Phytochemicals from Selective Plants Have Promising Potential against SARS-CoV-2: Investigation and Corroboration through Molecular Docking, MD Simulations, and Quantum Computations

Abstract EN

Coronaviruses have been reported previously due to their association with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

After SARS, these viruses were known to be causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and caused 35% evanescence amid victims pursuing remedial care.

Nowadays, beta coronaviruses, members of Coronaviridae, family order Nidovirales, have become subjects of great importance due to their latest pandemic originating from Wuhan, China.

The virus named as human-SARS-like coronavirus-2 contains four structural as well as sixteen nonstructural proteins encoded by single-stranded ribonucleic acid of positive polarity.

As there is no vaccine available to treat the infection caused by these viruses, there is a dire need for taking necessary steps against this virus.

Herein, we have targeted two nonstructural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, namely, methyltransferase (nsp16) and helicase (nsp13), respectively, due to their substantial activity in viral pathogenesis.

A total of 2035 compounds were analyzed for their pharmacokinetics and pharmacological properties.

The screened 108 compounds were docked against both targeted proteins and were compared with previously reported known compounds.

Compounds with high binding affinity were analyzed for their reactivity through DFT analysis, and binding was analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations.

Through the analyses performed in this study, it is concluded that EryvarinM, Silydianin, Osajin, and Raddeanine can be considered potential inhibitors for MTase, while TomentodiplaconeB, Osajin, Sesquiterpene Glycoside, Rhamnetin, and Silydianin for helicase after these compounds are validated thoroughly using in vitro and in vivo protocols.