ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is related to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. This increasing ROS formation can mediate ROS-dependent cellular signaling processes inducing cytokines and inflammations that worsen the disease. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can progress due to the self-sustaining cycle of ROS release, inflammatory mediators, and cellular damage. For the treatment, Aloe vera is a promising plant that has the potential to be used. In this study, therefore, we identified the metabolite composition of A. vera peel and gel using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The metabolites were molecularly docked to Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) and ROS-producing enzymes to obtain medicinal compounds to inhibit these targets. The LC-MS analysis revealed the peel and gel compositions are distinct, in which 13 metabolites are identified in the peel and 12 in the gel. Furthermore, these metabolites might be promising inhibitors against Omicron variant SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ROS-producing enzymes based on the docking scores and the number of bonds formed. Thus, A. vera is one promising candidate for COVID-19 treatment due to its potential to alter the RBD function of forming a complex with ACE2 and inhibit the ROS-dependent cellular signaling processes related to COVID-19 pathogenesis and disease severity progression © 2023 Billy Johnson Kepel et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
ABSTRACT
Forests contain nearly all of the natural resources required by humans. Apart from food, the community makes use of forest products for medicinal purposes. Betel (Piper betle L.) is one of the numerous forest plants that thrive in the forests of North Sulawesi. The leaves and fruits are used by indigenous people as anti-inflammatory medications, deodorizing body odors, and for maintaining health. Natural medicine has recently been included in clinical trials as immunomodulators in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to identify novel immunomodulatory compounds derived from betel leaf for the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, particularly proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and nuclear factor kappa B). These cytokines are critical in modulating immune responses. Bioactive compounds from betel leaves were extracted and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These compounds were used as ligands for PyRx-based molecular docking. The admetSAR and SwissADME were used to predict ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) and Lipinski’s rule of five parameters of the studied compounds. This study discovered that 17 compounds exhibited higher binding energy than the control immunomodulatory agents (β-glucan and thiopurine). Only one of the compounds violated Lipinski’s rule of five. ADMET predictions indicated that the compounds possess favorable and safe pharmacokinetic properties, making them suitable for development as drug candidates. The research findings suggest that bioactive compounds derived from betel leaf may prove beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19, particularly in the context of cytokine storms. © 2022. Fatimawali et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
ABSTRACT
Mango (Mangifera indica) and pineapple (Ananas Comosus) are tropical fruits that contain many nutrients, one of which is antioxidants and polyphenols. Lots of studies have shown that fermented fruit is higher in antioxidants and health benefits. Antioxidants have been reported to be an alternative to enhance body immunity and possibly become an Anti-SARS-CoV-2. One of the antioxidants that are easily found in vitamin C. This study is to process the fermented mango and pineapple fruits into cookies and to test the antioxidant content (especially Vitamin C) in vitro. There were three variations of the formulation, mango: pineapple: CO2 free water. Sample 1 (1: 0.5: 0.5), sample 2 (2: 1: 1) and sample 3 (3: 2: 2). Then, all product samples were inoculated with Lactobacillus paracasei 5% b/v for 14 days under anaerobic conditions to get simpler mangoes and pineapple food fibre. The fermented products were made into flour with a freeze dryer. Sample variation is done to determine the average significance of the antioxidant content in it. The next step was Vitamin C analysis from 3 samples of cookies sample using Titration Iodometric Method, to determine the amount of Vitamin C (mg/100 g) and also the antioxidant activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The amount of vitamin C obtained in Sample 1 was 100.20 mg/100 g respectively with antioxidant activity is 35.33%. Sample 2 was 95.75 mg/100 g respectively with antioxidant activity is 30.60%. Sample 3 was 107.90 mg/100 g respectively with antioxidant activity is 44.70%. The formulation with the highest amount of cookies sample containing vitamin C is S3. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) that determined vitamin C levels between sample formulations. The mean ash content of the three samples was 2.02±0.04% and water content were 1.60± 0.15%. The average vitamin C levels in the three sample cookies were 101.28±6.14 mg/100 g. Sample 3 indicated the best antioxidant activity towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in the amount of 44.70%. Therefore, fermented mango and pineapple have a great potential to be developed into healthy snack cookies. The vitamin C and antioxidants content in cookies from the fermentation of mango and pineapple may be a great substitute for snacks since antioxidants has the ability to improve immunity and anti-inflammatory response. These cookies are also good prebiotics for the gut microbiome which plays a good role in the immune system. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources.