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Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

December, 2020, Volume 32, 5, pp 25357-25374

Review Article

Review Article

The Pharmaceuticals Using for COVID-19 Patients and in Silico Natural Product Studies about COVID-19

Sibel Avunduk*

Author Affiliations

Medical Laboratory Techniques Programme, Vocational College of Medical Health, Turkey

Received: December 16, 2020 | Published: December 23, 2020

Corresponding author: Sibel Avunduk, Medical Laboratory Techniques Programme, Vocational College of Medical Health, Mugla University, Turkey

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.32.005318

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic without a doubt will be regarded the biggest epidemic which is still going on to impact the whole world in the humanity history. That’s why it is imperative to discover new therapeutic agents and vaccines by the scientific world. This review especially includes the studies and reviews about therapy protocols used in the cure of COVID-19, also the papers about in silico researches on phytochemical compounds and the other marketed drugs. The aim of the review to summarize the antiviral drugs experienced in COVID-19 cure during the first peak of the pandemic; compile and inform the in silico studies focused on the plant sourced compounds and repurposed drugs. The review will generate a guiding source to further in vitro and in vivo research in the way of looking for effective compounds to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction

In these bizarre moments, the Coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a serious impact globally. Most countries have enforced strict ‘lock- down’, and social distancing and isolation of the old and vulnerable are considered [1]. COVID-19 is lead to SARS-CoV-2, which is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. The infection is frequently perplexed by a obvious inflammatory response, which, in order, can beget multiorgan malfunction, respiratory collapse, and death [2]. There is no accepted practical cure for SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, showing an acute and crucial required for novel drugs or vaccines [3,4]. SARS-CoV-2 is commonly less pathogenic than SARS-CoV, much less pathogenic than the Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS-CoV, but more pathogenic than practically powerless HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-229E, and HCoV- NL63. The announced case-fatality rate of COVID-19 is %3% and is so rather low as compared with SARS 30% (Table 1). Nonetheless, the transmission rate (TR) (number of newly infected people per infected person) of 2.5 to 3 is high and clarifies the danger of the current pandemic. For comparison, the TR of the yearly typical cold is less than 1.4 [5]. In December 2019, an abnormal viral pneumonia induce to a novel coronavirus was diagnosed in Wuhan, China [6]. Within months, the disease, later called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO), had dispersed worldwide and turn into a universal health emergency. As stated in WHO, as of June 09, 2020, the number of accepted cases was over 7,039,918 and the number of deaths more than 404 396 [6,7].

The Drugs Using COVID-19 Treatment

Antiviral Agents

a. IFN-α: Type I interferons, along with IFN-α and IFN-β, have wide-spectrum antiviral properties [8]. IFN-α can precisely inhibit virus replication or can manage antiviral effects by stimulating inherited or adaptive immunity [9,10]. Clinical examination in animals and humans exhibited that MERS-CoV infections were arbitrated by both virus replication and host inflammatory responses. Those findings bring about analysis of combination cures that constituted type I interferon (IFN-I) and IFN-II. Interferon beta (IFN- β) showed the best effectiveness, with EC50s of 1.37 to 17IU/ml, for decreasing MERS-CoV replication in tissue culture [11,12]. Chiefly, another controlled trial was begun in China to examine the efficacy of LPV/RTV and IFN-a α 2b in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections (Clinical Trials registration no. ChiCTR2000029308) [13].

b. Lopinavir/Ritonavir: Lopinavir was early athorized in the United States in 2000 for the medication of HIV infection [14]. It is a protease inhibitor and is generally applied in together with ritonavir to increase its half-life by the inhibition of cytochrome P450 [15]. Presently, the drug has been utilized in the clinical cure of COVID-19 at a quantitiy of 400mg/100 mg for adults two times in a day, and the way of healing does not dure more than 10 days [16]. Notwithstanding, this treatment has definite toxic and adverse effects on the healing of COVID-19. Thus, its safety and potency need further investigation. Newly, a number of clinical studies have exerts that lopinavir/ritonavir cure has no significant power [10,17,18]. Lopinavir/Ritonavir (LPV/r), also acknowledged as Kaletra, is an oral mixture agent for healing HIVaccepted by the FDA, which has displayed anti-coronavirus efficacy in researchs of SARS and MERS [19-22]. As a new protease inhibitor, LPV/r breaks off viral nucleic acid replication via inhibition of 3CLpro [23,24]. Even though more clinical trials are ongoing lopinavir/ritonavir, recent data do not hold lopinavir/ritonavir in COVID-19 cure. This because of important drug on drug interactions and their hidden adverse reactions. In accordance with a current RCT, about 50% of patients administered with lopinavir/ritonavir observed at least one side effect and 14% of patients had to cut off the therapy [25]. The prime adverse reactions of lopinavir/ritonavir consist of the gastrointestinal maladies (up to 30%) and hepatotoxicity (between 2% and 10%) [26]. More severe side reactions are defined by hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, abnormalities in cardiac conduction [25,27,28].

c. Ribavirin

Ribavirin is a purine nucleoside derivative with a extensivespectrum antiviral power [29]. It is used primarily to heal respiratory syncytial virus infection [30] and in mixed with interferon for hepatitis C [31]. Ribavirin was broadly used in 2003 to heal SARS- CoV infection, but when utilized alone, it implayed to have no action and generated important hemolysis in many sufferers [32-35]. When ribavirin was blended with IFN-β, it had favorable antiviral action in in vitro assays [36]. Preperatory in vitro assay results show that ribavirin can deactivate SARS-CoV-2 in a human cell line. In the most recent “Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia”, it is advised to administer ribavirin at a shot of 500 mg each time for adults and in combination with interferon or lopinavir/ritonavir, with 2–3 intravenous infusions every day. The course of healing does not exceed 10 days [16,10].

d. Arbidol

Umifenovir (ArbidolTM), (ethyl-6-bromo-4-[(dimethylamino) me- thyl]-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-2 [(phenylthio)methyl]-indole- 3-carboxylate hydrochloride monohydrate), (CAS number: 131707−25-0), is a little indole-derivate compound manufactured by JSC Pharmstandard, Russia [37,38]. Arbidol is a non-nucleoside wide-spectrum antiviral medicine for upper respiratory tract infections generated by influenza A and B viruses, and it was first accepted Russia [37]. It can prevent the adhesion of viruses to host cells and impede them from infesting human cells [39]. Concurrent, it can boost the synthesis of interferon, which can inhibit influenza virus invasion and heal influenza virus infection [40]. As represented in the latest “Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia”, arbidol is utilized at a dose of 200 mg for adults three times day to day, and the line of cure does not outpace 10 days [10,16]. In a clinical pilot experiment handled in January 2020 in Wuhan, China, 36 sufferers with COVID-19 disease took 400 mg umifenovir three times a day for 9 days; 31 untreated COVID-19 patients played as a control group [41]. In this trial, healing with umifenovir displayed a tendency to lessen viral load detected by RT-PCR, and reduced mortality (0 % vs. 16 %), as compared to the control group [41].
In a single-center, retrospective cohort trial operated in February 2020 in Guangdong, China, 16 sufferers with COVID-19 bug received orally 200 mg umifenovir each 8 h plus lopinavir (400mg)/ritonavir (100mg) every 12 h for 5–21 days; seventeen COVID-19 cases got lopinavir (400mg)/ritonavir (100mg) every 12h and acted as a control group [42]. After 14 days of healing, determination of SARS−COV-2 by RT-PCR was negative in 94 % of the umifenovir- cured patients vs. 53 % in the control group, and the chest computed tomography scans were developing for 69 % of the umifenovir-cured patients vs. 29 % in the control group [42]. In view of these auspicious clinical outcomes, clinical studies with umifenovir only or in combination with lopinavir/ ritonavir, chloroquine phosphate or carrimycin have been currently commenced in China [38,43-46].

e. Favipiravir

Favipiravir (AviganTM), (T-705), (6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2- pyrazinecarboxamide), (CAS number: 259793−96-9), is an oral pyrazinecarboxamide analogue and guanine derivative advanced by Toyama Chemical, Japan that choosy and powerfully inhibits the RNA- dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses and activates lethal RNA transversion mutations, by that producing a useless virus phenotype [38,47-49]. Favipiravir have [50,51] a capability to inhibit RNA-dependent polymerase [52] and was accepted for commerce in Japan in 2014. It is applied for antiviral cure of influenza A and B [52] and can powerfully inhibit Ebola virus, yellow fever virus [53], etc. In vitro assays have demonstrated that favipiravir is active for COVID-19 and that its EC50 is 61.88μM [54]. Till today, some clinical trials of favipiravir in the healing of COVID-19 have been performed in China. Current clinical researches have found that contrasted with the antiviral medicine arbidol, the clinical action of favipiravir is more serious. Nucleic acid positive-to-negative time, mean antipyretic time and cough remission time were all better than those of the arbidol group [10,18]. Favipiravir was able to blockade the RDRP of SARS-CoV and MERS in vitro. Because of the high resemblence of SARS- CoV-2 genome with SARS-CoV [55] this treatment is believed a potential candidate for COVID-19, though in vitro efficacy on SARS-CoV-2 has not been analyzed yet [56]. Favipiravir is now being evaluated in RCTs calling up patients with COVID-19, to figüre out its efficacy when mixed with interferon-α or baloxavir marboxil (approved InfV inhibitor) (ChiCTR2000029548) [57].

f. Remdesivir (GS-5734)

Remdesivir (GS-5734), (CAS number: 1809249−37-3), is a novel tiny-molecule adenine nucleotide analogue antiviral compound that has exhibited potency against Ebola virus in rhesus monkeys. Remdesivir shows antiviral activity against other single stranded RNA viruses, containing filoviruses, pneumoviruses, paramyxoviruses, and the coronaviruses MERS-CoV and SARSCoV [38,58-60]. Remdesivir was first utilized to treat Ebola virus, and it has achieved phase 2 clinical trials [61]. As a nucleoside derivative, it can reach out with RdRp [62,63], and the triphosphate form of remdesivir will fight with adenosine triphosphate, causing to slowed chain termination and prohibiting viral replication and transcription [64]. According to the above proof, remdesivir has been practiced to cure SARS-CoV-2, and in vitro researches showed that remdesivir has a satisfying inhibitory action on SARS-CoV-2, with an EC50 of 0.77μM [54]. Currently, the first COVID-19 victim in USA was cured with remdesivir on the 7th day of hospitalization, and their clinical signs were made better significantly [10,65]. In in-vitro study, the EC50 of Remdesivir against SARS-COV-2 in Vero E6 cells was 0.77μM and the EC90 was 1.76μM [66]. The symptoms of a COVID-19 positive patient in Washington, USA cured with Remdesivir improved and no noteworthy side effects were observed. Eventually, 13 days after treatment with Remdesivir the outcome of real-time RT-PCR analysis from the oropharyngeal swab was negative for SARS-CoV-2 [67,68].

g. Chloroquine Phosphate

Chloroquine phosphate (ResochinTM) and its derivative hydroxychloroquine (QuensylTM, PlaquenilTM, HydroquinTM, DolquineTM, QuinoricTM) have been practiced for ten years for the prophylaxis and healing of malaria and for the cure of chronic Q fever and various autoimmune illnesses [69] and have newly been indicated as promising broad-spectrum antiviral medicine [38,70,71]. Chloroquine phosphate is an antimalarial medicine that has been on the market for many years, and it also has a promising broad- spectrum antiviral effect [72,73]. It can boost the pH of lysosomes to block virus fusion with the cell membrane and then prevent virus passage and infection [39]. Some researchers have detected that the spike glycoprotein on the virus envelope connects to the ACE2 receptor to mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection [74,75]. Chloroquine phosphate has been announced to intervene with the glycosylation of the ACE2 receptor, thereby preventing the attaching of SARS-CoV to cells and attaining therapeutic goals [76]. Thus, chloroquine phosphate is utilized to heal COVID-19, and in vitro assays exhibit that chloroquine phosphate does hinder SARSCoV- 2 and that its EC50 is 1.13μM [54]. Chloroquine phosphate is utilized for the healing of COVID-19 in adults aged 18–65 years. The patients who weigh more than 50kg will take 500mg two times in a day for 7 days, while the patients who weigh less than 50 kg will receive 500 mg two times in a day on the first and second days of treatment, and 500 mg once daily on days 3–7 [16,10]. Chloroquine sulfate and phosphate salts were both sold as antimalarial medicine. Hydroxychloroquine has been extensively used as an antimalarial and in autoimmune ailments, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These are medicines with a good safety profile with mild and transient side effects, if accurately dosed. In case of overdose or extended treatments, they can bring about cardiomyopathies and QT prolongation [77]. Chloroquine has been used in miscellaneous chronic viral diseases too. In HIV infection, no positive reactions emerged, so the drug was not contained in the recommended panel for the treatment of HIV [78]. The only viral infection in which hydroxychloroquine showed any potency was found in chronic hepatitis C, especially if related with interferon pegylated plus ribavirin [57,79]. The molecular mechanism of Chloroquine against SARS-CoV is notorious [80,81]. Very currently, Wang, et al. [82] reported time-of- addition assay that clarified the function of CQ (EC50 1⁄4 1.13mM; CC50 > 100mM; SI > 88.50) at both entry along with at post-entry stages of the novel corona virus infection in Vero E6 cells [83].
In a new publication, [84] it was explained that ‘according to the news update’, outcomes from more than 100 cases have displayed that chloroquine phosphate is superior to the regulate healing in curbing the exacerbation of pneumonia, developing lung imaging data, boosting a virus negative adaptation, and shortening the ailment course’. Notwithstanding, no data from these clinical trials have yet been dropped to support this report, making it impractical to draw solid conclusions [85].

h. Hydroxychloroquine

As a derivative of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine has akin potency and few side effects. Stand on its typical features of immunomodulation, antithrombotic action, and augmented inflammation, hydroxychloroquine has been practiced in the clinical cure of systemic lupus erythematosus [86]. Hydroxychloroquine has been presented to have anti-SARS-CoV activity in vitro [87], and it is clinically harmless than chloroquine [88,89]. Some clinical researchers have discovered that after healing with hydroxychloroquine, the viral load actually diminishes or even disappears, and azithromycin can improve the antiviral impact [10,90,91]. In France, 26 COVID-19 sufferers were cured for 6 days with hydroxychloroquine (200mg, three times Per day) [90]. Six of these victims also took azithromycin. Sixteen patients were served as the control group. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was checked in nasopharyngeal swabs daily concurrently with the treatment. During the trial, six patients from the cured group had to be removed and were not regarded in data analysis. Three sufferers had to be moved to intensive care units, one departed from the hospital on account of the patient tested negative, one broke cure beceuse of the side responses and one individual died pending the treatment. The authors announced clearance in SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the nasopharyngeal swabs in 57% of chloroquine-cured sufferers correlated to 12.5% of uncured sufferers at day 6 post-inclusion in the trial. Furthermore, a synergistic action of azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine was adviced, because all sufferers healed with this mixture eliminated viral RNA by day 6 post-inclusion. Nevertheles, as not all cases entered the research at the same stage of the ailment, it is hard to evaluate whether the clearance in viral RNA was due to the cure or due to the immune system of the patient. Besides, the mixture of chloroquine and azithromycin is related with fierce QT prolongation and should so be considered with carefulness. Before chloroquine can be believed safe and powerful as a medication for COVID-19, more researches are required [85].

i. Ivermectin

Ivermectin has been investigated onwards 1946 against avid diphtheria. It was regarded as an mysterious multifaceted ‘wonder’ compound in 2017 [92]. More currently it has also been applied (as already accepted by the FDA) as an anti-parasitic against scabies and evenly against HIV, Zika, Dengue, West Nile, and Influenza viruses [93]. Its mechanism of action draws in the dissociation of the preformed IMPα/β1 heterodimer, in charge for the nuclear transport of loads of viral proteins [94]. Newly, an in vivo research has shown Ivermectin’s ability to decrease viral RNA up to 5000 times after 48h of SARS-CoV-2 infection [95]. It is recently under trial in COVID-19 positive victims, with a dosage of 12mg weekly, together with hydroxychloroquine. With a familiar safety figure for pesticide use, more researches will be needed to characterize and to set up the proper dosage of Ivermectin in the healing of COVID-19 [28]. j. IL-6 Inhibitors

Tocilizumab (Actemra) is a humanised interleukin-6 (IL- 6) receptor antagonist that was accepted to cure victims with rheumatoid arthritis. A non-peer reviewed publication explains the outcomes of a single-arm Chinese trial in which 21 serious or critical COVID-19 sufferers got tocilizumab. Day after taking tocilizumab, the body temperature of all victims back to normal situations and continued balanced for the next days. Besides, the requirement for supplemental oxygen reduced in 75% of the cured patients. Even supposing promising, the absence of a control group makes it complex to comprehend the real advantage of this medication. Stand on these outcomes, China renewed its healing guidelines and accepted the use of tocilizumab to heal COVID-19 sufferers with severe lung damage and high IL-6 levels [85]. Tocilizumab is also investigated in administration blended with Favipinavir, to analyze a feasible synergistic effect of the two medicines. The results of this research are awaited to be assessible by the end of May/June 2020. Tocilizumab can cause an raised risk of infections, exceptionally of the upper airways, escalated AST transaminases, hypertension, hematological effects, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal perforation, hypersensitivity responds to the active bacis [28,96,97]. Tocilizumab can hold up two fundamental inflammatory aspects, IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, by that lowering the level of inflammation.
A multicenter RCT to appraise the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in the medication of moderate patients at high risk of evolution toward serious and critical disorder (registration number: ChiCTR2000029765) was recently finished. Results of this trial are not yet accessible; however, they are inferred to be positive in patients with elevated IL-6 levels [57]. Sarilumab, another IL-6 receptor antagonist, practiced for rheumatoid arthritis, is being controlled in an adjusting phase-2/3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled research in hospitalized severe COVID-19 victims [28]. Sarilumab is a wholly human monoclonal IgG1 antibody targeting soluble and membrane IL-6 receptors, impeding IL-6-mediated signal transduction interceded by these receptors [98] biologic is accepted as subcutaneous cure in patients over 18 years of age with moderate-to-severe active RA refractory or intolerant to one or more disease-altering antirheumatic drugs [99]. Sarilumab is recently being applied in the healing of victims with dangerous forms of COVID-19. Five RCTs are ongoing (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04315298, NCT04327388, NCT04324073, NCT04322773, and NCT04321993), the outcomes of which will be of great importance [57].

k. Boceprevir

Ma et. al. using the FRET-grounded enzymatic assay, assorted inhibitors containing boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, and XII were identified to have effective activity with singledigit to submicromolar IC50 values in the enzymatic analysis. The mechanism of action of the hits was additional characterized using enzyme kinetic researches, thermal shift binding assays, and native mass spectrometry. Substantially, four compounds (boceprevir, GC-376, calpain inhibitors II and XII) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral duplication in cell culture with EC50 values varying from 0.49 to 3.37μM [100].

l. Azitromycin

Researchers suggest valuable impacts of azithromycin in decreasing viral load of hospitalized sufferers, likely intervening with ligand/CD147 receptor interactions; nonetheless, its possible impact on SARS-CoV-2 infiltration has not yet been appraised. Besides the possible action in infestation, azithromycin lessens the expression of some metalloproteinases (downstream to CD147), promotes anti-viral reactions in basic human bronchial epithelial infected with rhinovirus, diminishing viral replication and delivery. Moreover, resident lung progenitor/stem are broadly make a distinction into myofibroblasts all along pulmonary fibrosis, a complication detected in COVID-19 victims. This process, and the attainable direct viral infestation of progenitor/stem cells via CD147 or ACE2, could result in the lessening of these cellular stocks and defect lung repair [101].

m. Baricitinib

Baricitinib intracellularly prevents the proinflammatory indication of assorted cytokines by suppressing Janus kinase (JAK) JAK1/JAK2. It has been shown clinical advantage for the sufferers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), active systemic lupus erythematosus and atopic dermatitis with good efficiency and safety reports. Baricitinib is awaited to cut off the transition and intracellular congregation of SARS-CoV-2 into the target cells mediated by ACE2 receptor, and heal cytokine storm boosted by COVID-19. Baricitinib has not been accepted for cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, As of April 29, 2020, 14 clinical assays of baricitinib in the cure of COVID-19 have been revealed for reference, and one of which has been accomplished with promising results. In these clinical trials, participants were applied baricitinib 2 mg or 4 mg in a day as monotherapy or in blended with antiviral medicines (such as Lopinavir/Ritonavir) for 7–14 days. Baricitinib is recommended for mean to serious COVID- 19 patients. However based on drug commands of the US FDA, the following side responses require to be noted.

1) Severe Infections The most generally known serious infections presented with baricitinib included pneumonia, herpes zoster, and urinary tract infection.
2) Malignancy Clinical drug administration research has displayed that malignancies rule out non-melanoma skin cancers were reported in 2 victims treated with baricitinib 2 mg and 6 sufferers cured with baricitinib 4 mg during the 0 to 52 week healing period.
3) Thrombosis, containing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) has been observed at an elevated incidence in cases treated with baricitinib.
4) abnormalities like neutropenia, lymphopenia, anemia, thrombocytosis, liver enzyme rises (ALT, AST), lipid increasings (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and elevation of creatine phosphokinase (CK).
Therefore stay away from the use of baricitinib in victims with active, severe infection and active TB.
1) Baricitinib is not advised in sufferers with ALC (Absolute lymphocyte count) < 0.5 × 109/L, ANC < 1.0 × 109/ L or Hb < 8 g/dL.
2) Prompt research of the cause of liver enzyme increasing is recommended. If elevates in ALT or AST are detected and drugpromoted liver injury is distrusted, interrupt baricitinib just before this diagnosis is removed.
3) Baricitinib should be utilized with caution in sufferers who have risk factors like older age, obesity, history of DVT (deep venous thrombosis)/PE(pulmonary embolism), and the utilization of selective COX-2 inhibitor [102].

In silico studies: The potential drug candidates to cure COVID-19

In this work, Borkotoky and Banerjee et. all. have used docking and simulation methods to determine tiny compound inhibitors of SARS- CoV-2 Membrane (M) and Envelope (E) proteins, which are vital for virus congregation and growing. A sum of 70 molecules from an Indian medicinal plant source (Azadirachta indica or Neem) were practically scanned against these two proteins and advanced examined with molecular dynamics simulations, which lead to the determination of a few familiar molecules with powerful connecting to both structural proteins. The molecules attach to biologically critical areas of M and E, displaying their capacity to prevent the functionality of these compounds [103]. These compounds, derived from Neem, showed stable binding and interactions with critical regions of E and M needed assembly; and were predicted to have good pharmacokinetic characteristics. Nimbolin A exhibited the strongest binding free energy with both E and M proteins. Other compounds: Nimocin and Cycloartanols (24- Methylenecycloartanol and 24-Methylenecycloartan-3-one) were also prevalent ligands, binding powerfully to both proteins. A recent study has displayed ameliorating action of Neem extract on propagation and pathophysiology of another representative of the coronavirus family [104], augment the potential of these compounds as potential therapeutic preferences.
The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the significant aims to create and improve antiviral medicines. In this study, Islam et. all. have picked 40 antiviral phytochemicals to learn the perfect nominees which can play as useful inhibitors against the main protease. Molecular docking is performed using Auto Dock Vina and GOLD suite to detect the binding affinities and interactions between the phytochemicals and the main protease [105].

Among the researched 40 phytochemicals, hypericin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, baicalin, glabridin, and a-ketoamide-11r exhibit the topmost binding affinity and powerful interactions with both or at least one of the catalytic residuum (Cys145 and His41) of the main protease. These compounds display many noncovalent interactions, being hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions. MD outcomes show that in the physiological environment, baicalin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, and a-ketoamide-11r are the most durable ligands and they are making a higher number of interactions through hydrogen bonds with the main protease [105]. Saikosaponin is a group of oleanane analogs presented in Chinese medicinal plants and are defined for their antiviral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antinephritis and hepatoprotective actions. Besides, they have been common to possess anti-coronaviral feature by impeding the early step of viral replication containing absorption and penetration of the virus. Hence, the Sinha and co-workers’ study was attempted to evaluate and appraise the efectiveness of various Saikosaponins against various sets of SARS-CoV-2 binding protein via computational molecular docking simulations [106].

From the binding energy and interaction researchs, the Saikosaponins U and V displayed the perfect affinity towards both the proteins proposing them to be future investigation compound as they identify the ambition interaction with NSP15, which is at the bottom of duplication of RNA and also with 2019-nCoV spike glycoprotein which control the binding to ACE2 [106]. Saikosaponin U and V have octadecahydropicene ring with substituted oxane ring but one more additional oxane ring of Saikosaponin U afford better grip into the extensive binding pocket (residues from 319- 519) of spike glycoprotein. The smaller structure of Saikosaponin V makes it terrific fit ligand into the narrow binding pocket of NSP 15. Thus they can say that Saikosaponin U and V would be the prospect research interest ligand as they show the longing interaction with NSP15, which is causing the replication of RNA and also with 2019- nCov spike glycoprotein which control the linkage with ACE2 [106]. The paper have been written by Enmozhi and co-workers assesses the molecule Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata as a possible inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-COV-2 (Mpro) through in silico studies like molecular docking, target analysis, toxicity prediction and ADME prediction. Andrographolide was docked well in the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro [107].
The compound have excellent properties of drug-ability as well tiny biomolecule. The molar refractivity of the compound proves that the drug compound is permeable through peculiar membranes and can remain stable even in the midst of strong or weak solute-solvent, solvent- solvent interactions. Through lipophilicity of the drug compound we can notice that the compound has ideal property for oral and intestinal absorption and is able to be absorbed sub-lingual as well. Through water solubility characteristics predicted the drug is free soluble [107]. In the Fakhar and co-workesrs’ study, the nominee anthocyanin-derived molecules from PubChem library were filtered seeing antiviral properties of anthocyanins. The structure-based pharmacophore modeling was deepened standed on the co-crystallized structure of the enzyme with its biological effective inhibitor. The spawned hypotheses were practiced for virtual screening-based PHASE Screen Score. Delphinidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside [108] Delphinidin 3,3’ -di-glucoside-5-(6-p-coumarylglucoside) [109] 2-(3,4,5-Trihydroxyphenyl)- 3-[6-[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acryloyl]-beta- D-galactopyranosyloxy]-5,7-dihydroxy-1-benzopyrylium 2-(3,4,5- Trihydroxyphenyl)-3-[6-[(Z)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acryloyl]- beta-D-galactopyranosyloxy]-5,7-dihydroxy-1-benzopyrylium [110] 3-O-[b-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-[4-hyd r o x y c i n n a m o y l - ( - > 6 ) ] - b - D - g l u c o p y r a n o s i d e ] ( E - ) , 5-O-(6-O-malonyl-b-D-glucopyranoside) Pelargonidin 3-O-[b-D-Glucopyranosyl-( 1->2)-[4-hydroxycinnamoyl-(->6)]-b-D-glucopyranoside]( E-) 5-O-(6-O-malonyl-b-D- glucopyranoside) [111,112] 3-< [4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-[(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-< [hydroxy( 4-oxocyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methoxy]methyl > oxan- 2- yl)oxy]oxan-2-yl]oxy>-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-5-< [3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy>-1lambdachromen- 1-ylium [111,112] Cyanidin 3-(60 ’-p-coumarylsambubioside) [113] were examined.

The six outstanding top molecules using added precision docking protocol were chosen hinged on their docking binding affinities and analyzed for ADMET prediction-based physicochemical and pharmacokinetic descriptors and MD simulations analysis. MD simulations way disclosed the two greatly selective molecules i.e. 44256921(Delphinidin 3,3’ -di-glucoside-5-(6-p-coumarylglucoside) [109] and 131751762(3-O-[b-D-Glucopyranosyl-( 1->2)-[4-hydroxycinnamoyl-(->6)]-b-D-glucopyranoside]( E-),5-O-(6-O-malonyl-b-D-glucopyranoside) Pelargonidin3-O-[b-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-[4-hydroxycinnamoyl-(-> 6)]-b-D-glucopyranoside](E-) 5-O-(6-O-malonyl-b-D- glucopyranoside) [111-112] possessed considerable binding affinity and likely prevention of the target. Depend on their complete findings, compounds 44256921 and 131751762 could be suggested as promising hits against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme [114]. The other current computational representation and molecular dynamics study evidently demonstrates the antiviral action [115] of Plantiricin compounds, because of multiple mechanistic approach by metabolic product of Lactobacillus plantarum prevents the entry by binding with RdRp, RBD, and ACE2. The blocking of leading structural protein S is one of the essential accessory protein, acting a critical role in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 can verify to be one of the best target for other molecules. The allegation is substantiated by Molecular dynamics model that make more powerful stability of the complexes of plantaricin w and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp enzyme, RBD of spike protein, and human ACE2 receptor [116].

The present Anwar and co-workers’ research is a work for a computational point to inhibit the leftover binding protein (RBP) on spike proteins (S), Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor proteins by probiotics i.e Plantaricin BN, Plantaricin JLA- 9, Plantaricin W, Plantaricin D together with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Docking analysis were formed for attaining the binding energies for Plantaricin metabolites. The binding energies for Plantaricin W were 14.64, 11.1 and 12.68 for polymerase, RBD and ACE2 accordingly relatively extreme with other molecules [116]. Plantaricin W, D, and JLA-9 were can inhibit the residues (THR556, ALA558) encircling the deep grove catalytic spot (VAL557) of RdRp making them more curatively active for COVID-19. Molecular dynamics analysis make more powerful stability of the complexes of plantaricin w and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp enzyme, RBD of spike protein, and human ACE2 receptor [116]. Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) is a natural oil extracted from the fruit of the palm and is very familiar in the legal Amazon region, Brazil. In the Costa and associates’ present investigation, the anti-Covid-19 biological action of some compounds of Buriti oil was scanned utilizing in silico techniques of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. The leading outcomes of Molecular Docking disclosed beneficial interaction energies in the formation of the 2GTB peptidase complex (main peptid- ase of SARS-CoV) with the 13-cisb- carotene ligands (DGbind 1⁄4 10.23Kcal mol1), 9-cis -b-carotene (DGbind 1⁄4 9.82Kcal mol1), and a-carotene (DGbind 1⁄4 8.34Kcal mol1) [117].

The investigation of the interactions determined in both Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics and, therefore, the values of energies free of desirable interactions for molecules 13-cis-b-carotene, 9-cis-b-carotene, and a-carotene against 2GTB peptidase indicate that these compounds are promising nominee for planning novel medicines to combat Covid-19 [117]. Cefuroxime also as a high-ranked possible inhibitor medicine against SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Six researches were described. These studies showed Cefuroxime as a possible inhibitor of 3 key SARS-CoV-2 proteins; main protease, RNA dependent RNA polymerase, and ACE2- Spike complex [118]. Galvez and colleagues [119] applied a Molecular Topology (MT) methodology that has been outstanding in analyzing medicine for cancer, Alzheimer’s illment, and Malaria [120]. The MT way involves depicting the structure, and by extension, the pharmacologic effect of medicines or compounds by a series of numbers named topological indices. Galvez and colleagues chose Lopinavir, the HIV-1 protease that was concluded in some researches to own activity against Mpro, as a gold standard drug. Utilizing the MT method, they scanned about 15,000 compounds from 2 drug databases and determined 22 other medicines, covering Cefuroxime, that are concluded to attach stronger than Lopinavir. Lopinavir possessed an index value of 2.9 while Cefuroxime had an index value of 3.9 [118].

Almeciga-Diaz and colleagues [121] utilized a proprietary algorithm [122] to evaluate a subgroup of ZINC database for medicine that could connect to the active hole of Mpro. They detected a greatly strong correlation (R2 1⁄4 0.89) between the binding energy and noted IC50 of these inhibitors. Thereupon, they anticipated IC50 stand on binding energy. From scanning of over 11,000 medicines, they found 10 possible inhibitor medicines, containing Cefuroxime, that owned smaller binding energy than the formerly mentioned inhibitors. Cefuroxime listed 8th and was concluded to attach with affinity energy of -9.2kcal/mol with an IC50 of 2.09mM [118]. Koulgi and co-workers [123] applying both a “direct docking” and an “ensemble docking” approach. The direct docking was a simple docking of promising medicines against the crystal structure of Mpro while the altogether coming included docking against variations in conformation of the active pocket of Mpro, which generally cause to perfect outcomes. Cefuroxime, via trade name of Ceftin, was classified as the second-successful medicine from the FDA drug library via the whole method with a grid score of -49.33 [118]. Al-Khafaji and associates [124] practiced covalent docking scanning to determine potent compounds that could connect covalently, thus irreversibly, to Cys145 of the active point of Mpro. Cys145 of Mpro has been found as an important residue that can be covalently attached by compounds to impede function of Mpro [125-127]. They confirmed that the top 8 compounds showed a greater affinity to form covalent, irreversible bond with Cys145 of the active cavity of Mpro. Cefuroxime was the 5th apical ranking medicine with a binding energy of -54.25 kcal/ mol while Remdesivir rated third with a binding energy of -65.19 kcal/mol [118]. Wu et. al [128] screened FDA-accepted drugs from ZINC library, and a library of recognized antiviral agents against active points all SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The binding energies of encouraging medicine candidates were articulated as ICM scores and ICM mfscores (mean force scores). The ICM score is a measure of the total experimental function of the concluded physical interaction while the ICM mfscore is an separate score of the power of drug-receptor interaction [129-131]. Per the ICM user guide, the score is regarded as perfect scoring to handle for docking result researches, and ICM scores less than -32 are mainly regarded to be acceptable scores [129]. Wu and co-workers analysed medicine nominees with ICM scores less than -30 or ICM mfscores less than -110 to have possible activity against marked proteins of SARSCoV- 2. From the ICM score input afforded in auxiliary files, against Rdrp, Cefuroxime had an ICM score of -41.30, which was the topmost, and mfscore of -63.04. Remdesivir owned a score of -27.4 and a mfscore of -113 [118].

Elfiky [132] also presented possible binding of Cefuroxime to RdRp. The author performed MDS with molecular docking to the binding of a few of pre-chosen medicines involving antiviral agents and Cefuroxime to RdRp. The median binding energy for Cefuroxime at -6.875kcal/mol was within the limit of error of Remdesivir at -7.16kcal/mol [118]. Dar’ya and colleagues [133] concluded that Cefuroxime may prohibit the ACE2-Spike complex. Once, they developed a system named PolypharmDB that included the estimated binding profiles of over 10,000 confirmed and experimental medicines. PolypharmDB was then questioned for possible medicines that could prevent SARS-CoV-2 proteins of interest, which uncovered Cefuroxime as a hit 5 medicines that may impede ACE2-Spike protein complex [118]. According to the paper written by Breithaupt-Faloppa et. all., the studies displayed that the viral infection promotes a vascular mechanism in the lung, which involved vasodilation and endothelial malfunction. Besides, the ratio of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes were powerfully cut down in sufferers with serious SARS-CoV-2 infection. Estradiol is attached with CD4+ T cell numbers and raises T-reg cell populations, altering immune reactions to infection. It is known that estradiol uses a careful action on endothelial function, stimulating the forming of nitric oxide (NO) via endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Estrogen weakens the vasoconstrictor reaction to different stimuli and promotes vasodilation in the pulmonary vasculature along stress cases like hypoxia. It uses a type of quick reactions, which are started after its coupling with membrane receptors, which in turn, may absolutely regulate vascular reactions in pulmonary illness and aid to keep up microvascular flow. Direct and indirect mechanisms controlling the actions of estradiol were searched, and the outcomes show an attainable defensive effect of estradiol against COVID-19, pinpointing that it may be regarded as an adjuvant healing compound for the cure of patients influenced by the novel coronavirus [134]. Da Silva and research group have carried out a molecular docking analysis running 171 essential oil compounds with SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro), SARS-CoV-2 endoribonuclease (SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15/NendoU), SARS-CoV-2 ADP-ribose-1”-phosphatase (SARS-CoV-2 ADRP), SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (SARS-CoV-2 RdRp), the binding site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SARS-CoV-2 rS), and human angiotensin−converting enzyme (hACE2). The molecule with the perfect normalized docking result to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (E)-β-farnesene. The perfect docking ligands for SARS−CoV Nsp15/NendoU were (E,E)- α-farnesene, (E)-β-farnesene, and (E,E)−farnesol. (E,E)−Farnesol exhibit the most exothermic docking to SARS-CoV-2 ADRP. Sadly, the docking energies of (E,E)−α-farnesene, (E)-β-farnesene, and (E,E)−farnesol with SARS-CoV-2 points were in comparison feeble compared to docking energies with other proteins and are, thus, improbable to interact with the virus points. Nonetheless, essential oil compounds may behave synergistically, essential oils may potentiate other antiviral drugs, or they may bring some comfort of COVID-19 symptoms [135].

Ding et. al. have reported DG (Diammonium glycyrrhizinate), a marketed Chinese traditional drug with a steroid‐like action, in mixed with VC (Vitamin C) as a probable anti‐ inflammatory healing to relieve intense signs from COVID‐19. DG is the effective compound in the traditional Chinese pharmaceutic herb licorice. It is biotransformed into glycyrrhetinic acid, which has a chemical structure akin to that of corticosteroid and therefore functions as a glucocorticoid‐resembling medicine, which may serve afford immune adjustment versus cytokine storm and lessen inflammation, even though might be barely stringent than steroids [136]. It has been indicated glycyrrhizic acid analogs possess antiviral action con SARS‐CoV infection in Vero cells [137]. Their article here reveals a case of nonhospital COVID‐19 that displayed originally positive reactions to DG healing. Although the literal functions of DG versus SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the related immunopathology count on additional analysis, it is attainable that the curative actions of DG detected in this intense COVID‐19 sufferer were a combinatory outcome of the antiviral and anti‐ inflammatory actions of DG in the respiratory and neurological systems. Given these promising pharmacological actions and the proved safety, also the cheap and extensive availability of DG and VC, they recommend that a combination of these might be a valuable nominee for possible medication to aid ease the serious symptoms of COVID‐19 along self‐quarantine [138,139].

Sinha and colleguages’ current investigation was performed to label the active compound from the liquorice con various protein targets of COVID-19 utilizing an in-silico method. The molecular docking demonstration analysis of 20 molecules together with two standard antiviral medicines (Lopinavir and Rivabirin) was performed with the aid of Autodock vina software utilizing two protein targets from COVID-19 i.e. spike glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6VSB) and Non-structural Protein-15 (Nsp15) endoribonuclease (PDB ID: 6W01). From the detected binding energy and the binding interactions, glyasperin A exhibited great affinity against Nsp15 endoribonuclease with uridine particularity, while glycyrrhizic acid was discovered to be perfect fitted for the binding spot of spike glycoprotein and further, prohibited the inlet of the virus into the host cell [140]. The binding free energy of both glyasperin A and glycyrrhizic acid was measured from the complete MD simulation trajectory through the MM-PBSA method and discovered to great binding affinity facing the specific protein receptor pocket. Hence, glyasperin A and glycyrrhizic acid could be regarded as the perfect compound from liquorice, which could get beneficial against COVID-19 [140]. Nitazoxanide is a pro-drug for tizoxanide, which has wide-spectrum antiviral characteristics, has a large numbers of viral signs and exhibits hopeful pharmacodynamics against Coronaviridae [141]. It has not yet been investigated on COVID-19 sufferers but formerly displayed a low in vitro active concentration (eC50) against Middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus and dangerous acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus [142]. Nitazoxanide was so picked out as a perfect nominee for conceivably inhibiting SARS-Cov-2. To evaluate inhibition potential, investigators correlated the maximum serum concentration of tizoxanide (Cmax) with the in vitro eC50 for nitazoxanide for SARS-Cov-2 [143]. Previous evidences of nitazoxanide vary broadly. It is certified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for giardiasis [144]. Notwithstanding, it has been examined and utilized for many other illnesses, involving cryptosporidiosis diarrhoea in HIV patients, influenza, hepatitis viruses, rotavirus and norovirus. As such, the safety description of nitazoxanide is alternatively announced and requires clarification before likely large-scale experiment and healing in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commonly, COVID-19 cure courses are applied for 7–14 days; so, whether nitazoxanide is safe to apply requires to be confirmed for this period [143,145]. Nitazoxanide displays an overall agreeable safety chart, with no important dissimilarity in the existence of overall AEs (adverse effects), severe or gastrointestinal AEs correlated with other antimicrobial regimens or with placebo control. More proof is required regarding particular hepatorenal and cardiovascular effects, also the likely for teratogenicity, however existing indication provides no exact explanation for matter. Though, they advise attention and cautious screening in hepatorenal damaged patients [143]. A Mexican trial correlating nitazoxanide with hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 is presently newcomer (US Clin ical Trials registry number NCT04341493) participants. Additional clinic researches in COVID-19 cases should be started, but the great presented in vitro effect of nitazoxanide con SARS-COV-2 should also be proved. If competence versus SARS- Cov-2 is testified in clinical trials, nitazoxanide may depict a harmless and economical healing in the continuing pandemic [143]. As mentioned the review written by Yanfang and co-workers, aescin isolated from Aesculus hippocastanum and reserpine isolated from various Rauwolfia species [146], were both exhibit to have significant anti-SARS actions with the concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50) values of 3.4 and 6.0 mmol/L, accordingly [147].

Ginsenoside-Rb1, one of the pharmacologically active components of Panax ginseng [148], was presented to have activity against SARS-CoV at the concentration of 100mmol/L [147]. Boenninghausenia sessilicarpa (Rutaceae), a slender and perennial plant, has long been accepted as a coumarin- rich Chinese herbal drug dispensed in the temperate hilly regions at an altitude of 1500-2500m in southwestern China. It is traditionally utilized for the cure of fever, festers and tonsillitis. Leptodactylone, isolated from B. sessilicarpa, was discovered to possess a powerful protective action con virus-infected cells and anti- SARS-CoV action with the inhibition rate of 60% at 100mg/ ml [149]. As well as, it has been displayed that lycorine obtained from Lycoris radiata was determined to own anti-SARS-CoV action with EC50 value of 15.7 1.2nmol/L [150]. Latest research of repurposing of clinically accepted medications for treatment of COVID-19 showed that cepharanthine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from tubers of Stephania japonica (Qianjinteng), exhibited a effective inhibition of a 2019-nCoV-related pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V infection, with EC50 value of 0.98 mmol/L using a 2019-novel coronavirusassociated coronavirus model [151,152]. Kumar et. al. have searched the binding possibility of Withaferin-A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester to TPMRSS2 in contrasting to its common inhibitor, Camostat mesylate. They discovered that both Wi-A and Wi-N could connect and tightly interact at the catalytic pocket of TMPRSS2. Wi-N displayed powerful interactions with TMPRSS2 catalytic residues than Wi-A and was able to bring about alterations in its allosteric cavity too. Moreover, they searched the impact of Wi-N on TMPRSS2 expression in MCF7 cells and discovered significant downregulation of TMPRSS2 mRNA in cured cells concluding dual effect of Wi-N to prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells. As the natural molecules are simply assessible/ cheap, they may present a tprompt curative/preventive advantage for the handling of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic indeed.

They also notify that Wi-A/Wi-N composition differentiates in various parts of Ashwagandha and guarantees attentive regard for their application [153]. Kumar and colleagues have tested the binding ability of Withaferin-A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N) (active with anolides of Ashwagandha) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE, bioactive component of propolis) to a deeply preserve protein, Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. They detected that Wi-N and CAPE, though not Wi-A, connect to the substrate-binding region of SARSCoV- 2 Mpro with virtue and binding energies equal to an previously declared N3 protease inhibitor. Identical to N3 inhibitor, Wi-N and CAPE were interacting with the immensely preserved residues of the proteases of coronaviruses. The binding strength of these compounds was farther analyzed running molecular dynamics demonstrations. The binding free energies measured utilizing MM/GBSA for N3 inhibitor, CAPE and Wi-N were comparable too. Data displayed here concluded that these natural molecules may possess the possible to impede the functional action of SARS-CoV-2 protease (an essential protein for virus survival), and thus

(i) May associate to gain time and cost needed for creating/ improvement, and primary scanning for anti-COVID medicins,
(ii) May suggest some healing benefit for the handling of new fatal corona- virus,
(iii) Warrants preferenced additonal verification in the laboratory and clinical assays [154].

In accordance with Straughn et. al., two separate research groups have found that Withaferin A (WFA), a steroidal lactone with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic characteristics, may bind to the viral spike (S-) protein of SARS-CoV-2.

Also, initial data from Straughn’s research group has presented that WFA does not alter expression of ACE2 in the lungs of tumorincluding female mice. Downregulation of ACE2 has currently been demonstrated to boost the severity of COVID-19. Thus, WFA exhibits real potential as a therapeutic agent to cure or prevent the spread of COVID-19 due to the noted interference in viral S-protein to host receptor binding and its lack of effect on ACE2 expression in the lungs [155]. According to Tripathi and co-workers’ publication, the traditional medical specialists extensively apply Indian medicinal herb Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) natural components, named withanolides for healing various infections. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 acts a critical role in illment propagation by handling the polyproteins which are needed for its duplication. Therefore, it stands for a significant target for medicine discovery. In the present research, they assess the probable of 40 natural chemical compounds of Ashwagandha to analyze a potential inhibitor versus main protease of SARS-CoV-2 by selecting the computational technique. The docking research disclosed that four compounds of Ashwagandha; Withanoside II (-11.30Kcal/mol), Withanoside IV (-11.02 Kcal/mol), Withanoside V (-8.96Kcal/mol) and Sitoindoside IX (-8.37Kcal/mol) displayed the extreme docking energy in a group of the picked natural compounds [156].

Moreover, MD demonstration research of 100ns calls Withanoside V have powerful binding affinity and hydrogenbonding interactions with the protein active cavity and shows its stability in the active cavity. The binding free energy value compares with the top value of 87.01±5.01Kcal/mol too as correlated to other chosen compounds. Finally, Tripathi and co-workers’ study proposes that Withanoside V in Ashwagandha may be serve as a possible inhibitor con Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 to fight COVID-19 and may own an antiviral activity on nCoV [156]. In the Chikhale et. al.’s manuscript, molecular docking investigations offered Withanoside X and Quercetin glucoside from W. somnifera possess desirable interactions at the binding site of chosen proteins, that is, 6W01 and 6M0J. The topmost phytochemicals from docking analyses, submitted to 100ns molecular dynamics (MD) offered Withanoside X with the greatest binding free energy (DGbind 1⁄4 89.42kcal/ mol) as the most encouraging inhibitor. Along MD analyses, the compound adjusts its conformation for perfect fitting with the receptor active pocket confirming the powerful binding affinity.

Placed on confirmed therapeutic, that is, immunomodulatory, anti- oxidant and anti-inflammatory functions and logical possible versus n-CoV-2 proteins, Indian ginseng could be one of the opportunity as an antiviral agent in the healing of COVID 19 [157]. Kar and collegues’ present investigation used an in silico method to evaluate the inhibitory action of the phytochemicals got from GC-MS analysis of twelve Clerodendrum species versus the essential spike protein, main protease enzyme Mpro and RNAdependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. An large-scale molecular docking research of the phytocompounds at the active binding cites of the viral proteins disclosed hopeful inhibitory effect of the phytochemicals taraxerol, friedelin and stigmasterol. Molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding free energy appraisal affirmed that taraxerol was the most encouraging nominee showing the extreme binding potency with all the involved with SARS-CoV-2 proteins associated in the present analysis. Their observations were verified by robust molecular dynamics demonstrations of the complexes of the viral proteins with taraxerol for a timescale of 40 nanoseconds. It was compelling to mention that taraxerol displayed exceptional binding energy values with the related viral proteins than the medicins that are pointedly targeted con them.

The actual outcomes assure to afford new avenues to advanced assessment the potential of the phytocompound taraxerol in vitro and in vivo towards its profitable formation as a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor and fight the disastrous COVID-19 [158]. Chikhale et. al.s’ current investigation was engage in scan and determine the possible leads from the Indian Ayurvedic plant, Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) versus SARS-CoV-2 performing molecular docking and dynamics analyses. The docking studies was utilized on the Glide module of Schro€dinger suite on two various proteins from SARSCoV- 2 viz. NSP15 Endoribonuclease and spike receptor-binding domain. Asparoside-C, Asparoside-D and Asparoside -F were detected to be most powerful con both the proteins as affirmed through their docking result and affinity. MM-GBSA based binding free energy calculations as well as provide the most affirmative binding affinities of Asparoside-C and Asparoside-F with binding energies of 62.61 and 55.19Kcal/mol subsequently with spike receptor-binding domain and NSP15 Endoribonuclease [159]. In the current study of Naidoo and co-workers, the endeavour was assessing the inhibitory possibility of cyanobacterial metabolites at the active binding cites of the two important SARS-CoV-2 proteases i.e main protease (Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLpro) that proteolytically transforms viral polyproteins and aid viral replication, using an in silico molecular interaction-standed approach.

It was clear from their research stand on the binding energy values that the compounds cylindrospermopsin, deoxycylindrospermopsin, carrageenan, cryptophycin 52, eucapsitrione, tjipanazole, tolyporphin and apratoxin A displayed promising inhibitory capacity versus the SARS-CoV-2 M pro. The metabolites cryptophycin 1, cryptophycin 52 and deoxycylindrospermopsin were noted to show promising binding energy data with the PLpro of SARS-CoV-2. Following evaluation of physicochemical characteristics and likely toxicity of the compounds tracked by robust molecular dynamics demonstrations and analysis of MM-PBSA energy recording function demonstrated deoxycylindrospermopsin as the most hopeful inhibitory nominee con both SARS-CoV-2 proteases. Present investigation data give broad opportunity to additional achievement the ability of deoxycylindrospermopsin as a favorable inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in vivo and concreate the base for the improvement of new active therapeutics versus COVID-19 [160]. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS CoV-2, an essential element of this viral replication, is regarded as a main target for anti-COVID-19 medicine improvement. In order to detect possible Mpro inhibitors, Ghosh and research group have picked eight polyphenols from green tea, since these are previously acknowledged to display antiviral activity con many RNA viruses.

They have illuminated the binding affinities and binding modes among these polyphenols containing a familiar Mpro inhibitor N3 (possessing binding affinity 7.0kcal/mol) and Mpro utilizing molecular docking investigations. Whole eight polyphenols show perfect binding affinity versus Mpro (7.1 to 9.0kcal/mol). Nevertheless, just three polyphenols (epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechingallate and gallocatechin-3-gallate) react powerfully with one or both catalytic residues (His41 and Cys145) of Mpro. Pharmacokinetic examination revealed that these polyphenols own desirable drug-resemblance properties too. Altogether, their study exhibits that these three polyphenols can be exploit as promising inhibitors versus SARS CoV-2 Mpro and are encouraging medicine nominees for COVID-19 cure [161]. Some flavonoids are familiar to inhibit 3CLpro from SARS-CoV which brings about SARS. Since their sequence identity is 96%, a analogous way was performed with a flavonoid library. Baicalin, herbacetin, and pectolinarin have been found to block the proteolytic action of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. An in silico docking research showed that the binding conditions of herbacetin and pectolinarin are akin to those obtained from the catalytic domain of SARS-CoV 3CLpro. However, their binding affinities are dissimilar due to the application of whole SARSCoV- 2 3CLpro in Jo et. al.s’ study. Baicalin displayed an influential inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV- 2 3CLpro and its docking mode is unlike from those of herbacetin and pectolinarin. This research offers significant scaffolds to design 3CLpro inhibitors to improve antiviral agents or health-foods and dietary supplements to cope with SARS-CoV-2 [162].

In order to determine probable useful compounds versus the Mpro for clinical application, Bhardwaj and collegues docked a group of 65 bioactive compounds of Tea plant pursueded by analysis of the wide conformational space of protein-ligand complexes by long term molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (1.50ms). Best three bioactive metabolites (Oolonghomobisflavan-A, Theasinensin-D, and Theaflavin-3-O-gallate) were chosen by correlating their docking data with repurposed medicine (Atazanavir, Darunavir, and Lopinavir) con SARS-CoV-2. Oolonghomobisflavan-A molecule exhibited a adequate number of hydrogen bonds with Mpro and greatest MM-PBSA binding energy when matched to all three proper drug molecules along the time of demonstration. Bhardwaj and co-workers’ study displayed Oolonghomobisflavan-A as a possible bioactive metabolite to act as an inhibitor for the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 [163]. In the Kumar and research groups’ current study, they declare new natural metabolites specially, ursolic acid, carvacrol and oleanolic acid as the promising inhibitors against pro main protease (M) of COVID-19 by performing integrated molecular modeling programs. From a combination of molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, they discovered three ligands connect to protease during 50 ns of MD demonstrations.

Moreover, the molecular mechanic/generalized/ Born/ Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/G/P/BSA) free energy measurements displayed that these chemical compounds own stable and desirable energies generating powerful attaching with binding site of Mpro protein. Entire these three compounds, i.e. ursolic acid, carvacrol and oleanolic acid, have been subjected to the ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) feature as well as Lipinski’s rule of five. The research provides a fundamental base and indicates that the three phytochemicals, viz. ursolic acid, carvacrol and oleanolic acid could exploit as potential inhibitors in adjusting the Mpro protein’s function and managing viral duplication [164]. It was just published that Broussonetia papyrifera polyphenols successfully prevent the catalytic action of SARS CoV-1 and MERS Mpro. However whether these polyphenols show any inhibitory impact on SARS CoV-2 Mpro is far from clear. To understand this situation, here Ghosh et. al.s’ have selected computational approaches. Polyphenols having proper drug-resemblence properties and two reused medicins (lopinavir and darunavir; owing binding affinity 7.3 to 7.4kcal/ mol) were docked versus SARS CoV-2 Mpro to investigate their binding characteristics. Just six polyphenols (broussochalcone A, papyriflavonol A, 3’-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3’,4’,7-tri trihydroxyflavane, broussoflavan A, kazinol F and kazinol J) had interplay with both the catalytic residues (His41 and Cys145) of Mpro and displayed favorable binding affinity (7.6 to 8.2kcal/mol). Molecular dynamic demonstrations (100ns) disclosed that whole Mpro-polyphenol complexes are more balanced, conformationally less fluctuated; somewhat less compact and slightly expanded than Mpro-darunavir/lopinavir complex. Indeed the number of intermolecular H-bond and MM-GBSA investigations displayed that these six polyphenols are more powerful Mpro inhibitors than the two reused drugs (lopinavir and darunavir) and may act as hopeful anti-COVID-19 drugs [165].

Sharma et. al. s’ studies have determined six probable inhibitors of Mpro enzyme, out of which four are commercially assessible FDA accepted medicines (Cobicistat, Iopromide, Cangrelor, and Fortovase) and two are from Specs library of natural metabolites (Hopeaphenol and Cyclosieversiodide-A). While Cobicistat and Fortovase are familiar as HIV medicine, Iopromide is a inverse agent and Cangrelor is an anti-platelet medicin. Moreover, molecular dynamic (MD) demonstrations utilazing GROMACS were carried out to measure the stability of the topmost metabolites in the active pocket of Mpro. Afterwards, large-scale computational research, they suggest that Cobicistat and Hopeaphenol display ability to be superior medicines that can set up the ground of healing COVID-19 disease [166]. Das and research groups’ in silico (Virtual molecular docking and Molecular dynamics simulation) studies pointed out that flavonoid type phytochemicals of calendula (rutin, isorhamnetin-3-O-b-D, calendoflaside) may be greatly effective for inhibiting Mpro which is the main protease for SARS-CoV-2 leading to the deadly disease COVID- 19. Rutin is already used as a medicine and the other two compounds can be made convenient for future use. Thus the research displays a way to combat COVID-19 by the utilization of major flavonoid based phytochemicals of Calendula officinals [167].

Prasanth and co-workers’ research is aimed to identfy the phyto-derived antiviral molecules from Cinnamon versus COVID-19 main protease enzyme and to comprehend the in silico molecular principle of its action. In the present study, 48 isolated metabolites from Cinnamon fetched from the PubMed library, are submitted to docking research. Their investigation displays that the nine phytochemicals of Cinnamon are pretty potent con the main protease enzyme of COVID-19. Further MD demonstrations could determine Tenufolin (TEN) and Pavetannin C1 (PAV) as top compounds. Utilizing modern strategies, these phytocompounds from a natural source might form a safe medication or encourage lead determination. Determined hit molecules can be more available for in vitro and in vivo studies to analysis their potency against COVID-19 [168]. According to the paper of Chowdhury, the main protease of COVID-19 virus is Mpro or 3CLpro which is an important CoV enzyme and an appealing medicine target as it acts a critical role in interfering viral replication and transcription. In the current Chowdhury’s study, 3CLpro is utilized to study drug:3CLpro interactions and hence to search whether entire or any of the major chemical components of Tinospora cordifolia (e.g. berberine (C20H18NO4), b-sitosterol (C29H50O), coline (C5H14NO), tetrahydropalmatine (C21H25NO4) and octacosanol (C28H58O)) can be exploited as an antiviral agent versus SARS-CoV-2. The in silico research carried out utilizing appliances of network pharmacology, molecular docking involving molecular dynamics have disclosed that among all studied phytochemicals in Tinospora cordifolia, berberine can adjust 3CLpro protein’s function because of its simple inhibition and hence can manage viral replication. The preference of Tinospora cordifolia was stimulated by the fact that the major compounds of it are acknowledged to be accountable for different antiviral actions and the cure of jaundice, rheumatism, diabetes, etc [169].

The objective of Abdelli et. al.’s current investigation is to concentrate on the in silico analysis to scan for another medicine that can prevent the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for SARS-CoV- 2, possible healing target of the COVID-19 virus exploiting natural metabolites (Isothymol, Thymol, Limonene, P-cymene and c-terpinene) obtained from the essential oil of the antiviral and antimicrobial herb Ammoides verticillata (Desf.) Briq. which is placed in the occidental Algeria areas. Their research discloses that Isothymol, a major compound of this herb, provides the perfect docking values, correlated to, the co-crystallized inhibitor b-D-mannose of the enzyme ACE2, to Captropil medicine as perfect ACE2 inhibitor and to Chloroquine antiviral medicine also related in other mechanisms as inhibition of ACE2 cellular receptor. In silico (ADME), drug-likeness, PASS & P450 pocket of metabolism assuming, pharmacophore Mapper exhibited that the metabolite Isothymol has provided a best outcomes correlated to the b-D- mannose co-crystallized inhibitor, to Captopril and Chloroquine medicine. Besides the other natural metabolites provided beneficial results. The Molecular Dynamics Demonstration analysis displayed fine result for the Isotymol- ACE2 docked complex. This research disclosed for the first time that Isothymol is a utilitarian inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 activity and the contents of essential oils Ammoides verticillata can be utilized as promising inhibitors to the ACE2 receptor of SARS-CoV-2 [170].

In accordance with the Ahmad and collegues’ manuscript, in the light of previously published possible curative employments of N. sativa metabolites, and retaining in mind the fabulous necessity of time for the improvement of powerful antiviral, a joined docking, ADMET characteristics measuring, molecular dynamics, and MMPBSA techniques were operated in the current investigation to scan the healing candidates of N. sativa major compounds versus COVID-19. Among the searched compounds, they detected that dithymoquinone (DTQ), with binding affinity of 8.6kcal/mol compared to a positive control (chloroquine, 7.2kcal/mol) , possess the great capacity of binding at SARS-CoV-2:ACE2 interface and hence could be concluded as a probable inhibitor to interrupt viralhost interplays. Molecular dynamics demonstration of 100 ns fully completed binding affinity of the molecule and disclosed powerful stability of DTQ at the docked pocket. Furthermore, MM-PBSA as well as confirms the docking outcomes. Metabolite DTQ of the current research, if approved in wet lab assays, could be employed to cure COVID-19 and could acts as a hit in the future for progress of more practical natural antivirals versus COVID-19 [171].

Singh and co-workers made a database of polyphenols that possess exhibited substantial healing reactions con different illments. They were well docked in the catalytic cite of RdRp. The research uncovers that EGCG, theaflavin (TF1), theaflavin-3’-Ogallate (TF2a), theaflavin-3’-gallate (TF2b), theaflavin 3,3’-digallate (TF3), hesperidin, quercetagetin, and myricetin powerfully connect to the intense pocket of RdRp. Besides, a 150-ns molecular dynamic demonstration disclosed that EGCG, TF2a, TF2b, TF3 outcome in greatly resistant bound conformations with RdRp. The binding free energy contents measured by the MM-PBSA affirm the strength of the complexes too. They likewise carried out a comprehensive examination of ADME prediction, toxicity prediction, and target test for their draggability. Overall, their results propose that EGCG, TF2a, TF2b, TF3 can prevent RdRp and suggest an productive cure for COVID-19 [172]. According to Gyebi et. al.’s research, 62 bioactive alkaloids and 100 terpenoids of herbs native to Africa were docked to the 3CLpro of the novel SARS-CoV-2. The hit twenty alkaloids and terpenoids with powerful binding affinities to the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro were additional docked to the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The docking outcomes were compared with 3CLproremarked inhibitors (Lopinavir and Ritonavir). The high docked molecules were then submitted to ADEM/Tox and Lipinski filtering examinations for drug-resemblance assuming examination.

This ligand-protein interaction research disclosed that more than half of the best twenty alkaloids and terpenoids connected desirable with the coronaviruses 3CLpro, and own binding affinities that outpaced that of lopinavir and ritonavir. Besides, a highly characterized top-list of seven metabolites (10-Hydroxyusambarensine, Cryptoquindoline, 6-Oxoisoiguesterin, 22-Hydroxyhopan-3-one, Cryptospirolepine, Isoiguesterin and 20-Epibryonolic acid) were identified. Moreover, four non-toxic, druggable herb derived alkaloids (10-Hydroxyusambarensine, and Cryptoquindoline) and terpenoids (6-Oxoisoiguesterin and 22- Hydroxyhopan-3-one), that connect to the receptor-binding cavity and catalytic pair of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro were determined from the predictive ADME/tox and Lipinski filter examination. However, advanced experimental investigations are needed for improving these likely leads into natural anti-COVID-19 curative agents for fighting the pandemic [173]. As mentioned in Al-Sehemi and collegues’ publication, Nitric oxide (NO) prevents the duplication cycle of SARS-CoV.

Inhalation of nitric oxide is utilized in the healing of serious acute respiratory syndrome. Herein, they searched the phenyl furoxan, a common exogenous NO donor to determine the potential effective inhibitors through in silico analysis like molecular docking as for each target analysis for nominees connect to substrate binding site of SARS-COV-2 M pro. They pictured that spiro-isoquinolinopiperidine- furoxan residues can be exploited as productive ligand for SARS- CoV-2 Mpro inhibition because of the existence of clue isoquinolino-piperidine skeleton with extra NO effect [174]. The recent investigation of Wahedi and co-workers’ targeted to repuse stilbenoid derivatives, declared for some other biological actions, con SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2 receptor complex for their affinity and durability by molecular dynamics demonstration and binding free energy examination placed on molecular docking. Four molecules all were investigated for their binding affinity utilizing molecular docking. All of the compounds exhibited good affinity (> 7kcal/mol). Nevertheless, fifty nanoseconds molecular dynamic demonstration in aqueous solution disclosed extremely strong bound conformation of resveratrol to the viral protein: ACE2 receptor complex. Net free energy of binding handling MMPBSA as well as affirmed the stability of the resveratrol-protein complex. Stand on the outcomes, they announce that stilbene type compounds in usual and resveratrol, in unusual, can be encouraging anti-COVID-19 medicine nominees serving through interruption of the spike protein. Their data in this research are encouraging and demand advanced in vitro and in vivo assaying of stiblenoids, particularly resveratrol versus the COVID-19 [175].

Conclusion

In the first part of the review, we have presented different drug combinations using the treatment of COVID-19. When their EC50 values are compared with each others by examining the papers collected, the most satisfying inhibitory effect on SARS-COV-2 belongs to Remdevisir with a EC50 of 0.77µM, chloroquine is the second effective drug with EC50 of 1.13µM. Concerning the other repurposed drugs, some of them has not been tested on SARS-COV-2 but still using the treatment protocols, some has promising results from their clinical trials is adding the curative protocols, some owns the ongoing clinical trials at the moment of searching the literature survey of this review. The second section of the review is about the candidates of anti-COVID-19 agents. All manuscripts collected the review is based on the measuring these compounds binding and inhibiting capacity of the critical protein molecules about maintaining to be alive of the COVID-19 virus by using the computer programmes i.e in silico researches. Scanning these in silico studies will be a perfect lead source to the in vitro and in vivo investigations respectively.

The natural compounds from different plants (Azadirachta indica, Andrographis paniculata, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mauritia flexuosa L., Aesculus hippocastanum, Rauwolfia sp.,Panax ginseng, Boenninghausenia sessilicarpa, Lycoris radiata, Stephania japonica, Withania somnifera, Clerodendrum sp.,Asparagus racemosus, green tea, tea plant, Broussonetia papyrifera, calendula officinalis, cinnamon sp., Tinaspora cordifolia, Ammoides verticillata, Nigella sativa) are the mentioned. Except from them, it was also adverted from lots of the in silico research papers about natural compounds such as the flavonoids, alkaloids, saikosaponins, anthocyanin-derived compounds, estradiol, essential oil constituents obteined from diffrerent plants, polyphenols, stilbenoid derivatives. Moreover, the in silico manuscripts on the natural compounds isolated from microorganisms (Lactobacillus plantarum, cyanobacterial metabolites) are presented in the review. Finally, it was remarked from some in silico papers about the marketed drugs (Cefuroxim, nitoazoxanide, cobicistat, iopromide, cangrelor, fortovase, hopeaphenol, cyclosieversiodide-A, nitric oxide). When it has been assessed on the basis of their EC50 values, cepharanthine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from tubers of Stephania japonica is the most powerful coronavirus inhibitor with EC50 value of 0.98 mmol/L. Yet, more in vitro and in vivo researches are needed to be done for reaching the real information about the potent drug candidates of anti-COVID-19.

References

Review Article

The Pharmaceuticals Using for COVID-19 Patients and in Silico Natural Product Studies about COVID-19

Sibel Avunduk*

Author Affiliations

Medical Laboratory Techniques Programme, Vocational College of Medical Health, Turkey

Received:December 16, 2020| Published: December 23, 2020

Corresponding author: Sibel Avunduk, Medical Laboratory Techniques Programme, Vocational College of Medical Health, Mugla University, Turkey

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.32.005318

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic without a doubt will be regarded the biggest epidemic which is still going on to impact the whole world in the humanity history. That’s why it is imperative to discover new therapeutic agents and vaccines by the scientific world. This review especially includes the studies and reviews about therapy protocols used in the cure of COVID-19, also the papers about in silico researches on phytochemical compounds and the other marketed drugs. The aim of the review to summarize the antiviral drugs experienced in COVID-19 cure during the first peak of the pandemic; compile and inform the in silico studies focused on the plant sourced compounds and repurposed drugs. The review will generate a guiding source to further in vitro and in vivo research in the way of looking for effective compounds to combat COVID-19 pandemic.