Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Soad A. Mohamad, Eman Maher Zahran, Maha Raafat Abdel Fadeel, Amgad Albohy, Mohamed A. Safwat
Summary: The study loaded acaciin into self-assembled nanofibers and found a significant antiviral effect against bovine coronavirus, offering a new avenue for herbal medicines in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Aljawharah A. Alqathama, Rizwan Ahmad, Ruba B. Alsaedi, Raghad A. Alghamdi, Ekram H. Abkar, Rola H. Alrehaly, Ashraf N. Abdalla
Summary: This review focuses on natural products and their derivatives that have been evaluated for antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Various classes of compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, peptides, and tannins, have shown inhibitory properties against viral and host proteins. Many of these compounds are in different phases of clinical trials.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhonglei Wang, Ning Wang, Liyan Yang, Xian-qing Song
Summary: This paper reviews the studies on natural products in the treatment of COVID-19, highlighting their potential applications in vitro and providing essential guidance for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayesha Rafiq, Tooba Jabeen, Sana Aslam, Matloob Ahmad, Usman Ali Ashfaq, Noor ul Amin Mohsin, Magdi E. A. Zaki, Sami A. Al-Hussain
Summary: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused global panic due to its continuous evolution and recurring spikes. This article summarizes the literature reports to date on natural products showing inhibitory activity towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus through various approaches, such as in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies. These natural compounds, mainly extracted from plants, have the potential to combat the deadly viral disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaoxuan Low, Rafidah Lani, Vunjia Tiong, Chitlaa Poh, Sazaly AbuBakar, Pouya Hassandarvish
Summary: Despite regulation in treatment and management, SARS-CoV-2 remains a leading cause of death in 2022. Natural products, such as traditional Chinese medicines and medicinal plant extracts, challenge the use of repurposed drugs and synthetic compounds in COVID-19 therapeutics. This review highlights the potential of natural products as relatively cheap and readily available alternatives for COVID-19 treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adina Hutanu, Doina Manu, Manuela Rozalia Gabor, Anca Meda Vasiesiu, Akos Vince Andrejkovits, Minodora Dobreanu
Summary: This study evaluated the dynamic changes of total NK cells and different NK subpopulations in COVID-19 patients based on their differentiated expression of CD16/CD56. The results showed different patterns in NK cell subpopulations between survivors and non-survivors, indicating the diversity of NK cell response during the course of the disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andri Frediansyah, Fajar Sofyantoro, Saad Alhumaid, Abbas Al Mutair, Hawra Albayat, Hayyan I. Altaweil, Hani M. Al-Afghani, Abdullah A. AlRamadhan, Mariam R. AlGhazal, Safaa A. Turkistani, Abdulmonem A. Abuzaid, Ali A. Rabaan
Summary: This review summarizes the application of natural products derived from microbes in antiviral research. Several natural compounds with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity have been discovered, and the mechanisms of action for some of these compounds have been described. These findings hold promise for the development of antiviral drugs.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammad Reza Kalhori, Fatemeh Saadatpour, Ehsan Arefian, Masoud Soleimani, Mohammad Hosien Farzaei, Ina Yosifova Aneva, Javier Echeverria
Summary: The study introduces the genetic and morphological structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and explores the roles of miRNAs, siRNAs, chemical drugs, and natural compounds in preventing or treating coronavirus infection.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Min Zhang, Liting Liu, Yao Zhao, Yipeng Cao, Yan Zhu, Lifeng Han, Qi Yang, Yu Wang, Changjian Wang, Han Zhang, Yuefei Wang, Junhua Zhang
Summary: In this study, the bioactive compounds of Xuanfei Baidu formula (XFBD) and its antiviral mechanism were explored using computational analysis and experimental testing. The results showed that acteoside is an active compound in XFBD that inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by forming a hydrogen bond with M-pro.
Article
Immunology
Heike C. Hawerkamp, Adam H. Dyer, Neha D. Patil, Matt McElheron, Niamh O'Dowd, Laura O'Doherty, Aisling Ui Mhaonaigh, Angel M. George, Aisling M. O'Halloran, Conor Reddy, Rose Anne Kenny, Mark A. Little, Ignacio Martin-Loeches, Colm Bergin, Sean P. Kennelly, Seamas C. Donnelly, Nollaig M. Bourke, Aideen Long, Jacklyn Sui, Derek G. Doherty, Niall Conlon, Cliona Ni Cheallaigh, Padraic G. Fallon
Summary: Clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection show a wide range, from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and death. This variability is influenced by differences in the immune response to the virus. A study measured inflammatory markers in patients with acute COVID-19 and found that most pro-inflammatory markers were significantly elevated, and specific markers were associated with disease severity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Faezeh Almasi, Wen Dang, Fatemeh Mohammadipanah, Ning Li
Summary: In addition to respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 can also lead to various neurological disorders. Despite the growing research on the neurological aspects of COVID-19, the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic methods are still unclear. However, some natural compounds have shown neuroprotective effects and could be potential drugs for treating neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2.
ARCHIVES OF PHARMACAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian R. Gomez, Ingrid Espinoza, Fazlay S. Faruke, Mahbub Hasan, Khondaker Miraz Rahman, Larry A. Walker, Ilias Muhammad
Summary: Few promising leads from natural products with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties have been identified for COVID-19 intervention. Factors independent of viral infection or host response, such as genetic factors like G6PD deficiency, may influence disease outcomes.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Giuseppe Carota, Simone Ronsisvalle, Federica Panarello, Daniele Tibullo, Anna Nicolosi, Giovanni Li Volti
Summary: This review focuses on the analysis of natural products that could act as both iron chelators and protease inhibitors to counteract SARS-CoV-2 infection, addressing the association between higher iron levels in respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and viral infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sakshi Piplani, Puneet Singh, David A. Winkler, Nikolai Petrovsky
Summary: Repurposing existing drugs is a rapid approach for finding potential treatments for SARS-CoV-2. Through virtual screening and molecular dynamic simulation, we identified several repurposed drugs that could potentially be used as COVID-19 treatments, including antivirals, antihistamines, and antipsychotics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadia A. Rivero-Segura, Juan C. Gomez-Verjan
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions worldwide, prompting the search for effective treatments against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Research has shown that natural products from Mexico could be a valuable resource for drug development, with compound cichoriin showing potential as a therapeutic tool.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Alyaa Hatem Ibrahim, Eman Zekry Attia, Heba A. Hofny, Faisal Alsenani, Ahmed Zayed, Mostafa E. Rateb, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Samar Yehia Desoukey, Mostafa Ahmed Fouad, Mohamed Salah Kamel
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Nocardiopsis sp. UR67 associated with Callyspongia sp. It found that the extracts from this strain exhibited a variety of chemical compounds and biological activities, including anti-fungal and anti-tumor effects, with potential anti-trypanosomal activity observed in one of the extracts.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arwa Mortada Ahmed, Basma Khalaf Mahmoud, Natalie Millan-Aguinaga, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Mostafa Ahmed Fouad
Summary: The complexity and diversity of secondary metabolites produced by endophytic Fusarium species make them an attractive source of novel natural products for treating life-changing diseases. This comprehensive review focuses on the secondary metabolites extracted from various endophytic Fusarium species and their reported diverse pharmacological activities during the period from April 1999 to April 2022.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed A. A. Orabi, Mohammed Merae Alshahrani, Ahmed M. M. Sayed, Mohamed E. E. Abouelela, Khaled A. A. Shaaban, El-Shaymaa Abdel-Sattar
Summary: Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania protozoa, requires safe and effective treatment options due to the limitations of current drugs. Molecular-docking technique is used to predict suitable small-molecule ligands for protein interaction, and this approach is commonly used for developing new drugs. Leishmania N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target, and the natural products from Withania somnifera have shown promise in inhibiting Leishmania spp. Through molecular docking and dynamics, Calycopteretin-3-rutinoside and withanoside IX were found to have strong affinity and stability towards L. major NMT, suggesting their potential as antileishmanial drugs or as a scaffold for designing parasite NMT inhibitors.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eman Maher Zahran, Nehad M. Reda Abdel-Maqsoud, Omar. Y. Tammam, Islam M. Abdel-Rahman, Mahmoud A. Elrehany, Hussain T. Bakhsh, Faisal H. Altemani, Naseh A. Algehainy, Mubarak A. Alzubaidi, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Abeer H. Elmaidomy
Summary: The study found that coconut seed extract has potential antiscabies effects in rabbits. The extract showed improvement in all signs of infection after topical application, with significant mite mortality in vitro. Histopathological examination revealed reduced inflammation and hyperkeratosis compared to ivermectin treatment. Gene expression analysis showed suppression of inflammatory markers and upregulation of wound healing-related markers. Docking analysis also demonstrated strong binding between specific compounds in the extract and relevant proteins. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of coconut seed extract as a cost-effective and herbal-based alternative for scabies control in rabbits.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hani A. Alhadrami, Ahmed M. Sayed, Hossam M. Hassan, Mostafa E. Rateb
Summary: The current study aimed to assess the inhibitory efficacy of aloin A against SARS CoV-2. In vitro testing showed weak to moderate activity against SARS CoV-2 proteases. However, aloin A efficiently inhibited the replication of SARS CoV-2 in cells. Further virtual screenings and simulations identified RBD-ACE2 as a key target for aloin A, suggesting its role as a destabilizer in the complex.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed M. Fathi, Shaimaa Waz, Eman Alaaeldin, Nisreen D. M. Toni, Azza A. K. El-Sheikh, Ahmed M. Sayed, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Maiiada H. Nazmy
Summary: Blackberry leaves have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study, site-specific delivery of blackberry leaves extract loaded AgNPs to hepatocytes in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) was achieved, and the possible molecular mechanisms were verified. The results showed that pre-treatment with BBE protected against liver damage caused by I/R by reducing oxidative stress and promoting the activation of the anti-apoptotic signaling pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hassan H. Alhassan, Yasir S. Alruwaili, Sami I. Alzarea, Muharib Alruwaili, Omar Awad Alsaidan, Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alzarea, Emad Manni, Muhammad Tahir Ul Qamar
Summary: In this study, computational chemistry and biophysics techniques were used to identify potential inhibitory molecules against the serine hydroxymethyltransferase enzyme. Two compounds, Top-1_BDC_21204033 and Top-2_BDC_20700155, were found to have the best binding ability.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hani A. Alhadrami, Ahmed S. G. Srag El-Din, Hossam M. Hassan, Ahmed M. Sayed, Albaraa H. Alhadrami, Mostafa E. Rateb, Demiana M. Naguib
Summary: This study developed a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to improve the solubility and antiviral activity of sinapic acid (SA). The optimized formulation exhibited small globule size, high solubility, and potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The research contributes to the development of effective drug delivery systems for poorly soluble drugs and their application in SARS-CoV-2 therapy.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Seham S. El-Hawary, Abeer S. Moawad, Hebatallah S. Bahr, Eman Z. Attia, Momen H. El-Katatny, Muhamad Mustafa, Ahmed A. Al-Karmalawy, Mostafa E. Rateb, Jian-ye Zhang, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Rabab Mohammed
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxic potential of Aspergillus terreus associated with soybean against several cancer cell lines using the OSMAC approach. The fermentation of the isolated strain resulted in the most cytotoxic extract against three human cancer cell lines. Molecular docking analysis and in vitro assays revealed the inhibitory potential and interaction abilities of two compounds (butyrolactone-I and aspulvinone E) with various active sites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abeer H. Elmaidomy, Soad A. Mohamad, Mahmoud Abdelnaser, Ramadan Yahia, Fatma A. Mokhtar, Faisal Alsenani, Moutaz Y. Badr, Safa Y. Almaghrabi, Faisal H. Altemani, Mubarak A. Alzubaidi, Entesar Ali Saber, Mahmoud A. Elrehany, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Ahmed M. Sayed
Summary: A VVL-liposomal gel loaded with Vitis vinifera Egyptian edible leaf extract was prepared to enhance wound healing and anti-MRSA activities in vivo. The gel showed sustained drug release, resulting in improved wound healing and tissue repair.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Enas Reda Abdelaleem, Mamdouh Nabil Samy, Mostafa E. Rateb, Omnia Magdy Hendawy, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Samar Yehia Desoukey
Summary: Metabolomic analysis was performed on 12 extracts of Spongia irregularis-associated actinomycetes, resulting in the identification of numerous secondary metabolites. Cytotoxicity testing showed that most extracts exhibited strong to moderate cytotoxic effects against HepG-2, CACO-2, and MCF-7 cell lines. Additionally, three extracts showed anti-hepatitis C virus activity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marwa A. M. Abdel-Razek, Miada F. Abdelwahab, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Ashraf N. E. Hamed
Summary: The aim of this study is to highlight the chemical and biological diversity of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (okra). This plant contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates, as well as flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and sterols. These variations in the chemical composition result in various therapeutic activities, including antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, wound healing, hepatoprotective, immunomodulator, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and cardioprotective activities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seham S. El-hawary, Ahlam Elwekeel, Sara O. Abo El-Ela, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Asmaa I. Owis
Summary: The phytochemical analysis of Livistona leaves and fruits revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. A total of five phenolic compounds and one fatty acid were isolated from L. australis fruits. The in vitro assays showed that the leaves of L. australis exhibited strong anticholinesterase and antidiabetic activities. This study highlights the potential of Livistona species as a valuable source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds for anti-aging and disease treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Seham Elhawary, Marwa H. A. Hassan, Shimaa Ibrahim El-desoucky, Ahlam Elwekeel, Enas I. A. Mohamed, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Hossam M. Hassan, Rabab Mohammed
Summary: Launaea nudicaulis is a wild plant in Egypt used for traditional treatment of various diseases. Chemical analysis identified fifteen compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, sphingolipids, and triterpenes. The plant extracts showed significant cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, and docking study revealed strong binding of natural compounds to topoisomerase enzymes.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seham S. S. El-Hawary, Marwa H. A. Hassan, Ahmed O. O. Hudhud, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Rabab Mohammed
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in the elicitation approaches used to activate cryptic secondary metabolite gene clusters in the actinomycete genome, highlighting the diversity of natural products obtained through various elicitation methods until June 2022, including co-cultivation with actinomycetes, non-actinomycete bacteria, fungi, cell-derived components, and/or algae. Chemical and molecular elicitation strategies such as transcription factor decoys, engineering regulatory genes, promoter replacement, global regulatory genes, and reporter-guided mutant selection were also discussed. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in this field, providing the latest studies and references.