Inhibition by components of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of 3CLpro and HCoV-OC43 proliferation

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2023 Dec;38(1):2242704. doi: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2242704.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). 3CLpro is a key enzyme in coronavirus proliferation and a treatment target for COVID-19. In vitro and in silico, compounds 1-3 from Glycyrrhiza uralensis had inhibitory activity and binding affinity for 3CLpro. These compounds decreased HCoV-OC43 cytotoxicity in RD cells. Moreover, they inhibited viral growth by reducing the amounts of the necessary proteins (M, N, and RDRP). Therefore, compounds 1-3 are inhibitors of 3CLpro and HCoV-OC43 proliferation.

Keywords: 3CLpro; HCoV-OC43; SARS-CoV-2; molecular simulation.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Coronavirus OC43, Human* / drug effects
  • Glycyrrhiza uralensis* / chemistry
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Coronavirus 3C Proteases

Grants and funding

The research was supported by the basic research project (PJ016777032023) of the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Scienses, RDA.