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Prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections by traditional Chinese herbs
Abstract
This review focuses on current knowledge of traditional Chinese herbs on prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections, especially caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses.
The data used in this review were obtained from PubMed and CNKI up to May 2013. Terms of Chinese herbs and infections of respiratory tract were used in the search.
Articles related that Chinese herbs preventing and treating infections in respiratory tract were retrieved and reviewed. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed by the method in the "Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reveiws of Interventionsand studies" with high risk of bias were excluded. Four criteria for selections were set as following: randomized controlled trial, particular effective compound or derivative, reproducible result and animal test.
Infectious respiratory tract diseases cause most mortality among infectious illnesses around the world. As traditional medicines, Chinese herbs have been widely used to deal with diseases for centuries and have been proved effective in practice. The administration of some Chinese herbs stimulates, suppresses or regulates the activity of immune system, thus protecting the respiratory tract or relieving infections of pathogens. Many herbs have remarkable antiviral effects, therefore they are used as substitutes of antimicrobial drugs. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, mix-using herbs provide a synergistic benefit on preventing and healing respiratory tract infections. Many commercial herbal medicines containing one or more compounds have been successfully applied to prevent and treat viral infections of respiratory tract clinically.
Traditional Chinese herbs could directly inhibit pathogens infecting respiratory tract, or coordinate the activity of immune system to avoid or relieve infections. With the emergence of antidrug pathogens or new variants, Chinese herbs give strong evidence to protect human health.
... In Indian traditional knowledge system, the herbal steam inhalation therapy has been a well recognized home remedy for common cold. The different herbs used in the traditional in-house inhalation therapy have a wide range of proven medicinal benefits that strengthened the respiratory tracks and immune system (Wang et al., 2014;Lin et al., 2014;Ganjhu et al., 2015) Based on which, three herbal plants viz., Vitex negundo, Justicia adhatoda and Eucalyptus globules were considered for the present study. The phytochemical constituents of these plants have been well studied and documented in a plethora of earlier reports through mass spectrometry (Singh et al., 1999;Gonzalez-Burgos et al., 2018;Jha et al., 2012). ...
... Most importantly, China treats several infectious diseases by the traditional Chinese medicines (Wang and Liu, 2014). Previously in 2003 and 2009 they have used Chinese traditional medicines to treat SARS and H1N1, respectively (Liu et al., 2004;. ...
Background
COVID-19, the presently prevailing global public health emergency has culminated in international instability in economy. This unprecedented pandemic outbreak pressingly necessitated the trans-disciplinary approach in developing novel/new anti-COVID-19 drugs especially, small molecule inhibitors targeting the seminal proteins of viral etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2.
Methods
Based on the traditional medicinal knowledge, we made an attempt through molecular docking analysis to explore the phytochemical constituents of three most commonly used Indian herbs in ‘steam inhalation therapy’ against well recognised viral receptor proteins.
Results
A total of 57 phytochemicals were scrutinised virtually against four structural protein targets of SARS-CoV-2 viz. 3CLpro, ACE-2, spike glycoprotein and RdRp. Providentially, two bioactives from each of the three plants i.e. apigenin-o-7-glucuronide and ellagic acid from Eucalyptus globulus; eudesmol and viridiflorene from Vitex negundo and; vasicolinone and anisotine from Justicia adhatoda were identified to be the best hit lead molecules based on interaction energies, conventional hydrogen bonding numbers and other non-covalent interactions. On comparison with the known SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor –lopinavir and RdRp inhibitor –remdesivir, apigenin-o-7-glucuronide was found to be a phenomenal inhibitor of both protease and polymerase, as it strongly interacts with their active sites and exhibited remarkably high binding affinity. Furthermore, in silico drug-likeness and ADMET prediction analyses clearly evidenced the usability of the identified bioactives to develop as drug against COVID-19.
Conclusion
Overall, the data of the present study exemplifies that the phytochemicals from selected traditional herbs having significance in steam inhalation therapy would be promising in combating COVID-19.
... Notably, consumption of herbal plants has been a well-recognized home remedy for common cold (Alagu Lakshmi et al., 2020;Muthuramalingam et al., 2020;Vellingiri et al., 2020;Gowrishankar et al., 2021). Against common cold, a wide spectrum of herbs with proven medicinal benefits have been used in the traditional home remedy that reinforce the immune system (Lin et al., 2014;Wang and Liu 2014;Ganjhu et al., 2015). Based on this, three herbal plants viz., Mentha arvensis, Coriandrum sativum, and Ocimum sanctum were considered in the present study. ...
SARS-CoV-2, an etiological agent of COVID-19, has been the reason for the unexpected global pandemic, causing severe mortality and imposing devastative effects on public health. Despite extensive research work put forward by scientist around globe, so far, no suitable drug or vaccine (safe, affordable, and efficacious) has been identified to treat SARS-CoV-2. As an alternative way of improvising the COVID-19 treatment strategy, that is, strengthening of host immune system, a great deal of attention has been given to phytocompounds from medicinal herbs worldwide. In a similar fashion, the present study deliberately focuses on the phytochemicals of three Indian herbal medicinal plants viz., Mentha arvensis, Coriandrum sativum, and Ocimum sanctum for their efficacy to target well-recognized viral receptor protein through molecular docking and dynamic analyses. Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) of SARS-CoV-2, being a pivotal player in replication, transcription, and viral genome assembly, has been recognized as one of the most attractive viral receptor protein targets for controlling the viral multiplication in the host. Out of 127 phytochemicals screened, nine (linarin, eudesmol, cadinene, geranyl acetate, alpha-thujene, germacrene A, kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, kaempferide, and baicalin) were found to be phenomenal in terms of exhibiting high binding affinity toward the catalytic pocket of target N-protein. Further, the ADMET prediction analysis unveiled the non-tumorigenic, noncarcinogenic, nontoxic, non-mutagenic, and nonreproductive nature of the identified bioactive molecules. Furthermore, the data of molecular dynamic simulation validated the conformational and dynamic stability of the docked complexes. Concomitantly, the data of the present study validated the anti-COVID efficacy of the bioactives from selected medicinal plants of Indian origin.
... Medicinal plants have been identified as reliable resource against several diseases for millennia. More than 70% of the global population still depends on herbal medicines due to their relatively low cost and better compatibility with the human body compared to synthetic drugs [12]. During the pandemic period, studies were performed using databases of scientific literature to screen and identify the potential of herbal plants to act as anti-coronavirus medication [13]. ...
The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the more general global increase in viral diseases, has led researchers to look to the plant kingdom as a potential source for antiviral compounds. Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been extensively applied in the treatment and prevention of various infectious diseases in different traditional systems. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential antiviral activity of plant compounds as effective and reliable agents against viral infections, especially by viruses from the coronavirus group. Various antiviral mechanisms shown by crude plant extracts and plant-derived bioactive compounds are discussed. The understanding of the action mechanisms of complex plant extract and isolated plant-derived compounds will help pave the way towards the combat of this life-threatening disease. Further, molecular docking studies, in silico analyses of extracted compounds, and future prospects are included. The in vitro production of antiviral chemical compounds from plants using molecular pharming is also considered. Notably, hairy root cultures represent a promising and sustainable way to obtain a range of biologically active compounds that may be applied in the development of novel antiviral agents.
... The active site of which is located in the gap between domains I and II, and has a Cys-His (Cys145 and His41) at the active site [83]. Considering that most of the Chinese herbal medicines have direct antiviral activity, it may be an underlying mechanism by which LHQW-C prevents COVID-19 [84]. Therefore, we also evaluated the interaction between potential active compounds and 3CL pro. ...
The outbreak of severe respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to millions of infections and raised global health concerns. Lianhuaqingwen capsule (LHQW-C), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula widely used for respiratory diseases, shows therapeutic efficacy in the application of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the active ingredients, drug targets, and the therapeutic mechanisms of LHQW-C in treating COVID-19 are poorly understood. In this study, an integrating network pharmacology approach including pharmacokinetic screening, target prediction (targets of the host and targets from the SARS-CoV-2), network analysis, GO enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and virtual docking were conducted. Finally, 158 active ingredients in LHQW-C were screen out, and 49 targets were predicted. GO function analysis revealed that these targets were associated with inflammatory response, oxidative stress reaction, and other biological processes. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the targets of LHQW-C were highly enriched to several immune response-related and inflammation-related pathways, including the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, four key components (quercetin, luteolin, wogonin, and kaempferol) showed a high binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro). The study indicates that some anti-inflammatory ingredients in LHQW-C probably modulate the inflammatory response in severely ill patients with COVID-19.
... Influenza affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts and can produce a variety of symptoms including high fever, chills, sore throat, headache, runny or blocked nose, weakness, muscle pain, and diarrhea (Barik, 2012). More than 200 serologically different virus types are responsible for human URTIs, among which rhinoviruses are the most common cause (Wang and Liu, 2014). ...
To evaluate the effects of probiotic on patient’s respiratory tract infection (RTI), a systematic review was conducted on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) databases were systematically searched for the following keywords from January 2010 to January 2020: including respiratory tract infection, probiotics, viral infection, COVID-19, and clinical trial. A total of 27 clinical trials conducted on 9,433 patients with RTI and 10 ongoing clinical studies of probiotics intervention in COVID-19 were reviewed. In this systematic review, were attempted to study the potency of probiotics for the hindrance and/or treatment of RTI diseases extensively, which may be practical to conflict the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Overall, probiotics could significantly increase the plasma levels of cytokines, the effect of influenzae vaccine, and quality of life as well as reducing the titre of viruses and the incidence and duration of respiratory infections. These antiviral and immune-modulating activities and their ability to stimulate interferon production recommended that to use probiotics as adjunctive therapy to prevent COVID-19.
The rapid spread of the virus has affected the entire world socially and economically. Given this extensive research on RCTs, were expected probiotics to be a rational complementary treatment for RTI disease and a viable option for faster recovery.
... Quercetin derivatives such as 7-O-arylmethylquercetin and quercetin-3-β-galactoside could combat as anti-SARS-CoV agent (Chen et al., 2006;Park, Yoon, Kim, Lee, & Chong, 2012). Flavonoids found in Galla chinensis or Veronica lin rrifolia extracts may interact with the surface of the spiky protein of the SARS-CoV, avoiding virus particles from powerful the cell (Wang & Liu, 2014). Phlorotannins isolated from brown algae display an inhibitory effect of SARS-CoV-3CLpro, regulating the virus replication. ...
Currently, antiviral drugs and/or vaccines are not yet available to treat or prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this review, we narrated the available data, from credible publishers, regarding the possible role of polyphenols and natural extracts-containing polyphenols in the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and their immune-boosting properties. It was revealed that polyphenols could be considered as promising biologically active substances for the prevention of COVID-19. The underlying potential mechanism behind this action is mostly due to the antiviral activities and the immune-regulation functions of polyphenols against COVID-19-infections. Antivirus polyphenolic-based medications can mitigate SARS-CoV-2-enzymes, which are vital for virus duplication and infection. It was also found that triterpenoid, anthraquinone, flavonoids, and tannins are possible keys to scheming antiviral therapies for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2-proteases. The identified pharmacophore structures of polyphenols could be utilized in the explanation of novel anti-COVID-19 designs. The advantage of using mixtures containing polyphenols is related to the high-safety profile without having major side-effects, but further randomized controlled trials are required in the upcoming studies.
... Large varieties of plants (more than 1200) are available with known therapeutic effects [1]. Approximately 70-80% of people depend on medicinal plants to cure different human ailments including viral diseases [2]. ...
Background: This study highlights the effect of turmeric extracts on CCl4-induced liver injury by follow up the hematological and biochemical parameter in treated rat group.
Laggera pterodonta (DC.) Benth, a folk herb widely distributes in southwest China, especially in Yunnan Province, demonstrates anti-pathogenic microorganisms, anti-inflammatory, inhibition of Helicobacter pylori activities in vitro et al. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that pterodontic acid (1), a eudesmane-type sesquiterpene isolated from L. pterodonta (DC.), displays excellent selective antiviral activity to H1N1 subtype of influenza A virus. At the same time, our group also discovered that the antiviral activity of 1 was relatively close to that activity of post-marketed ribavirin. Therefore, we consider that the synthesis of pterodontic acid (1) derivatives and evaluation of their anti-influenza A virus (H1N1) activities is of potential clinical significance. In this manuscript, a series of pterodontic acid derivatives were prepared and demonstrated significantly improved anti-influenza A virus (H1N1) activities, providing more opportunities for the treatment of respiratory viral diseases.
The Covid-19 pandemic is a major catastrophe in recent times that has taken a toll over the global scale in terms of the casualties, economic impact, and human beings' lifestyle. Scientists and researchers worldwide are dedicated to counter this issue using large-scale drug discovery and analysis to explore both the vaccination and the cure for Covid-19. However, almost all of the tested medicinal options cover allopathic medicines. A major issue associated with the above approach is the side effects that present a lacuna in arriving at an agreeable solution. To date, there are a total of >150,000,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported. However, to date, there is no report available on the scope and application of natural medicines in the treatment of the Covid-19. This review aims to target this area while covering the economic and other impacts of the Covid-19 on human life, the significance of greener solutions in countering drug development, and the possible solutions of the Covid-19 using herbal drug treatment.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus outbreak continues to spread at a rapid rate worldwide. The main protease (Mpro) is an attractive target for anti-COVID-19 agents. Unexpected difficulties have been encountered in the design of specific inhibitors. Here, by analyzing an ensemble of ∼30 000 SARS-CoV-2 Mpro conformations from crystallographic studies and molecular simulations, we show that small structural variations in the binding site dramatically impact ligand binding properties. Hence, traditional druggability indices fail to adequately discriminate between highly and poorly druggable conformations of the binding site. By performing ∼200 virtual screenings of compound libraries on selected protein structures, we redefine the protein’s druggability as the consensus chemical space arising from the multiple conformations of the binding site formed upon ligand binding. This procedure revealed a unique SARS-CoV-2 Mpro blueprint that led to a definition of a specific structure-based pharmacophore. The latter explains the poor transferability of potent SARS-CoV Mpro inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, despite the identical sequences of the active sites. Importantly, application of the pharmacophore predicted novel high affinity inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, that were validated by in vitro assays performed here and by a newly solved X-ray crystal structure. These results provide a strong basis for effective rational drug design campaigns against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and a new computational approach to screen protein targets with malleable binding sites.
TSL-1 is a fraction of the aqueous extract from the tender leaf of Toona sinensis Roem, a nutritious vegetable. The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus is a recently described, rapidly contagious respiratory pathogen which can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and poses a major public health threat. In this study, we found that TSL-1 inhibited viral yields on MDCK plaque formation by pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus on infected A549 cells with high selectivity index. Meanwhile, TSL-1 also suppressed viral genome loads in infected A549 cells, quantified by qRT-PCR. This study further demonstrated that TSL-1 inhibited pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus activity through preventing attachment of A549 cells but not penetration. TSL-1 inhibited viral attachment through significant downregulation of adhesion molecules and chemokines (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, IL-8, and fractalkine) compared to Amantadine. Our results suggest that TSL-1 may be used as an alternative treatment and prophylaxis against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Despite considerable evidence that cell activation enhances human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) replication in vitro, there is very little data on the role of immune activation on in vivo HIV-1 replication. In this study, we examined the effect of influenza vaccination on HIV-1 replication in the peripheral blood of 20 study subjects, and in 14 control subjects who did not receive influenza vaccination. Blood was obtained from each subject on three occasions during the month before vaccination and again on three occasions during the following month. Over the study period, there was little change in levels of proviral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). However, peak PBMC viral RNA levels after influenza vaccination were significantly increased over the mean of prevaccination values. This change was not observed to the same extent in unvaccinated controls. Therefore, this is the first report showing that HIV-1 replication can increase in temporal association with influenza vaccination. Our results suggest that continued immunologic (antigenic) stimulation may result in increased virus load in vivo. To address the appropriateness of influenza vaccination in HIV-infected patients, expanded studies will be required to examine specific and generalized immune responses to vaccination, and differences in patient response based on disease stage.
From the roots of Isatis indigotica, two new alkaloids named isaindigotidione 1 and isaindigotone 2 were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectral and X-ray crystallographic analyses. 1 is the first discovered indolizino[7,6-c]quinoline derivative.
Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of Shuanghua aerosol (SHA) in treating infantile upper respiratory tract infection.Methods: In the clinical study, 276 patients were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group was treated with SHA and the control group was treated with Shuanghuanglian aerosol (SHLA,
). In the experimental study, the effects of SHA on anti-inflammation and antivirus were observed.Results: The clinical total effective rate of SHA was 99.03% and its cure rate 65.38%, while those of the SHLA were 94.11% and 44.12% respectively, significant difference was shown between the two groups (P<0.01). Experimental study showed that SHA could inhibit the xylol induced ear swelling and the egg white induced paw swelling in mice obviously, and inhibit the proliferation of influenza virus in rat’s lung.Conclusion: SHA has obvious anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effect, and has good curative effect in treating infantile upper respiratory tract infection.