Molecular Docking Analysis on the Antiviral Effects of Curcumin on SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The structural preferences of curcumin (C21H20O6) molecule were analyzed by MMFF method using Spartan06 program and the most stable geometry was determined. To evaluate the effects of curcumin on SARS-CoV-2, the molecular docking studies have been done on the spike glycoprotein and the apo/holo forms of the SARS-CoV-2 major protease enzyme (Mpro). The binding affinities and binding modes of curcumin targeted to the SARS-CoV-2 proteins were determined. It was discovered that curcumin had binding affinities of -7.3, -5.7, and -7.6 kcal/mol to the apo and holo forms of the major protease enzyme (Mpro) and spike glycoprotein, respectively. The findings suggested that curcumin could be a useful therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment.