Natural Indoles from the Gardneria Multiflora Makino Plant Emerging as Potential Antiviral Agents Against HIV and HCV
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 19, 2025 3 hours, 14 minutes ago
Medical News: A groundbreaking study recently examined the antiviral potential of natural indoles, focusing on phytochemical compounds gardflorine A, B, and C derived from the Gardneria multiflora Makino plant. This research is especially timely as the global health community continues to grapple with the persistent challenges of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Both infections are linked to severe morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the dual threat of co-infection adding a layer of complexity to their management.
.jpg)
Natural Indoles from the Gardneria Multiflora Makino Plant Emerging as Potential Antiviral Agents Against HIV and HCV
Conducted by an international team of researchers, including contributors from institutions such as Taif University in Saudi Arabia, Sohag University in Egypt, and Kyung Hee University in South Korea, the study provides a fresh perspective on the therapeutic possibilities of indole-based compounds. These compounds are known for their unique “privileged scaffold” structure, which makes them promising candidates for antiviral drug development. This
Medical News report delves into the details of the study and its implications for combating these critical health challenges.
Why Focus on HIV and HCV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), continues to infect thousands daily, with projections suggesting over a million new cases by 2025. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 58 million people globally, leading to complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The interplay of these two infections is particularly concerning, as co-infection often worsens health outcomes and complicates treatment protocols.
Given this context, researchers have been exploring new ways to target these viruses more effectively. Indole-based compounds are of particular interest due to their documented antimicrobial, antimalarial, and antitumor properties, alongside their emerging antiviral potential. The current study focuses on gardflorine A, B, and C, which are natural indole alkaloids extracted from the Gardneria multiflora plant, traditionally used in herbal medicine.
Methodology: A Deep Dive into Molecular Docking
The researchers utilized advanced computational techniques, including molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. These methods helped evaluate the binding potential of gardflorine compounds against key proteins involved in HIV and HCV replication.
-ADMET Analysis: ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) studies revealed that all three gardflorine compounds exhibited high gastrointestinal absorption. Moreover, gardflorine A demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, highlighting its potential for treating central nervous system-related complications of viral infections.
-Molecular Dock
ing: This technique assessed the binding interactions of gardflorine compounds with target proteins. Gardflorine A emerged as the most versatile, targeting over 50 HIV-related proteins and 20 HCV-related proteins. In contrast, gardflorine B and C exhibited more selective activity, focusing primarily on HCV targets.
Key Findings
The study’s results were illuminating, shedding light on the mechanisms through which these compounds inhibit viral activity:
-HIV-Related Proteins: Gardflorine A demonstrated high binding affinity with HIV reverse transcriptase and integrase enzymes, critical for viral replication. Docking scores of -8.38 kcal/mol and -6.07 kcal/mol, respectively, underscore its inhibitory potential. Notably, gardflorine B and C displayed lower affinity for these targets, suggesting a more specialized role.
-HCV-Related Proteins: Gardflorine compounds showed strong interactions with the HCV NS3/4A protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The latter is vital for viral replication. Docking scores for gardflorine A ranged from -7.35 to -6.23 kcal/mol, indicating robust binding capabilities. The inhibition constant (Ki) values further validated these findings, positioning gardflorine compounds as promising candidates for antiviral therapy.
-Selectivity and Safety: The ADMET analysis confirmed that all three compounds are lead-like molecules with no violations of Lipinski’s Rule of Five, a guideline for drug-likeness. Gardflorine A’s unique ability to bypass P-glycoprotein, which often expels drugs from cells, enhances its therapeutic potential.
Implications for Drug Development
The discovery of natural indoles as multi-target antiviral agents opens new avenues for pharmaceutical research. Their ability to interact with multiple proteins makes them ideal candidates for combination therapies, potentially addressing the issue of drug resistance. Additionally, their natural origin and bioavailability profiles suggest a lower likelihood of severe side effects, a common limitation in existing antiviral drugs.
Conclusion
This study represents a significant step forward in the quest for more effective antiviral therapies. By leveraging the unique properties of natural indoles, researchers have identified compounds with the potential to disrupt the replication cycles of both HIV and HCV. Gardflorine A, in particular, stands out as a versatile and potent candidate, capable of targeting a wide range of viral proteins. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier further enhances its therapeutic appeal.
As the global burden of HIV and HCV continues to rise, the importance of innovative research like this cannot be overstated. The findings underscore the need for further exploration of natural compounds in drug development. With the potential to improve outcomes for millions worldwide, the future of antiviral therapy looks promising.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Frontiers in Chemistry.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2024.1521298/full
For the latest on Herbs and Phytochemicals, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-phenolic-acids-and-flavonoids-from-cranberries-identified-as-potential-antivirals-against-sars-cov-2
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-jaranol-from-cloves-licorice-or-astragalus-can-be-used-as-an-adjuvant-to-treat-covid-19-and-even-lung-adenocarcinoma
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-polysaccharide-extracts-of-prunella-vulgaris-inhibits-herpes-simplex-virus-infection-by-blocking-tlr-mediated-nf-kb-activatio
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-study-shows-that-3-epi-betulin-from-daphniphyllum-glaucescens-inhibits-sars-cov-2-entry-and-suppresses-inflammation
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
Share
Tweet
Share
