Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) pandemic, researchers have been trying to investigate several active compounds found in plants that have the potential to inhibit the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The present study aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds found in plants using a molecular docking approach to inhibit the main protease (Mpro) and spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. The evaluation was performed on the docking scores calculated using AutoDock Vina (AV) as a docking engine. A rule of five (Ro5) was calculated to determine whether a compound meets the criteria as an active drug orally in humans. The determination of the docking score was performed by selecting the best conformation of the protein-ligand complex that had the highest affinity (most negative Gibbs’ free energy of binding/ ). As a comparison, nelfinavir (an antiretroviral drug), chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (antimalarial drugs recommended by the FDA as emergency drugs) were used. The results showed that hesperidin, nabiximols, pectolinarin, epigallocatechin gallate, and rhoifolin had better poses than nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as spike glycoprotein inhibitors. Hesperidin, rhoifolin, pectolinarin, and nabiximols had about the same pose as nelfinavir but were better than chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as Mpro inhibitors. This finding implied that several natural compounds of plants evaluated in this study showed better binding free energy compared to nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, which so far are recommended in the treatment of COVID-19. From quantum chemical DFT calculations, the ascending order of chemical reactivity of selected compounds was pectolinarin > hesperidin > rhoifolin > morin > epigallocatechin gallate. All isolated compounds’ C=O regions are preferable for an electrophilic attack, and O-H regions are suitable for a nucleophilic attack. Furthermore, Homo-Lumo and global descriptor values indicated a satisfactory remarkable profile for the selected compounds. As judged by the RO5 and previous study by others, the compounds kaempferol, herbacetin, eugenol, and 6-shogaol have good oral bioavailability, so they are also seen as promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. The present study identified plant-based compounds that can be further investigated in vitro and in vivo as lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2.

https://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/scientifica/2020/6307457.pdf

Potential of Plant Bioactive Compounds as SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) Glycoprotein Inhibitors: A Molecular Docking Study.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) pandemic, researchers have been trying to investigate several active compounds found in plants that have the potential to inhibit the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The present study aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds found in plants by using a molecular docking approach to inhibit the Main Protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. The evaluation was performed on the docking scores calculated using AutoDock Vina as a docking engine. A rule of five (RO5) was calculated to determine whether a compound meets the criteria as an active drug orally in humans. The determination of the docking score was done by selecting the best conformation of the protein-ligand complex that had the highest affinity (most negative Gibbs' free energy of binding / ΔG). As a comparison, nelfinavir (an antiretroviral drug), chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (anti-malarial drugs recommended by the FDA as emergency drugs) were used. The results showed that hesperidin, nabiximols, pectolinarin, epigallocatechin gallate, and rhoifolin had better poses than nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as spike glycoprotein inhibitors. Hesperidin, rhoifolin, pectolinarin, and nabiximols had about the same pose as nelfinavir, but were better than chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as Mpro inhibitors. These plant compounds have the potential to be developed as specific therapeutic agents against COVID-19. Several natural compounds of plants evaluated in this study showed better binding free energy compared to nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate which so far are recommended in the treatment of COVID-19. As judged by the RO5 and previous study by others, the compounds kaempferol, herbacetin, eugenol, and 6-shogaol have good oral bioavailability, so they are also seen as promising candidates for the development lead compounds to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2.

/pdf/potential-of-plant-bioactive-compounds-as-sars-cov-2-main-2y3ylnisjp.pdf

Potential of Plant Bioactive Compounds as SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) Glycoprotein Inhibitors: A Molecular Docking Study

The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a long pandemic, with numerous cases and victims worldwide and enormous consequences on social and economic life. Although vaccinations have proceeded and provide a valuable shield against the virus, the approved drugs are limited and it is crucial that further ways to combat infection are developed, that can also act against potential mutations. The main protease (Mpro) of the virus is an appealing target for the development of inhibitors, due to its importance in the viral life cycle and its high conservation among different coronaviruses. Several compounds have shown inhibitory potential against Mpro, both in silico and in vitro, with few of them also having entered clinical trials. These candidates include: known drugs that have been repurposed, molecules specifically designed based on the natural substrate of the protease or on structural moieties that have shown high binding affinity to the protease active site, as well as naturally derived compounds, either isolated or in plant extracts. The aim of this work is to collectively present the results of research regarding Mpro inhibitors to date, focusing on the function of the compounds founded by in silico simulations and further explored by in vitro and in vivo assays. Creating an extended portfolio of promising compounds that may block viral replication by inhibiting Mpro and by understanding involved structure–activity relationships, could provide a basis for the development of effective solutions against SARS-CoV-2 and future related outbreaks. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.009

Inhibition of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) by repurposing/designing drug-like substances and utilizing nature’s toolbox of bioactive compounds

Sefren Geiner Tumilaar1, Fatimawali Fatimawali1, Nurdjannah Jane Niode2, Yunus Effendi3, Rinaldi Idroes4, Ahmad Akroman Adam5, Ahmed Rakib6, Talha Bin Emran7, Trina Ekawati Tallei8* 1Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia. 2Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia. 3Biology Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al Azhar University, Jakarta, Indonesia. 4Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. 5Dentistry Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia. 6Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh. 7Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh. 8Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

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The potential of leaf extract of Pangium edule Reinw as HIV-1 protease inhibitor: A computational biology approach

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected billions and has killed millions to date. Studies are being carried out to find therapeutic molecules that can potentially inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro) involved in the polyprotein cleavage process is believed to be the key target for viral replication, and hence is an attractive target for the discovery of antiviral molecules. In the present study, we aimed to identify natural phytocompounds from Bridelia retusa as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro (PDB ID: 6M2N) using in silico techniques. Molecular docking studies conducted with three different tools in triplicates revealed that ellagic acid (BR6) and (+)-sesamin (BR13) has better binding affinity than the co-crystal inhibitor “3WL” of 6M2N. BR6 and BR13 were found to have a high LD50 value with good bioavailability. 3WL, BR6, and BR13 bind to the same active binding site and interacted with the HIS41-CYS145 catalytic dyad including other crucial amino acids. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed stability of protein–ligand complexes as evidenced from root-mean-square deviations, root-mean-square fluctuations (RMSF), protein secondary structure elements, ligand-RMSF, protein–ligand contacts, ligand torsions, and ligand properties. BR6 (−22.3064 kcal/mol) and BR13 (−19.1274 kcal/mol) showed a low binding free energy value. The Bayesian statistical model revealed BR6 and BR13 as better protease inhibitors than 3WL. Moreover, BR6 and BR13 had already been reported to elicit antiviral activities. Therefore, we conclude that ellagic acid and (+)-sesamin as natural antiviral phytocompounds with inhibitory potential against SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro. 

/pdf/antiviral-phytocompounds-ellagic-acid-and-sesamin-of-27ddqt1g.pdf

Antiviral phytocompounds “ellagic acid” and “(+)-sesamin” of Bridelia retusa identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro using extensive molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, binding free energy calculations, and bioactivity prediction

This study aims to identify and isolate the secondary metabolites of Zingiber officinale using GC-MS, preparative TLC, and LC-MS/MS methods, to evaluate the inhibitory potency on SARS-CoV-2 3 chymotrypsin-like protease enzyme, as well as to study the molecular interaction and stability by using docking and molecular dynamics simulations. GC-MS analysis suggested for the isolation of terpenoids compounds as major compounds on methanol extract of pseudostems and rhizomes. Isolation and LC-MS/MS analysis identified 5-hydro-7, 8, 2′-trimethoxyflavanone (9), (E)-hexadecyl-ferulate (1), isocyperol (2), N-isobutyl-(2E,4E)-octadecadienamide (3), and nootkatone (4) from the rhizome extract, as well as from the leaves extract with the absence of 9. Three known steroid compounds, i.e., spinasterone (7), spinasterol (8), and 24-methylcholesta-7-en-3β-on (6), were further identified from the pseudostem extract. Molecular docking showed that steroids compounds 7, 8, and 6 have lower predictive binding energies (MMGBSA) than other metabolites with binding energy of −87.91, −78.11, and −68.80 kcal/mole, respectively. Further characterization on the single isolated compound by NMR showed that 6 was identified and possessed 75% inhibitory activity on SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease enzyme that was slightly different with the positive control GC376 (77%). MD simulations showed the complex stability with compound 6 during 100 ns simulation time.

GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, Docking and Molecular Dynamics Approaches to Identify Potential SARS-CoV-2 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease Inhibitors from Zingiber officinale Roscoe.

Nigella plant genus has potential as anti-HIV. One species of Nigella, Nigella sativa has been reported to have HIV-1 protease enzyme inhibitory activity. This research aims to determine the compounds of the Nigella genus that have activity as HIV-1 protease enzyme inhibitory activity through molecular docking method by Autodock Vina and to compare interaction stability through molecular dynamics simulations by AMBER. The metabolite of the Nigella genus was obtained from the KnapSack website, and enzyme model was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (3NU3). The results of molecular docking found the lowest affinity energy of Nigella compound is Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite (-13.4 kcal/mol). Meanwhile, the affinity energy of the ligand native (Amprenavir) was -12.1 kcal/mol. The lowest affinity energy of Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite might be predicted to have potency as an HIV-1 Protease inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulation showed Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) value of Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite with the amino acid active site is 0.4064 A for ASP:25 and 0.5667 A for ASP: 125. Whereas RMSF ligand native with the amino acid active site, ASP: 25 is 0.3647 A and ASP: 125 is 0.3639 A. The higher RMSF value of Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite describes the lower interaction stability than the ligand native.

/pdf/penambatan-molekuler-dan-simulasi-dinamika-molekuler-senyawa-f0wlio1gei.pdf

Penambatan Molekuler dan Simulasi Dinamika Molekuler Senyawa Dari Genus Nigella Terhadap Penghambatan Aktivitas Enzim Protease HIV-1: Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Compounds from Nigella Genus on Protease HIV-1 Enzyme Inhibitors

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become a worldwide health problem today. There are approximately 30 anti-HIV-1 drugs that have been used in the treatment of AIDS. However, effective anti HIV-1 agents with less side affect and high inhibition potency are still in demand. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the potential compounds from Zingiberaceae plants that might be active as anti-HIV-1 by molecular docking. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking simulation was performed by using AutoDock 4.2 on Linux operation system. Docking protocol was validated by using root mean square deviation (RMSD) value using redocking and cross-docking methods. The reported metabolites from Zingiberaceae plants were docked on HIV-1 protease, integrase, and reverse transcriptase protein enzymes. Results: The docking result showed that the genera of Zingiber, Etlingera, Alpinia, Hedychium, and Boesenbergia have potential metabolites that inhibit HIV protease, integrase, and reverse transcriptase enzymes by possessing lower docking energy than native ligand of amprenavir, raltegravir, and nevirapine. Among the metabolites, noralpindenoside B and alpindenoside A from Alpinia densespicata inhibited protease enzymes with the lowest docking energy of -18.02 and -17.90 kcal/mol, respectively. Meanwhile, panduratin E from Boesenbergia pandurata Roxb. and 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol from Etlingera elatior showed the lowest docking energy on integrase protein with docking energy of -11.97 and -11.41 kcal/mol, respectively. Pahangensin A from Alpinia pahangensis Ridley showed the lowest docking energy on reverse transcriptase enzyme with docking energy of -13.76 kcal/mol. Conclusion: The docking molecular study has identified the possible potential compounds from Zingiberaceae plants that might be used for anti-HIV-1 treatment. So, this study suggested further isolation and purification of the predicted compounds.

Docking study on anti-HIV-1 activity of secondary metabolites from Zingiberaceae plants

Quercetin and daidzin are flavonoid and flavonoid glycoside type compounds that have been found in many plants and nutraceuticals. This study aims to examine the in vitro cytotoxic and selectivity properties of quercetin and daidzin on breast and cervical cancers and to study their molecular interaction and stability on epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) by applying molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In vitro anticancer activity was performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method on breast cancer cell (T47D), cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and Vero normal cells, while molecular docking and MD simulation were done by using AutoDock Vina and Amber18 package software, respectively. Quercetin and daidzin showed potent cytotoxic and high selectivity on both cell lines. Daidzin was found to has a higher IC 50 and selectivity index than quercetin. Docking and MD results showed that both compounds prefer to interact with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK). Daidzin showed better interaction than quercetin with a docking score of -9.6 kcal/mol. Also, daidzin was found more stable than quercetin with low RMSD and RMSF values.

https://www.jurnal.ugm.ac.id/ijc/article/download/53552/30083

Saipul Maulana

Papers

Antiviral phytocompounds “ellagic acid” and “(+)-sesamin” of Bridelia retusa identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro using extensive molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, binding free energy calculations, and bioactivity prediction

GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, Docking and Molecular Dynamics Approaches to Identify Potential SARS-CoV-2 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease Inhibitors from Zingiber officinale Roscoe.

Penambatan Molekuler dan Simulasi Dinamika Molekuler Senyawa Dari Genus Nigella Terhadap Penghambatan Aktivitas Enzim Protease HIV-1: Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Compounds from Nigella Genus on Protease HIV-1 Enzyme Inhibitors

Docking study on anti-HIV-1 activity of secondary metabolites from Zingiberaceae plants

In Vitro and In Silico Studies of Quercetin and Daidzin as Selective Anticancer Agents