Hypericum perforatum and Its Ingredients Hypericin and Pseudohypericin Demonstrate an Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

For almost two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has constituted a major challenge to human health, particularly due to the lack of efficient antivirals to be used against the virus during routine treatment interventions. Multiple treatment options have been investigated for their potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products, such as plant extracts, may be a promising option, as they have shown an antiviral activity against other viruses in the past. Here, a quantified extract of Hypericum perforatum was tested and found to possess a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral potency of the extract could be attributed to the naphtodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin, in contrast to other tested ingredients of the plant material, which did not show any antiviral activity. Hypericum perforatum and its main active ingredient hypericin were also effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron). Concerning its mechanism of action, evidence was obtained that Hypericum perforatum and hypericin may hold a direct virus-blocking effect against SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Taken together, the presented data clearly emphasize the promising antiviral activity of Hypericum perforatum and its active ingredients against SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Biochemical Analyses of Bioactive Extracts from Plants Native to Lampedusa, Sicily Minor Island

“…For DENV, HE extracts of Ha, and Pa WR showed the strongest antiviral activities. Interestingly, specialized metabolites (specifically napthodianthrones) previously isolated from other Hypericum species were shown to display some anti-HIV-1 potential (hypericin), or anti-coronaviral activity (SARS-CoV-2, quercetin and hypericin), while others (acylphloroglucinol derivatives) were shown to be cytotoxic [55][56][57][58].…”

“…On average, the MC extracts were more active than HE or WR residues extracts, with the exception of Pa on He MC extracts, which proved to be completely inactive. (hypericin), or anti-coronaviral activity (SARS-CoV-2, quercetin and hypericin), while others (acylphloroglucinol derivatives) were shown to be cytotoxic [55][56][57][58].…”

Phytotherapie gegen die Corona-Pandemie – realisierte Möglichkeiten, verpasste Chancen?

“…B. Hyperforin gefunden. Für Hypericin waren 50 µg/ml ausreichend für eine komplette Inhibition der Virusreplikation 22 .…”

Broadly Applicable, Virus-Free Dual Reporter Assay to Identify Compounds Interfering with Membrane Fusion: Performance for HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2

“…Thus, the emphasis was laid on its broad applicability for different viruses, simple handling, modular set-up, possibility of repeated measurements and reliable discrimination of true hits from false hits due to cytotoxic effects. Reporter gene expression controlled by the powerful third-generation tetracycline-inducible Tet3G-On system, consisting of the tet responsive element (TRE3G) and the transactivator (Tet3G), was used to exclude any pronounced effect of hypericin on SARS-CoV-2-induced cell–cell fusion [ 19 ]. Here, we report the systematic improvement of this assay, which led to the establishment of a dual reporter gene assay for the screening and identification of antifusogenic compounds.…”