The Broad Antiviral Potential of The TCM Decoction Fuzheng Jied Against Various Coronaviruses Including SARS-CoV-2
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 03, 2025 2 days, 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
TCM News: In a groundbreaking study by researchers from the College of Life Science and Technology at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Guangzhou Medical University, and the State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known as Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction (FZJDD) has emerged as a powerful antiviral agent.
The Broad Antiviral Potential of The TCM Decoction Fuzheng Jied Against Various
Coronaviruses Including SARS-CoV-2
Fuzheng Jiedu decoction (FZJDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, formulated with 8 herbs including lightly sliced, dried ginger, roasted licorice, honeysuckle, saponin thorn, hairy peach, patchouli, and tangerine peel. This herbal formula, traditionally used for enhancing immunity and fighting infections, has shown broad-spectrum activity against various coronaviruses, including the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The study provides an in-depth look at how FZJDD combats viral infections and highlights its potential for modern therapeutic applications.
The Scope of the Study
This
TCM News report dives into the mechanisms and material basis of FZJDD, uncovering how this herbal remedy interacts with viral components to inhibit infections. Conducted by a multidisciplinary team, the research employed advanced techniques, including metabolite full-spectrum analysis and protein inhibition assays, to elucidate the antiviral properties of FZJDD. Researchers sought to determine whether FZJDD could extend its benefits beyond COVID-19 to other coronaviruses like the swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV).
Key Findings on Antiviral Mechanisms
FZJDD exhibited significant antiviral activity through several mechanisms. It blocked the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to its receptor ACE2, a crucial step in viral entry. Furthermore, it inhibited the 3CLpro enzyme, essential for viral replication. Notably, these effects were not limited to SARS-CoV-2. The decoction also demonstrated inhibitory effects on SADS-CoV, PEDV, and other coronavirus strains.
The study identified two active compounds, caffeic acid and octyl gallate, as critical components of FZJDD’s antiviral properties. These compounds were found to directly interfere with the viral lifecycle at multiple stages, from entry to replication. Caffeic acid, for instance, binds to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with significant affinity, while octyl gallate targets the 3CLpro enzyme, disrupting its function.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Decoction
Using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, researchers identified 298 compounds in FZJDD. Among these, flavonoids, prenol lipids, and organooxygen compounds were the most prevalent. Screening 134 of these compounds revealed several candidates with potent antiviral effects. In addition to caffeic acid and octyl gallate, compounds like kaempfe
rol-7-O-glucoside and nobiletin also showed promise against PEDV and SADS-CoV.
Transcriptional analyses further elucidated FZJDD’s mode of action. The decoction modulated key signaling pathways involved in inflammation, such as the TNF and MAPK pathways. This dual action of antiviral activity and inflammation regulation positions FZJDD as a unique therapeutic agent.
Broad-Spectrum Potential and Future Applications
One of the most exciting aspects of FZJDD is its broad-spectrum activity. In laboratory settings, the decoction inhibited the replication of not only SARS-CoV-2 but also a range of other coronaviruses. It demonstrated significant efficacy against pseudotyped viruses mimicking SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron and Delta.
This broad-spectrum efficacy suggests that FZJDD could be a valuable tool in combating emerging coronavirus strains and other zoonotic diseases. The identification of caffeic acid and octyl gallate as active compounds paves the way for developing targeted antiviral drugs. These findings align with global efforts to find versatile treatments that can address multiple pathogens.
Clinical Implications and Safety
FZJDD has already been used in clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily for severe cases with deficiency syndromes. Its known effects include boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms like fever and cough. The study confirmed that FZJDD is non-toxic at effective concentrations, making it a safe option for extended use.
Given its dual benefits of antiviral activity and immune modulation, FZJDD could serve as an adjunctive therapy in treating severe viral infections. Its use could potentially reduce the duration of illness and prevent complications associated with cytokine storms, a common feature of severe COVID-19 cases.
Concluding Remarks
The study highlights the transformative potential of traditional medicine when combined with modern scientific techniques. FZJDD represents a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge research, offering hope in the fight against viral pandemics. By targeting multiple stages of the viral lifecycle and modulating immune responses, FZJDD stands out as a multifaceted therapeutic agent.
The implications of this research extend beyond coronaviruses. The approach used to study FZJDD could be applied to other traditional remedies, unlocking a treasure trove of natural compounds with therapeutic potential. As the world braces for future pandemics, the importance of broad-spectrum antivirals like FZJDD cannot be overstated.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Virologica Sinica.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995820X24002086
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