Influence of Herbal Medicines on HMGB1 Release, SARS-CoV-2 Viral Attachment, Acute Respiratory Failure, and Sepsis. A Literature Review

Abstract

<jats:p>By attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein on lung and intestinal cells, Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) can cause respiratory and homeostatic difficulties leading to sepsis. The progression from acute respiratory failure to sepsis has been correlated with the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Lack of effective conventional treatment of this septic state has spiked an interest in alternative medicine. This review of herbal extracts has identified multiple candidates which can target the release of HMGB1 and potentially reduce mortality by preventing progression from respiratory distress to sepsis. Some of the identified mixtures have also been shown to interfere with viral attachment. Due to the wide variability in chemical superstructure of the components of assorted herbal extracts, common motifs have been identified. Looking at the most active compounds in each extract it becomes evident that as a group, phenolic compounds have a broad enzyme inhibiting function. They have been shown to act against the priming of SARS-CoV-2 attachment proteins by host and viral enzymes, and the release of HMGB1 by host immune cells. An argument for the value in a nonspecific inhibitory action has been drawn. Hopefully these findings can drive future drug development and clinical procedures.</jats:p>

Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Diseases with Uncontrolled Immune Activation: Could Such a Scenario Be Helpful to Counteract COVID-19?

“…Together, these findings indicate that targeting HMGB1 may be beneficial and that GTE/EGCG can be also useful in both prevention and decrease of sepsis by counteracting its deleterious effects with several mechanisms, as already suggested by Wyganowska-Swiatkowska et al [ 108 ].…”

Wild Sambucus nigra L. from north-east edge of the species range: A valuable germplasm with inhibitory capacity against SARS-CoV2 S-protein RBD and hACE2 binding in vitro

“…Antiviral properties of elderberries have previously been associated with a specific flavonoid belonging to a class of flavonols - 5,7,3’,4’-tetra- O -methylquercetin ( Roschek et al, 2009 ). Flavonoids have also been proposed as target molecules for SARS-CoV2 therapeutics ( Wyganowska-Swiatkowska et al, 2020 ), therefore, the total flavonoid content was determined in the analyzed S. nigra berry and flower extracts. Sampling sites had a significant effect on TFC of elderberry fruits ( Table 2 ).…”

In silico study of the potential interactions of 4′-acetamidechalcones with protein targets in SARS-CoV-2

“…It is described that when binding the SPIKE protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the lung and intestinal cells, the virus enters the cells, releasing proteins such as the high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), allowing the occurrence of sepsis. Phenolic compounds have been described as steric inhibitors of the interaction of the viral structure with ACE2 and/or the release of HMGB1, reducing infectivity [ 26 ].…”