In vitro: Natural Compounds (Thymol, Carvacrol, Hesperidine, And Thymoquinone) Against Sars-Cov2 Strain Isolated From Egyptian Patients

Abstract

The current pandemic of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has badly affected our life during the year 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is the primary causative agent of the newly emerged pandemic. Natural flavonoids, Terpenoid and Thymoquinone are tested against different viral and host-cell protein targets. These natural compounds have a good history in treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Molecular docking combined with cytotoxicity and plaque reduction assay is used to test the natural compounds against different viral (Spike, RdRp, and Mpro) and host-cell (TMPRSS II, keap 1, and ACE2) targets. The results demonstrate the binding possibility of the natural compounds (Thymol, Carvacrol, Hesperidine, and Thymoquinone) to the viral main protease (Mpro). Some of these natural compounds were approved to start clinical trail from Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine ECRRM IRB (Certificate No.IRB00012517)

Current Updates on Naturally Occurring Compounds Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 Druggable Targets

“…Some drawbacks probably related to the extraction of these compounds from plants or the chemical synthesis difficulties did not permit further biological investigations. Recently, in-vitro study revealed that neohesperidin could inhibit infected Vero E6 cell [ 141 ].…”

Pulmonary and intranasal delivery of thymoquinone-loaded nanoparticles for Mucormycosis & Covid-19

“…The integral protective properties and relevant physicochemical functions executed by TQ in both the extra-and intracellular space have been recently compiled [17]: In short, TQ is a small hydrophobic molecule with the capacity to bind to the viral spikes, to bind to the viral envelope, to oxidize the virus, to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) -after oxidation of the virus -and to enter cells and raise endosomal pH. In addition to its antiviral potential, demonstrated in vitro using human-derived SARS-CoV-2 [18], TQ presents broad antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.…”

Thymoquinone: A Promising Natural Compound with Potential Benefits for COVID-19 Prevention and Cure

“…124 Other studies have shown that TQ might display inhibitory action against the SARS CoV2 protease, which would halt viral replication. 120 , 125–127 …”

“…52 Nigella sativa extract containing TQ has also, more specifically, been reported to decrease viral replication and loads in cells infected with some coronaviruses. 119 Interestingly, one in vitro study demonstrated that TQ showed significant antiviral activity against a SARSCoV-2 strain isolated from Egyptian patients, 120 possibly through blocking the entry of the virus into the cells. 121 Overall, the existing studies highlight the immense potential of TQ as an effective antiviral agent against COVID-19, a premise which is highly supported by the molecular docking studies examining TQ's effects against various virus and host cell targets, which are discussed in more detail in the following section.…”

“…124 Other studies have shown that TQ might display inhibitory action against the SARS CoV2 protease, which would halt viral replication. 120,[125][126][127] TQ has also demonstrated a good affinity against ACE2 receptors, which allows it to interfere with virus uptake into the host cell. 121,127 Molecular dynamics simulations have shown that TQ can interfere with the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to host cells by binding to a cell surface, HSPA5, which is recognized by the viral spike protein and upregulated upon viral infection.…”