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Active ingredient and mechanistic analysis of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: Insights from bioinformatics and in vitro experiments

Yang et al., Medicine, doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000036238

Dec 2023

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Quercetin for COVID-19

22nd treatment shown to reduce risk in July 2021

^*, now known with p = 0.0031 from 11 studies.

Lower risk for ICU admission, hospitalization, recovery, cases, and viral clearance.

No treatment is 100% effective. Protocols combine complementary and synergistic treatments. ^* >10% efficacy in meta analysis with ≥3 clinical studies.

4,100+ studies for 60+ treatments. c19early.org

Analysis of TCM treatments for COVID-19 including In Silico and In Vitro analysis of quercetin, a common ingredient in TCM treatments. Results suggest that quercetin may help alleviate COVID-19-associated inflammation by reducing levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Molecular docking analysis indicates that quercetin can directly bind to and modulate IL-6 and IL-10. In TNF-⍺ induced inflammation of cultured lung cells, quercetin treatment prevented increases in IL-6 and enhanced IL-10 levels. These computational predictions and cell culture data indicate that quercetin may help control aberrant inflammatory responses in COVID-19 through effects on key regulatory cytokines.

53 preclinical studies support the efficacy of quercetin for COVID-19:

32 In Silico studies Ahmed, Akinwumi, Alanzi, Alavi, Alkafaas, Azmi, Chandran, Chellasamy, Corbo, El-Megharbel, Hasanah, Ibeh, Kandeil, Mandal, Moschovou, Nguyen, Pan, Qin, Rehman, Sai Ramesh, Sekiou, Shaik, Singh, Singh (B), Thapa, Wang, Waqas, Yang, Yang (B), Zhang, Zhou, Şimşek

16 In Vitro studies Aguado, Bahun, DiGuilio, El-Megharbel, Fang, Goc, Kandeil, Munafò, Pan, Roy, Singh (C), Waqas, Wu, Xu, Yang, Zhang (B)

5 In Vivo animal studies Aguado, El-Megharbel, Shaker, Wu, Wu (B)

In Silico studies predict inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, or minimization of side effects, with quercetin or metabolites via binding to the spike Note A, Alavi, Azmi (B), Chandran, Kandeil, Mandal, Moschovou, Nguyen, Pan, Thapa (B), Şimşek, M^pro Note B, Akinwumi, Alanzi, Ibeh, Kandeil, Mandal, Moschovou, Nguyen, Qin, Rehman, Sekiou (B), Singh, Thapa (B), Wang, Zhang, Shaik, Waqas, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase Note C, Corbo, PLpro Note D, Ibeh, Zhang, ACE2 Note E, Chandran, Ibeh, Qin, Thapa (B), Şimşek, Alkafaas, TMPRSS2 Note F, Chandran, helicase Note G, Alanzi, Singh (B), endoribonuclease Note H, Alavi, cathepsin L Note I, Ahmed, Wnt-3 Note J, Chandran, FZD Note K, Chandran, LRP6 Note L, Chandran, ezrin Note M, Chellasamy, ADRP Note N, Nguyen, NRP1 Note O, Şimşek, EP300 Note P, Hasanah, PTGS2 Note Q, Qin, HSP90AA1 Note R, Qin, Hasanah, matrix metalloproteinase 9 Note S, Sai Ramesh, IL-6 Note T, Yang, Yang (B), IL-10 Note U, Yang, VEGFA Note V, Yang (B), and RELA Note W, Yang (B) proteins. In Vitro studies demonstrate efficacy in Calu-3 Note X, DiGuilio, A549 Note Y, Yang, HEK293-ACE2+ Note Z, Singh (C), Huh-7 Note AA, Pan, Caco-2 Note AB, Roy, Vero E6 Note AC, Kandeil, El-Megharbel, Roy, mTEC Note AD, Wu, and RAW264.7 Note AE, Wu cells. Animal studies demonstrate efficacy in K18-hACE2 mice Note AF, Aguado, db/db mice Note AG, Wu, Wu (B), BALB/c mice Note AH, Shaker, and rats El-Megharbel (B). Quercetin reduced proinflammatory cytokines and protected lung and kidney tissue against LPS-induced damage in mice Shaker.

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11. Chellasamy et al., Docking and molecular dynamics studies of human ezrin protein with a modelled SARS-CoV-2 endodomain and their interaction with potential invasion inhibitors, Journal of King Saud University - Science, doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102277.sciencedirect.com, doi.org.

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18. Hasanah et al., Decoding the therapeutic potential of empon-empon: a bioinformatics expedition unraveling mechanisms against COVID-19 and atherosclerosis, International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, doi:10.22159/ijap.2024v16i2.50128.innovareacademics.in, doi.org.

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20. Kandeil et al., Bioactive Polyphenolic Compounds Showing Strong Antiviral Activities against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, Pathogens, doi:10.3390/pathogens10060758.mdpi.com, doi.org.

21. Mandal et al., In silico anti-viral assessment of phytoconstituents in a traditional (Siddha Medicine) polyherbal formulation – Targeting Mpro and pan-coronavirus post-fusion Spike protein, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.07.004.sciencedirect.com, doi.org.

22. Moschovou et al., Exploring the Binding Effects of Natural Products and Antihypertensive Drugs on SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Investigation of Main Protease and Spike Protein, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, doi:10.3390/ijms242115894.mdpi.com, doi.org.

23. Munafò et al., Quercetin and Luteolin Are Single-digit Micromolar Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase, Research Square, doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1149846/v1.researchsquare.com, doi.org.

24. Nguyen et al., The Potential of Ameliorating COVID-19 and Sequelae From Andrographis paniculata via Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, doi:10.1177/11779322221149622.sagepub.com, doi.org.

25. Pan et al., Quercetin: A promising drug candidate against the potential SARS-CoV-2-Spike mutants with high viral infectivity, Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, doi:10.1016/j.csbj.2023.10.029.sciencedirect.com, doi.org.

26. Qin et al., Exploring the bioactive compounds of Feiduqing formula for the prevention and management of COVID-19 through network pharmacology and molecular docking, Medical Data Mining, doi:10.53388/MDM202407003.tmrjournals.com, doi.org.

27. Rehman et al., Natural Compounds as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (3CLpro): A Molecular Docking and Simulation Approach to Combat COVID-19, Current Pharmaceutical Design, doi:10.2174/1381612826999201116195851.doi.org, doi.org.

28. Roy et al., Quercetin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevents syncytium formation by cells co-expressing the viral spike protein and human ACE2, Virology Journal, doi:10.1186/s12985-024-02299-w.biomedcentral.com, doi.org.

29. Sai Ramesh et al., Computational analysis of the phytocompounds of Mimusops elengi against spike protein of SARS CoV2 – An Insilico model, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125553.sciencedirect.com, doi.org.

30. Sekiou et al., In-Silico Identification of Potent Inhibitors of COVID-19 Main Protease (Mpro) and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) from Natural Products: Quercetin, Hispidulin, and Cirsimaritin Exhibited Better Potential Inhibition than Hydroxy-Chloroquine Against COVID-19 Main Protease Active Site and ACE2, ChemRxiv, doi:10.26434/chemrxiv.12181404.v1.chemrxiv.org, doi.org.

31. Sekiou (B) et al., In-Silico Identification of Potent Inhibitors of COVID-19 Main Protease (Mpro) and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) from Natural Products: Quercetin, Hispidulin, and Cirsimaritin Exhibited Better Potential Inhibition than Hydroxy-Chloroquine Against COVID-19 Main Protease Active Site and ACE2, ChemRxiv, doi:10.26434/chemrxiv.12181404.v1.chemrxiv.org, doi.org.

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33. Shaker et al., Anti-cytokine Storm Activity of Fraxin, Quercetin, and their Combination on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cytokine Storm in Mice: Implications in COVID-19, Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, doi:10.30476/ijms.2023.98947.3102.ac.ir, doi.org.

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a. The trimeric spike (S) protein is a glycoprotein that mediates viral entry by binding to the host ACE2 receptor, is critical for SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect host cells, and is a target of neutralizing antibodies. Inhibition of the spike protein prevents viral attachment, halting infection at the earliest stage.

b. The main protease or M^pro, also known as 3CL^pro or nsp5, is a cysteine protease that cleaves viral polyproteins into functional units needed for replication. Inhibiting M^pro disrupts the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle within the host cell, preventing the creation of new copies.

c. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), also called nsp12, is the core enzyme of the viral replicase-transcriptase complex that copies the positive-sense viral RNA genome into negative-sense templates for progeny RNA synthesis. Inhibiting RdRp blocks viral genome replication and transcription.

d. The papain-like protease (PLpro) has multiple functions including cleaving viral polyproteins and suppressing the host immune response by deubiquitination and deISGylation of host proteins. Inhibiting PLpro may block viral replication and help restore normal immune responses.

e. The angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein is a host cell transmembrane protein that serves as the cellular receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. ACE2 is expressed on many cell types, including epithelial cells in the lungs, and allows the virus to enter and infect host cells. Inhibition may affect ACE2's physiological function in blood pressure control.

f. Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a host cell protease that primes the spike protein, facilitating cellular entry. TMPRSS2 activity helps enable cleavage of the spike protein required for membrane fusion and virus entry. Inhibition may especially protect respiratory epithelial cells, buy may have physiological effects.

g. The helicase, or nsp13, protein unwinds the double-stranded viral RNA, a crucial step in replication and transcription. Inhibition may prevent viral genome replication and the creation of new virus components.

h. The endoribonuclease, also known as NendoU or nsp15, cleaves specific sequences in viral RNA which may help the virus evade detection by the host immune system. Inhibition may hinder the virus's ability to mask itself from the immune system, facilitating a stronger immune response.

i. Cathepsin L is a host lysosomal cysteine protease that can prime the spike protein through an alternative pathway when TMPRSS2 is unavailable. Dual targeting of cathepsin L and TMPRSS2 may maximize disruption of alternative pathways for virus entry.

k. The frizzled (FZD) receptor is a host transmembrane receptor that binds Wnt ligands, initiating the Wnt signaling cascade. FZD serves as a co-receptor, along with ACE2, in some proposed mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus may take advantage of this pathway as an alternative entry route.

l. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 is a cell surface co-receptor essential for Wnt signaling. LRP6 acts in tandem with FZD for signal transduction and has been discussed as a potential co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry.

m. The ezrin protein links the cell membrane to the cytoskeleton (the cell's internal support structure) and plays a role in cell shape, movement, adhesion, and signaling. Drugs that occupy the same spot on ezrin where the viral spike protein would bind may hindering viral attachment, and drug binding could further stabilize ezrin, strengthening its potential natural capacity to impede viral fusion and entry.

n. The Adipocyte Differentiation-Related Protein (ADRP, also known as Perilipin 2 or PLIN2) is a lipid droplet protein regulating the storage and breakdown of fats in cells. SARS-CoV-2 may hijack the lipid handling machinery of host cells and ADRP may play a role in this process. Disrupting ADRP's interaction with the virus may hinder the virus's ability to use lipids for replication and assembly.

o. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a cell surface receptor with roles in blood vessel development, nerve cell guidance, and immune responses. NRP1 may function as a co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2, facilitating viral entry into cells. Blocking NRP1 may disrupt an alternative route of viral entry.

p. EP300 (E1A Binding Protein P300) is a transcriptional coactivator involved in several cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, through its acetyltransferase activity that modifies histones and non-histone proteins. EP300 facilitates viral entry into cells and upregulates inflammatory cytokine production.

q. Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2, also known as COX-2) is an enzyme crucial for the production of inflammatory molecules called prostaglandins. PTGS2 plays a role in the inflammatory response that can become severe in COVID-19 and inhibitors (like some NSAIDs) may have benefits in dampening harmful inflammation, but note that prostaglandins have diverse physiological functions.

r. Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha Family Class A Member 1 (HSP90AA1) is a chaperone protein that helps other proteins fold correctly and maintains their stability. HSP90AA1 plays roles in cell signaling, survival, and immune responses. HSP90AA1 may interact with numerous viral proteins, but note that it has diverse physiological functions.

s. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), also called gelatinase B, is a zinc-dependent enzyme that breaks down collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix. MMP9 levels increase in severe COVID-19. Overactive MMP9 can damage lung tissue and worsen inflammation. Inhibition of MMP9 may prevent excessive tissue damage and help regulate the inflammatory response.

t. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) pro-inflammatory cytokine (signaling molecule) has a complex role in the immune response and may trigger and perpetuate inflammation. Elevated IL-6 levels are associated with severe COVID-19 cases and cytokine storm. Anti-IL-6 therapies may be beneficial in reducing excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases.

u. The interleukin-10 (IL-10) anti-inflammatory cytokine helps regulate and dampen immune responses, preventing excessive inflammation. IL-10 levels can also be elevated in severe COVID-19. IL-10 could either help control harmful inflammation or potentially contribute to immune suppression.

v. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) promotes the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and has roles in inflammation and immune responses. VEGFA may contribute to blood vessel leakiness and excessive inflammation associated with severe COVID-19.

w. RELA is a transcription factor subunit of NF-kB and is a key regulator of inflammation, driving pro-inflammatory gene expression. SARS-CoV-2 may hijack and modulate NF-kB pathways.

x. Calu-3 is a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line with moderate ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. It provides a model of the human respiratory epithelium, but many not be ideal for modeling early stages of infection due to the moderate expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2.

y. A549 is a human lung carcinoma cell line with low ACE2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Viral entry/replication can be studied but the cells may not replicate all aspects of lung infection.

z. HEK293-ACE2+ is a human embryonic kidney cell line engineered for high ACE2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility.

aa. Huh-7 cells were derived from a liver tumor (hepatoma).

ab. Caco-2 cells come from a colorectal adenocarcinoma (cancer). They are valued for their ability to form a polarized cell layer with properties similar to the intestinal lining.

ac. Vero E6 is an African green monkey kidney cell line with low/no ACE2 expression and high SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. The cell line is easy to maintain and supports robust viral replication, however the monkey origin may not accurately represent human responses.

ad. mTEC is a mouse tubular epithelial cell line.

ae. RAW264.7 is a mouse macrophage cell line.

af. A mouse model expressing the human ACE2 receptor under the control of the K18 promoter.

ag. A mouse model of obesity and severe insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes due to a mutation in the leptin receptor gene that impairs satiety signaling.

ah. A mouse model commonly used in infectious disease and cancer research due to higher immune response and susceptibility to infection.

Yang et al., 1 Dec 2023, peer-reviewed, 4 authors. Contact: liuxl@qlu.edu.cn.

In Vitro studies are an important part of preclinical research, however results may be very different in vivo.

This Paper Quercetin All

Active ingredient and mechanistic analysis of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: Insights from bioinformatics and in vitro experiments

ME a Jiakai Yang, PhD Qianqian Zhuang, ME a , Chi Zhang, PhD Xinli Liu

Medicine, doi:10.1097/md.0000000000036238

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 ) is an acute infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been proven to have a potential curative effect on COVID-19. This study preliminarily analyzed the existing TCM prescription's key components and action mechanisms for preventing and treating COVID-19 using bioinformatic and experimental methods. Association and clustering analysis reveals that the "HQ + FF + BZ" drug combination had a strong correlation and confidence in 93 TCM prescriptions and may affect the progression of COVID-19 through inflammatory pathways such as the TNF signaling pathway. Further molecular docking revealed that quercetin has a higher affinity for IL6 and IL10 in the TNF signaling pathway associated with COVID-19. In vitro experiments demonstrated that quercetin could effectively reduce the levels of the inflammatory factor IL-6 and increase the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, alleviating inflammation impact on cells. Our results provide a new understanding of the molecular mechanism of TCM prevention and treatment of COVID-19, which is helpful to the development of new diagnosis and treatment schemes for COVID-19.

Author contributions Conceptualization: Jiakai Yang. Data curation: Jiakai Yang, Chi Zhang.

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