Malaysian researchers discover Marantodes Pumilum extract as a potential therapeutic against COVID-19

Herbs And Phytochemicals: In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Herbal Medicine Research Centre at the Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, have found that the extract from Marantodes pumilum, commonly known as Kacip Fatimah, may hold the key to combating COVID-19. This plant, traditionally used in Malaysia for various medicinal purposes, has demonstrated significant anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties in their in vitro research. This Herbs And Phytochemicals news report discusses the exciting findings that could pave the way for new, plant-based treatments against SARS-CoV-2 infections.


Malaysian researchers discover Marantodes Pumilum extract as a potential therapeutic against COVID-19

Study Overview: Investigating Marantodes Pumilum's Potential
The global COVID-19 pandemic has mobilized scientists across the world to explore new ways to fight the virus. Researchers in Malaysia joined the fight by exploring the medicinal potential of Marantodes pumilum, a plant traditionally consumed to improve women's health and treat various ailments. In this study, they focused on testing the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory properties of a standardized extract of M. pumilum, known as SKF7®, in the lab.
 
The research, carried out by a team of scientists including Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Abd Razak and his colleagues, aimed to determine whether this natural remedy could help treat COVID-19.
 
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Findings: How Effective is Marantodes Pumilum?
One of the key discoveries of the study was the ability of the M. pumilum extract to inhibit the growth of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in both kidney and lung cells. Using two types of cells - Vero E6 (from African green monkeys) and human lung cells expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors - the researchers assessed how the extract affected the virus’s replication.
 
The findings were remarkable. The SKF7® extract was able to inhibit the Wuhan strain of the virus with an EC50 value of 21.99 µg/mL and the Omicron variant with an EC50 value of 16.29 µg/mL in the kidney cells. Even more promising was its effect in human lung cells, where the EC50 value dropped to an impressive 6.31 µg/mL, showcasing stronger inhibition in human tissues. The extract also had a favorable selectivity index (SI) in both cell types, indicating that it was effective at reducing the virus without being toxic to the cells.
 
A Deeper Look at How the Extract Works
One of the main goals of the study was to uncover how the extract inhibits the virus. By testing its effect on two key targets: the spike protein-ACE2 interaction (which allows the virus to enter human cells) and the 3CL protease enzyme (critical for viral replication), the researchers sought to understand the mechanism of action behind its antiviral properties.
 
Surprisingly, the SKF7® extract showed only minor effects on the spike protein-ACE2 interaction but significantly inhibited the 3CL protease. At concentrations of 10 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL, the extract reduced the protease activity by 32.8% and 53.5%, respectively, suggesting that the extract disrupts the virus’s ability to replicate inside human cells. This finding is particularly noteworthy because one of the most effective COVID-19 treatments to date, Paxlovid, also claims to targets the 3CL protease.
 
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Reducing the Cytokine Storm
COVID-19 is not just a viral infection; it can also trigger a dangerous overreaction of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm. This hyperinflammatory response can lead to severe lung damage and even death in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory potential of the M. pumilum extract was another critical focus of this study.
 
The researchers tested the extract on murine macrophage cells to see if it could reduce the production of nitric oxide (NO), a marker of inflammation. While the extract did not significantly impact NO production, it did show promising results in reducing TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) signaling, which plays a key role in triggering inflammatory responses in the body. At concentrations of 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, the extract effectively inhibited TLR4 activation without causing toxicity to the cells.
 
This finding is particularly significant because TLR4 has been linked to the severe inflammatory response observed in COVID-19 patients, making it a potential target for reducing the severity of the disease. By blocking this pathway, the M. pumilum extract could help prevent the progression of severe COVID-19 and reduce the risk of long-term complications such as post-COVID syndrome.
 
Key Compounds in Marantodes Pumilum
To better understand why the M. pumilum extract was so effective, the researchers analyzed its chemical composition using advanced techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry. They identified several phenolic compounds in the extract, including catechins, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid, which have all been studied for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
 
EGCG, in particular, is a well-known compound found in green tea and has been shown in previous studies to inhibit the replication of various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Its ability to bind to both the spike protein and the 3CL protease makes it a powerful tool in preventing viral entry and replication. Gallic acid, another compound found in the extract, has also been studied for its potential to block essential viral proteins involved in replication.
 
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Plant-Based COVID-19 Treatments
The study findings suggest that the standardized extract of Marantodes pumilum could offer a new, natural approach to combating COVID-19. Its dual action - targeting both viral replication and the body’s inflammatory response—makes it a promising candidate for further development as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
 
While this research was conducted in vitro, meaning it was done in a lab setting and not in human trials, the results are highly encouraging. Future studies, including pre-clinical in vivo trials, are needed to confirm the efficacy of the extract in treating COVID-19 in living organisms. If successful, Marantodes pumilum could be added to the growing list of plant-based remedies that are helping to fight the global pandemic.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-024-04628-6
 
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