The brief overview, antivirus and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, quantitative methods, and pharmacokinetics of cepharanthine: a potential small-molecule drug against COVID-19

Abstract

To effectively respond to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an increasing number of researchers are focusing on the antiviral activity of cepharanthine (CEP), which is a clinically approved drug being used for over 70 years. This review aims to provide a brief overview of CEP and summarize its recent findings in quantitative analysis, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potential, and mechanism in antiviral and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Given its remarkable capacity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in vivo, with its primary target organ being the lungs, and its good pharmacokinetic profile; mature and stable manufacturing technique; and its advantages of safety, effectiveness, and accessibility, CEP has become a promising drug candidate for treating COVID-19 despite being an old drug.

A Reappraisal of the Antiviral Properties of and Immune Regulation through Dietary Phytochemicals

“…Treatment of infected cells with CEP decreases viral RNA yield by 2.17- and 1.61-fold, respectively, in both the entry and post entry phases compared with the infected cells without treatment . Another study showed that CEP is effective against SARS-CoV-2 because of its binding potential with NSP multiple subunit complex (nonstructural proteins) . This multisubunit complex of NSP is very much crucial for replication as well as transcription of SARS-CoV-2 (RNA virus) .…”

“…70 Another study showed that CEP is effective against SARS-CoV-2 because of its binding potential with NSP multiple subunit complex (nonstructural proteins). 73 This multisubunit complex of NSP is very much crucial for replication as well as transcription of SARS-CoV-2 (RNA virus). 74 Binding of CEP to the NSP machinery blocks the formation of the relevant proteins synthesized by SARS-CoV-2.…”