Phytochemicals from Annona muricata (Sour Sop) as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and spike receptor protein: a structure-based drug design studies and chemoinformatics analyses

Abstract As the fight against SARS-CoV-2 remains undefeated despite available vaccines, continuous efforts to curtail this deadly and highly spreading virus remain a world priority. In this research, we have investigated the antiviral properties of the phytochemicals from Annona muricata (Sour Sop) as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and Spike Receptor Protein. Pharmacokinetic analyses such as in-silicoADME, drug-likeness, PASS prediction, oral-bioavailability and bioactivity were carried out to screen the phytochemicals, 9 out of the 131 ligands satisfied the screening. A molecular docking approach was used to obtain the binding energies of the 9 ligands, and the result showed that Roseoside (−7.50 kcal/mol) and Coreximine (−7.0 kcal/mol) displayed the best docking score and have predicted to have stable interactions with SARS-CoV-2 main protease and Spike Glycoprotein. Data from this study could be further explored in developing multi-target drugs against SARS-CoV-2.