Evaluation of Safety and Pharmacological Effects of the Antipyretic Herbal Formula (G531/64) on Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and Feline Coronavirus
Keywords:
G531/64, , Andrographis paniculata, SARS-CoV-2 main protease, , Thai herbal medicine, , antiviral activityAbstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a major global health issue, prompting interest in the development of safe herbal medicines with antiviral properties. G531/64, an antipyretic herbal formulation made from eight medicinal plants, including Andrographis paniculata, was created to assess its antiviral potential and safety.
Objective: To assess the safety and pharmacological effects of G531/64, particularly its inhibitory activity against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 and its antiviral effect in in vitro models.
Methods: This in vitro study examined the active compounds of G531/64 through LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. It assessed cytotoxicity in HepG2 liver cells and evaluated inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease and feline coronavirus (FIPV) as an in vitro model.
Results: Amlaic acid, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizin, and andrographidin A are important bioactive substances that have antiviral qualities. G531/64 exceeded lopinavir and ritonavir, exhibiting considerable cytotoxicity (IC50 = 60.29 µg/mL) and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 main protease by 96.87% and 100% at doses of 10 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. It also reduced feline coronavirus infection in CRFK cells by 20%.
Conclusion: G531/64 demonstrates potential as an adjunct herbal medicine against SARS-CoV-2 infection, exhibiting protease inhibition and antiviral activity in vitro. Further in vivo studies and human safety evaluations are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
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