Evaluation of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) active Phytochemicals Against Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

Abstract

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus emerged from Wuhan, China in December 2019. It has spread to more than 205 countries and become pandemic now. Currently, there are no FDA approved drugs or vaccines available and hence several studies are going on in search of suitable drug that can target viral proteins or host receptor for the prevention and management of COVID-19. The search for plant-based anti-viral agents against the SARS-CoV-2 is promising because several of plants have been shown to possess anti-viral activities against different viruses. Here, we used molecular docking approach to explore the use of Indian Ayurvedic herbs, Yashtimadhu in prevention and management of COVID-19. In the present study we have evaluated the effectiveness of phytochemicals found in Yashtimadhu against Main Protease (Mpro), Spike (S) protein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 as well as human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and furin protease. Apart from this, we have also performed in-silico drug-likeness and predicted pharmacokinetics of the selected phytochemicals found in the Yashtimadhu. Our study shows that several phytochemicals found in this plant have potential to bind with important proteins of SARS-CoV-2 which are essential for viral infection and replication. Overall our study provides scientific basis in terms of binding of active ingredients present in Yashtimadhu with SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Our docking studies reveal that Yashtimadhu may inhibit the viral severity by interfering with viral entry as well as its multiplication in the infected persons. Thus Yashtimadhu may be helpful in the prevention and management of the COVID-19.