Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Inhibitory Efficacy of Main Components of <i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i> on the Interaction between Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II
oleh: Cheng-Han Lin, Ho-Ju Chang, Meng-Wei Lin, Xin-Rui Yang, Che-Hsiung Lee, Chih-Sheng Lin
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2024-03-01 |
Deskripsi
Blocking the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) protein serves as a therapeutic strategy for treating COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments containing bioactive products could alleviate the symptoms of severe COVID-19. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has complicated the process of developing broad-spectrum drugs. As such, the aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of TCM treatments against SARS-CoV-2 variants through targeting the interaction of the viral spike protein with the hACE2 receptor. Antiviral activity was systematically evaluated using a pseudovirus system. <i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i> (<i>S. baicalensis</i>) was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it mediated the interaction between the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein. Moreover, the active molecules of <i>S. baicalensis</i> were identified and analyzed. Baicalein and baicalin, a flavone and a flavone glycoside found in <i>S. baicalensis</i>, respectively, exhibited strong inhibitory activities targeting the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein, respectively. Under optimized conditions, virus infection was inhibited by 98% via baicalein-treated pseudovirus and baicalin-treated hACE2. In summary, we identified the potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from <i>S. baicalensis</i> that mediate the interaction between the Omicron spike protein and the hACE2 receptor. Future studies on the therapeutic application of baicalein and baicalin against SARS-CoV-2 variants are needed.