Hence, EPs 7630 is a prime example of a plant extract with evidence-based clinical efficacy, including a solid understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action. The example of EPs 7630 demonstrates that plant extracts have a potential role as evidence-based clinical treatments and that they deserve pre-clinical and clinical testing and investigation in the same way as any other drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindrich Cinatl
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Tumour and Virus Research, Dr Petra Joh Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mark N. Wass
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Tumour and Virus Research, Dr Petra Joh Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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Sütçü M, Kara M, Yıldız F, Kılıç Ö, Tural Kara T, Akkoc G, Büyükçam A, Elmas Bozdemir Ş, Özgür Gündeşlioğlu Ö, Gül D, İseri Nepesov M, Kara A. Hand, foot, and mouth disease: could EPs® 7630 be a treatment option? A prospective randomized open-label multicenter clinical study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1274010. [PMID: 38832001 PMCID: PMC11146204 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1274010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral contagious disease of children caused by human enteroviruses (EVs) and coxsackieviruses (CVs). There is no specific treatment option for HFMD. EPs® 7630's anti-infective and immunomodulatory properties have previously been demonstrated in several in vitro and in vivo studies; however, the use of this herbal medicine in children with HFMD has not previously been investigated. Methods This prospective randomized multicenter clinical study included 208 children with HFMD. The diagnosis was made by pediatricians. The patients who were within the first 48 h of symptom onset (according to the first onset of fever and skin findings) were enrolled. The study participants were assigned into 2 groups as EPs® 7630 and control groups. All patients were followed up twice more, 48 h after the first admission and on the 5th-7th day. Another phone evaluation was conducted for those with continued complaints from the previous visit. Results The median age was 27 (12-112) months. The male-female ratio was 0.98. One hundred thirty one (63%) of 190 patients had no history of household contact. EPs® 7630 group included 94 and control group included 96 patients. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of complaint scores at the visits made at the 48th h of the treatment and on days 5-7 (p < 0.001). The mean ± SD disease duration of EPs® 7630 users was significantly shorter 6.07 ± 0.70 days (95% CI: 5.92-6.21)] than the control group [8.58 ± 0.94 days (95% CI: 8.39-8.77)] (p < 0.001). Besides, the hospitalization rate among the EPs® 7630 users were significantly lower (p = 0.019). No side effects were observed, except for unpleasant taste, which was reported in 5 patients (EPs® 7630 group). Conclusion Considering its efficacy and safety profile EPs® 7630 may represent a feasible herbal-based treatment option for children with HFMD. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT06353477).
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Sütçü
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Manolya Kara
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Funda Yıldız
- Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ömer Kılıç
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Türkiye
| | - Tugce Tural Kara
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Gulsen Akkoc
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Health Sciences Van Research and Training Hospital, Van, Türkiye
| | - Ayşe Büyükçam
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Cengiz Gokcek Maternity and Children's Hospital, Gaziantep, Türkiye
| | | | | | - Doruk Gül
- Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Merve İseri Nepesov
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Türkiye
| | - Ateş Kara
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Malek FA, Funk P. Identifying in-market application of Pelargonium root extract EPs 7630 for the treatment of COVID-19: analysis of pharmacovigilance data. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1335309. [PMID: 38464728 PMCID: PMC10920291 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1335309] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Phytopharmaceutical products are successfully used for acute respiratory infections and may therefore be promising candidates for adjuvant symptomatic treatment of COVID-19. In vitro and clinical studies suggest that the proprietary Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract EPs 7630 has antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, and effects on SARS-CoV-2 propagation have been shown in vitro. Medicinal products containing the extract have been approved for the symptomatic treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections. Methods: We present a retrospective review of case reports submitted spontaneously to the pharmacovigilance database of the manufacturer of EPs 7630 and containing information on the off-label use of the extract for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19 and of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Eligible case reports were identified by automated database searches. Results: Forty-four case reports filed between December 2019 and February 2023 were eligible for analysis. More than ¾ described the use of EPs 7630 for treatment of COVID-19 while the remaining reports referred to the treatment of post-COVID-19 syndrome or to COVID-19 prophylaxis. 15/22 cases which reported on treatment duration indicated an intake of EPs 7630 for up to 7 days. Five case reports indicated the use of EPs 7630 as COVID-19 monotherapy while 14 indicated a combination treatment with other drugs. All 28 cases that reported on treatment outcome characterized the patients as improved. Thirty case reports (68%) did not indicate any complications. The most frequent suspected adverse reactions were gastrointestinal complaints and hypersensitivity reactions, both of which may occur as known adverse effects of EPs 7630. No unexpected adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: Reported cases confirm that there was a certain off-label use of EPs 7630 for COVID-19 in the market. Even though no formal conclusions about the efficacy of EPs 7630 in COVID-19 can be drawn, a beneficial effect would be explainable by the pharmacological profile of the extract. Further assessment of the effects of EPs 7630 in COVID-19-related indications therefore appears to be both justified and promising, particularly as the available case reports did not give rise to any safety concerns also in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petra Funk
- Research and Development, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Pourova J, Dias P, Pour M, Bittner Fialová S, Czigle S, Nagy M, Tóth J, Balázs VL, Horváth A, Csikós E, Farkas Á, Horváth G, Mladěnka P. Proposed mechanisms of action of herbal drugs and their biologically active constituents in the treatment of coughs: an overview. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16096. [PMID: 37901462 PMCID: PMC10607228 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Various medicinal plants find their use in cough treatment, based on traditions and long-term experience. Pharmacological principles of their action, however, are much less known. Herbal drugs usually contain a mixture of potentially active compounds, which can manifest diverse effects. Expectorant or antitussive effects, which can be accompanied by others, such as anti-inflammatory or antibacterial, are probably the most important in the treatment of coughs. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge of the effects of medicinal plants or their constituents on cough, based on reliable pharmacological studies. First, a comprehensive description of each effect is provided in order to explain the possible mechanism of action in detail. Next, the results related to individual plants and substances are summarized and critically discussed based on pharmacological in vivo and in vitro investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Pourova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Patricia Dias
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Pour
- Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Silvia Bittner Fialová
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Szilvia Czigle
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Milan Nagy
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jaroslav Tóth
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | - Adrienn Horváth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Csikós
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Farkas
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Horváth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Přemysl Mladěnka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Li Y, Wang J, Cai Y, Chen H. Association of Serum Vitamin D With Periodontal Disease. Int Dent J 2023; 73:777-783. [PMID: 37419778 PMCID: PMC10509416 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are conflicting reports on the relationship between vitamin D and periodontal disease. Our research is intended to further analyse the association between serum 25(OH)D3, a vitamin D precursor and periodontal disease based on a large national survey sample in Japan. METHODS We downloaded the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycle, which included a total of 23,324 samples. Logistic regression of factors influencing perioral disease including periodntal disease, and subgroup logistic regression were performed to analyse the relationship between serum vitamin D and perioral disease, using WTMEC2YR as weights for regression analysis. Then machine learning model-based prediction of perioral disease onset was performed, and the machine learning algorithms used included boost tree, artificial neural network, AdaBoost, and random forest. RESULTS We evaluated the vitamin D, age, sex, race, education, marriage, body mass index, ratio of family income to poverty (PIR), smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension as variables in the included samples. Vitamin D was negatively associated with perioral disease; compared with Q1, the odds ratios and 95% CI were 0.8 (0.67-0.96) for Q2, 0.84 (0.71-1.00) for Q3, and 0.74 (0.6-0.92) for Q4 (P for trend <.05), respectively. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the effect of 25(OH)D3 on periodontal disease was more pronounced in women younger than 60 years. Based on the accuracy and receiver operating characteristic curve, we concluded that a boost tree was a relatively good model to predict periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D might be a protective factor for periodontal disease, and boost tree analysis we emplyed was a relatively good model to predict perioral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Health Management Center, Hangzhou Fuyang Hospital of Orthopedics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jinjuan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunxian Cai
- Department of Health Management Center, Hangzhou Fuyang Hospital of Orthopedics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haokun Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
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Matthys H, Funk P, Zimmermann A, Lehmacher W. Effects of EPs 7630 on the duration of inability to work in acute bronchitis - a meta-analysis. Multidiscip Respir Med 2023; 18:914. [PMID: 37476531 PMCID: PMC10355130 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2023.914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute bronchitis (AB) has an enormous economic impact through lost working time. We investigated whether treatment with Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 may reduce the time of inability to work. Methods A meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with adult patients suffering from AB was performed. The average number of days of inability to work and the proportion of patients who were still unable to work after one week's treatment were assessed. Results Four clinical trials with a total of 1,011 evaluable patients who received the marketed dosage of EPs 7630 (n=505) or placebo (n=506) for seven days were included in the meta-analysis. At baseline, 845/1,011 patients (83.6%) were unable to work. In the four trials, the proportion decreased to between 19 and 14% for EPs 7630 and to between 41 and 55% for placebo (meta-analysis risk ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.35; 0.26-0.45; p<0.001). For the number of sick days, a weighted mean difference of 1.73 days (1.17-2.29 days; p<0.001) favoring EPs 7630 was observed. Conclusions For adults suffering from AB, this meta-analysis demonstrates that seven days' treatment with Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 significantly reduces the average number of sick days and significantly increases the proportion of patients who are able to return to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinrich Matthys
- Medical Director Emeritus, Department of Pneumology, Freiburg University Hospital, Freiburg
| | - Petra Funk
- Research and Development Department, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe
| | - Andrea Zimmermann
- Research and Development Department, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe
| | - Walter Lehmacher
- Emeritus, Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Germany
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Kamin W, Behre U, Helm K, Reling B, Funk P, Malek FA. Safety of Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 in young children with acute bronchitis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1107984. [PMID: 36865690 PMCID: PMC9971625 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1107984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy and tolerability of Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract EPs 7630 in children with acute bronchitis (AB) have been widely demonstrated. We investigated the safety and tolerability of a syrup formulation and an oral solution in pre-school children. METHODS In an open-label, randomized clinical trial (EudraCT number 2011-002652-14), children aged 1-5 years suffering from AB received EPs 7630 syrup or solution for 7 days. Safety was assessed by frequency, severity, and nature of adverse events (AE), vital signs, and laboratory values. Outcome measures for evaluating the health status were the intensity of coughing, pulmonary rales, and dyspnea, measured by the short version of the Bronchitis Severity Scale (BSS-ped), further symptoms of the respiratory infection, general health status according to the Integrative Medicine Outcomes Scale (IMOS), and satisfaction with treatment according to the Integrative Medicine Patient Satisfaction Scale (IMPSS). RESULTS 591 children were randomized and treated with syrup (n = 403) or solution (n = 188) for 7 days. In both treatment groups, the number of adverse events was similarly low and revealed no safety concerns. The most frequently observed events were infections (syrup: 7.2%; solution: 7.4%) or gastrointestinal disorders (syrup: 2.7%; solution: 3.2%). After one week's treatment, more than 90% of the children experienced an improvement or remission of the symptoms of the BSS-ped. Further respiratory symptoms decreased similarly in both groups. At Day 7, more than 80% of the whole study population had completely recovered or showed a major improvement as assessed by the investigator and the proxy, respectively. Parents were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the treatment in 86.1% of patients in the combined syrup and solution group. CONCLUSION Both pharmaceutical forms, EPs 7630 syrup and oral solution, were shown to be equally safe and well tolerated in pre-school children suffering from AB. Improvement of health status and of complaints were similar in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kamin
- Children's Hospital, Evangelic Hospital, Hamm, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Petra Funk
- Research and Development, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Fathi Abdul Malek
- Research and Development, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Abstract
Vitamin D, best known for its role in skeletal health, has emerged as a key regulator of innate immune responses to microbial threat. In immune cells such as macrophages, expression of CYP27B1, the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1α-hydroxylase, is induced by immune-specific inputs, leading to local production of hormonal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) at sites of infection, which in turn directly induces the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides. Vitamin D signaling is active upstream and downstream of pattern recognition receptors, which promote front-line innate immune responses. Moreover, 1,25D stimulates autophagy, which has emerged as a mechanism critical for control of intracellular pathogens such as M. tuberculosis. Strong laboratory and epidemiological evidence links vitamin D deficiency to increased rates of conditions such as dental caries, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases arising from dysregulation of innate immune handling intestinal flora. 1,25D is also active in signaling cascades that promote antiviral innate immunity; 1,25D-induced expression of the antimicrobial peptide CAMP/LL37, originally characterized for its antibacterial properties, is a key component of antiviral responses. Poor vitamin D status is associated with greater susceptibility to viral infections, including those of the respiratory tract. Although the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has been alleviated in some areas by the arrival of vaccines, it remains important to identify therapeutic interventions that reduce disease severity and mortality, and accelerate recovery. This review outlines of our current knowledge of the mechanisms of action of vitamin D signaling in the innate immune system. It also provides an assessment of the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in infectious diseases, including an up-to-date analysis of the putative benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiten Ismailova
- Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - John H White
- Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.
- Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.
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Papies J, Emanuel J, Heinemann N, Kulić Ž, Schroeder S, Tenner B, Lehner MD, Seifert G, Müller MA. Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Effects of Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root Extract EPs® 7630 in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Human Lung Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:757666. [PMID: 34759825 PMCID: PMC8573200 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.757666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for COVID-19 are currently limited. Drugs reducing both viral loads and SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory responses would be ideal candidates for COVID-19 therapeutics. Previous in vitro and clinical studies suggest that the proprietary Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract EPs 7630 has antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, limiting symptom severity and disease duration of infections with several upper respiratory viruses. Here we assessed if EPs 7630 affects SARS-CoV-2 propagation and the innate immune response in the human lung cell line Calu-3. In direct comparison to other highly pathogenic CoV (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 growth was most efficiently inhibited at a non-toxic concentration with an IC50 of 1.61 μg/ml. Particularly, the cellular entry step of SARS-CoV-2 was significantly reduced by EPs 7630 pretreatment (10-100 μg/ml) as shown by spike protein-carrying pseudovirus particles and infectious SARS-CoV-2. Using sequential ultrafiltration, EPs 7630 was separated into fractions containing either prodelphinidins of different oligomerization degrees or small molecule constituents like benzopyranones and purine derivatives. Prodelphinidins with a low oligomerization degree and small molecule constituents were most efficient in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entry already at 10 μg/ml and had comparable effects on immune gene regulation as EPs 7630. Downregulation of multiple pro-inflammatory genes (CCL5, IL6, IL1B) was accompanied by upregulation of anti-inflammatory TNFAIP3 at 48 h post-infection. At high concentrations (100 μg/ml) moderately oligomerized prodelphinidins reduced SARS-CoV-2 propagation most efficiently and exhibited pronounced immune gene modulation. Assessment of cytokine secretion in EPs 7630-treated and SARS-CoV-2-coinfected Calu-3 cells showed that pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were elevated whereas multiple other COVID-19-associated cytokines (IL-8, IL-13, TNF-α), chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10), and growth factors (PDGF, VEGF-A, CD40L) were significantly reduced by EPs 7630. SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibition and the differential immunomodulatory functions of EPs 7630 against SARS-CoV-2 encourage further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Papies
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jackson Emanuel
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Heinemann
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Žarko Kulić
- Preclinical R & D, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Simon Schroeder
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Tenner
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin D. Lehner
- Preclinical R & D, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Paediatric Oncology/Haematology, Otto-Heubner Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (OHC), Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel A. Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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