A Comprehensive Review of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Its Constituents as Potential Lead Compounds for COVID-19 Drug Discovery

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensively disrupted global health, economics, and well-being. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees has been used as a complementary treatment for COVID-19 in several Asian countries. This review aimed to summarize the information available regarding A. paniculata and its constituents, to provide critical points relating to its pharmacological properties, safety, and efficacy, revealing its potential to serve as a source of lead compounds for COVID-19 drug discovery. A. paniculata and its active compounds possess favorable antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antipyretic activities that could be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. Interestingly, recent in silico and in vitro studies have revealed that the active ingredients in A. paniculata showed promising activities against 3CLpro and its virus-specific target protein, human hACE2 protein; they also inhibit infectious virion production. Moreover, existing publications regarding randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the use of A. paniculata alone or in combination was superior to the placebo in reducing the severity of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) manifestations, especially as part of early treatment, without serious side effects. Taken together, its chemical and biological properties, especially its antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2, clinical trials on URTI, and the safety of A. paniculata, as discussed in this review, support the argument that A. paniculata is a promising natural source for drug discovery regarding COVID-19 post-infectious treatment, rather than prophylaxis.

Effect of Combination of Dark Chocolate and Herbal Ingredients for Dysmenorrhea in Late Adolescents

“…Sambiloto has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that reduces the manifestation of proinflammatory agents, including COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, and NF-kB. Dehydroandrographolide and neo-andrographolide compounds also exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by affecting cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 and downregulating the expression of genes associated with the inflammatory response, including cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokines, and NF-κB [31]. Honey can reduce pain due to the presence of flavonoids and vitamin E. Flavonoids can inhibit cyclooxygenase synthesis and inhibit neutrophil degranulation so that will inhibit the release of cytokines, free radicals and enzymes in inflammation [8].…”

Effect of andrographolide and deep eutectic solvent extracts of Andrographis paniculata on human coronavirus organ culture 43 (HCoV-OC43)

“…In-cell ELISA for HCoV-OC43 determination is a potent method for providing support for antivirals that inhibit coronaviruses ( Weil et al, 2022 ). The dose of A. paniculata has been recommended based on its andrographolide content ( Intharuksa et al, 2022 ). It is unclear whether the dose of A. paniculata should be based on only andrographolide content.…”

“…In Thailand, A. paniculata registered herbal medicines have been available for the amelioration of colds, fevers, and associated symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, standardized A. paniculata (aerial part crude powders in tablets or capsules) and standardized aerial parts of A. paniculata extracts at a dose of 180 mg (of andrographolide equivalent) per day were approved by Thailand's Health Ministry for treating asymptomatic or mild symptoms in COVID-19 patients ( Intharuksa et al, 2022 ). A. paniculata is considered safe at therapeutic doses and rarely causes serious adverse effects ( Worakunphanich et al, 2021 ).…”

Introduction to Traditional Medicine and Their Role in Prevention and Treatment of Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases

“…In the studies, the post-infection treatment of the Calus-3 cells significantly prevented the production of infectious virions as per the assays used. In summary, the experimental evidence favored the andrographolide and A. paniculata for the advanced users as a monotherapy and combination with other drugs against the COVID-19 virus [ 131 , 132 ].…”