AI Article Synopsis

  • Targeting the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2 is a key strategy in COVID-19 treatment, with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offering potential therapeutic options.
  • Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses challenges for broad-spectrum drug development, motivating research into TCM effectiveness against these variants.
  • Baicalein and baicalin, identified as active compounds, show strong antiviral properties, with virus infection reduced by 98% in treated systems, warranting further studies on their therapeutic potential against variants like Omicron.

Article Abstract

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. () 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 were identified and analyzed. Baicalein and baicalin, a flavone and a flavone glycoside found in , 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 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.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10932139PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052935DOI Listing

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