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16 pages, 1541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Influenza with Green Tea Catechins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Anchalee Rawangkan, Kirati Kengkla, Sukrit Kanchanasurakit, Acharaporn Duangjai and Surasak Saokaew

Molecules 2021, 26(13), 4014; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26134014 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5800

Abstract

Influenza is one of the most serious respiratory viral infections worldwide. Although several studies have reported that green tea catechins (GTCs) might prevent influenza virus infection, this remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies with 5048 participants that [...] Read more.

Influenza is one of the most serious respiratory viral infections worldwide. Although several studies have reported that green tea catechins (GTCs) might prevent influenza virus infection, this remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies with 5048 participants that examined the effect of GTC administration on influenza prevention. In a random-effects meta-analysis of five RCTs, 884 participants treated with GTCs showed statistically significant effects on the prevention of influenza infection compared to the control group (risk ratio (RR) 0.67, 95% CIs 0.51–0.89, p = 0.005) without evidence of heterogeneity (I² = 0%, p = 0.629). Similarly, in three cohort studies with 2223 participants treated with GTCs, there were also statistically significant effects (RR 0.52, 95% CIs 0.35–0.77, p = 0.001) with very low evidence of heterogeneity (I² = 3%, p = 0.358). Additionally, the overall effect in the subgroup analysis of gargling and orally ingested items (taking capsules and drinking) showed a pooled RR of 0.62 (95% CIs 0.49–0.77, p = 0.003) without heterogeneity (I² = 0%, p = 0.554). There were no obvious publication biases (Egger’s test (p = 0.138) and Begg’s test (p = 0.103)). Our analysis suggests that green tea consumption is effective in the prophylaxis of influenza infections. To confirm the findings before implementation, longitudinal clinical trials with specific doses of green tea consumption are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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15 pages, 2891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cordycepin Inhibits Virus Replication in Dengue Virus-Infected Vero Cells

by Aussara Panya, Pucharee Songprakhon, Suthida Panwong, Kanyaluck Jantakee, Thida Kaewkod, Yingmanee Tragoolpua, Nunghathai Sawasdee, Vannajan Sanghiran Lee, Piyarat Nimmanpipug and Pa-thai Yenchitsomanus

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113118 - 23 May 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4511

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes mild to severe illness in humans that can lead to fatality in severe cases. Currently, no specific drug is available for the treatment of DENV infection. Thus, the development of an anti-DENV drug is urgently required. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), [...] Read more.

Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes mild to severe illness in humans that can lead to fatality in severe cases. Currently, no specific drug is available for the treatment of DENV infection. Thus, the development of an anti-DENV drug is urgently required. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), which is a major bioactive compound in Cordyceps (ascomycete) fungus that has been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine, was reported to exhibit antiviral activity. However, the anti-DENV activity of cordycepin is unknown. We hypothesized that cordycepin exerts anti-DENV activity and that, as an adenosine derivative, it inhibits DENV replication. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the anti-DENV activity of cordycepin in DENV-infected Vero cells. Cordycepin treatment significantly decreased DENV protein at a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 26.94 μM. Moreover, DENV RNA was dramatically decreased in cordycepin-treated Vero cells, indicating its effectiveness in inhibiting viral RNA replication. Via in silico molecular docking, the binding of cordycepin to DENV non-structural protein 5 (NS5), which is an important enzyme for RNA synthesis, at both the methyltransferase (MTase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains, was predicted. The results of this study demonstrate that cordycepin is able to inhibit DENV replication, which portends its potential as an anti-dengue therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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8 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Constituents of Cassia abbreviata and Their Anti-HIV-1 Activity

by Xianwen Yang, Zhihui He, Yue Zheng, Ning Wang, Martin Mulinge, Jean-Claude Schmit, André Steinmetz and Carole Seguin-Devaux

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2455; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092455 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3181

Abstract

Three new (1–3) and 25 known compounds were isolated from the crude extract of Cassia abbreviata. The chemical structures of new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. Cassiabrevone (1 [...] Read more.

Three new (1–3) and 25 known compounds were isolated from the crude extract of Cassia abbreviata. The chemical structures of new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. Cassiabrevone (1) is the first heterodimer of guibourtinidol and planchol A. Compound 2 was a new chalcane, while 3 was a new naphthalene. Cassiabrevone (1), guibourtinidol-(4α→8)-epiafzelechin (4), taxifolin (8), oleanolic acid (17), piceatannol (22), and palmitic acid (28), exhibited potent anti-HIV-1 activity with IC₅₀ values of 11.89 µM, 15.39 µM, 49.04 µM, 7.95 µM, 3.58 µM, and 15.97 µM, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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11 pages, 6664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiviral Activities of Quercetin and Isoquercitrin Against Human Herpesviruses

by Chae Hyun Kim, Jung-Eun Kim and Yoon-Jae Song

Molecules 2020, 25(10), 2379; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25102379 - 20 May 2020

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 5973

Abstract

We previously reported that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of a 70% ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris (ESE) inhibits varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in vitro. PGG (1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose) is a major chemical constituent of the EtOAc fraction of ESE that [...] Read more.

We previously reported that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of a 70% ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris (ESE) inhibits varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in vitro. PGG (1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose) is a major chemical constituent of the EtOAc fraction of ESE that inhibits VZV but not HCMV replication. In this study, we comprehensively screened the chemical compounds identified in the EtOAc fraction of ESE for potential antiviral properties. Among the examined compounds, quercetin and isoquercitrin displayed potent antiviral activities against both VZV and HCMV with no significant cytotoxic effects. Both compounds strongly suppressed the expression of VZV and HCMV immediate–early (IE) genes. Our collective results indicated that, in addition to PGG, quercetin and isoquercitrin are bioactive compounds in the EtOAc fraction of ESE that effectively inhibit human herpesvirus replication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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12 pages, 2573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nuphar lutea Extracts Exhibit Anti-Viral Activity against the Measles Virus

by Hila Winer, Janet Ozer, Yonat Shemer, Irit Reichenstein, Brit Eilam-Frenkel, Daniel Benharroch, Avi Golan-Goldhirsh and Jacob Gopas

Molecules 2020, 25(7), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071657 - 3 Apr 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3327

Abstract

Different parts of Nuphar lutea L. (yellow water lily) have been used to treat several inflammatory and pathogen-related diseases. It has shown that Nuphar lutea extracts (NUP) are active against various pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and leishmanial parasites. In an effort to [...] Read more.

Different parts of Nuphar lutea L. (yellow water lily) have been used to treat several inflammatory and pathogen-related diseases. It has shown that Nuphar lutea extracts (NUP) are active against various pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and leishmanial parasites. In an effort to detect novel therapeutic agents against negative-stranded RNA (- RNA) viruses, we have tested the effect of a partially-purified alkaloid mixture of Nuphar lutea leaves on the measles virus (MV). The MV vaccine’s Edmonston strain was used to acutely or persistently infect cells. The levels of several MV proteins were detected by a Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Viral RNAs were quantitated by qRT-PCR. Virus infectivity was monitored by infecting African green monkey kidney VERO cells’ monolayers. We showed that NUP protected cells from acute infection. Decreases in the MV P-, N-, and V-proteins were observed in persistently infected cells and the amount of infective virus released was reduced as compared to untreated cells. By examining viral RNAs, we suggest that NUP acts at the post-transcriptional level. We conclude, as a proof of concept, that NUP has anti-viral therapeutic activity against the MV. Future studies will determine the mechanism of action and the effect of NUP on other related viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 2102 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plants and Natural Products with Activity against Various Types of Coronaviruses: A Review with Focus on SARS-CoV-2

by Susana A. Llivisaca-Contreras, Jaime Naranjo-Morán, Andrea Pino-Acosta, Luc Pieters, Wim Vanden Berghe, Patricia Manzano, Jeffrey Vargas-Pérez, Fabian León-Tamariz and Juan M. Cevallos-Cevallos

Molecules 2021, 26(13), 4099; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26134099 - 5 Jul 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8108

Abstract

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is potentially fatal for vulnerable individuals. Disease management represents a challenge for many countries, given the shortage of medicines and hospital resources. The objective of this work was to review the medicinal [...] Read more.

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is potentially fatal for vulnerable individuals. Disease management represents a challenge for many countries, given the shortage of medicines and hospital resources. The objective of this work was to review the medicinal plants, foods and natural products showing scientific evidence for host protection against various types of coronaviruses, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products that mitigate the symptoms caused by various coronaviruses are also presented. Particular attention was placed on natural products that stabilize the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS), which has been associated with the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into human cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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19 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessReview

COVID-19 Prophylaxis Efforts Based on Natural Antiviral Plant Extracts and Their Compounds

by Oksana Sytar, Marian Brestic, Shokoofeh Hajihashemi, Milan Skalicky, Jan Kubeš, Laura Lamilla-Tamayo, Ulkar Ibrahimova, Sayyara Ibadullayeva and Marco Landi

Molecules 2021, 26(3), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030727 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 10686

Abstract

During the time of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been crucial to search for novel antiviral drugs from plants and well as other natural sources as alternatives for prophylaxis. This work reviews the antiviral potential of plant extracts, and [...] Read more.

During the time of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been crucial to search for novel antiviral drugs from plants and well as other natural sources as alternatives for prophylaxis. This work reviews the antiviral potential of plant extracts, and the results of previous research for the treatment and prophylaxis of coronavirus disease and previous kinds of representative coronaviruses group. Detailed descriptions of medicinal herbs and crops based on their origin native area, plant parts used, and their antiviral potentials have been conducted. The possible role of plant-derived natural antiviral compounds for the development of plant-based drugs against coronavirus has been described. To identify useful scientific trends, VOSviewer visualization of presented scientific data analysis was used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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35 pages, 3800 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Natural Antivirals: An Updated Review of the Available Plants and Isolated Molecules

by Syam Mohan, Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha, Hafiz A. Makeen, Hassan A. Alhazmi, Mohammed Al Bratty, Shahnaz Sultana, Waquar Ahsan, Asim Najmi and Asaad Khalid

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 4878; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25214878 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 7738

Abstract

Viral infections and associated diseases are responsible for a substantial number of mortality and public health problems around the world. Each year, infectious diseases kill 3.5 million people worldwide. The current pandemic caused by COVID-19 has become the greatest health hazard to people [...] Read more.

Viral infections and associated diseases are responsible for a substantial number of mortality and public health problems around the world. Each year, infectious diseases kill 3.5 million people worldwide. The current pandemic caused by COVID-19 has become the greatest health hazard to people in their lifetime. There are many antiviral drugs and vaccines available against viruses, but they have many disadvantages, too. There are numerous side effects for conventional drugs, and active mutation also creates drug resistance against various viruses. This has led scientists to search herbs as a source for the discovery of more efficient new antivirals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 65% of the world population is in the practice of using plants and herbs as part of treatment modality. Additionally, plants have an advantage in drug discovery based on their long-term use by humans, and a reduced toxicity and abundance of bioactive compounds can be expected as a result. In this review, we have highlighted the important viruses, their drug targets, and their replication cycle. We provide in-depth and insightful information about the most favorable plant extracts and their derived phytochemicals against viral targets. Our major conclusion is that plant extracts and their isolated pure compounds are essential sources for the current viral infections and useful for future challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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21 pages, 5082 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Bioactive Compounds from Fungi as Potential Candidates for Protease Inhibitors and Immunomodulators to Apply for Coronaviruses

by Nakarin Suwannarach, Jaturong Kumla, Kanaporn Sujarit, Thanawat Pattananandecha, Chalermpong Saenjum and Saisamorn Lumyong

Molecules 2020, 25(8), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25081800 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 14134

Abstract

The inhibition of viral protease is an important target in antiviral drug discovery and development. To date, protease inhibitor drugs, especially HIV-1 protease inhibitors, have been available for human clinical use in the treatment of coronaviruses. However, these drugs can have adverse side [...] Read more.

The inhibition of viral protease is an important target in antiviral drug discovery and development. To date, protease inhibitor drugs, especially HIV-1 protease inhibitors, have been available for human clinical use in the treatment of coronaviruses. However, these drugs can have adverse side effects and they can become ineffective due to eventual drug resistance. Thus, the search for natural bioactive compounds that were obtained from bio-resources that exert inhibitory capabilities against HIV-1 protease activity is of great interest. Fungi are a source of natural bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic potential in the prevention of viral diseases and for the improvement of human immunomodulation. Here, we made a brief review of the current findings on fungi as producers of protease inhibitors and studies on the relevant candidate fungal bioactive compounds that can offer immunomodulatory activities as potential therapeutic agents of coronaviruses in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Properties of Natural Products)

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