Cytotoxic and antiviral properties of Canarium patentinervium Miq. Against H1N1 influenza virus; insilico and invitro insights

Abstract

The seasonal flu virus can cause serious illness or death. Medical therapies and vaccinations have reduced influenza infections, yet they remain a public health hazard. Folk medicine uses Canarium patentinervium Miq, to cure respiratory problems and inflammation. Nevertheless, little is known about this plant's antiviral properties. This study aims to test the antiviral activity of several extracts and isolated compounds from Canarium patentinervium Miq. against the H1N1 virus in insilico and invitro models. The leaf and bark ethanol extracts exhibited the highest activity, with CC₅₀ > 300 µg/mL, IC₅₀= 30.2 µg/mL, and SI = 10. Catechin was isolated from the plant leaf and bark along with scopoletin, scoparone, hyperin, and cynaroside. All the isolated compounds were tested against H1N1 drug targets neuraminidase, hemagglutinin, and matrix protein 2 in insilico study. Catechin had the highest affinity (∆G= −10.4 Kcal/mol) and binding free energy (∆Gbind= −92.6 ± 0.3 KJ/mol) for matrix protein 2. The in vitro investigation demonstrated that catechin had minimal toxicity and some effect on the H1N1 virus (CC₅₀>300 µg/mL, IC₅₀= 41.5 µg/mL, and SI = 7). Catechin and oseltamivir synergy was tested using virus yield reduction assays. Influenza decreased significantly by oseltamivir-catechin at 1 and 100 µg/mL dosages with strong synergy indicated through viral titer. For the first time, the antiviral activity of the Canarium patentinervium miq plant was reported in this study, and it suggests that using plant phytochemicals in combination with oseltamivir may improve flu outcomes, especially for patients who are very sick or immunocompromised.