Andrographis paniculata(Burm. F.) Wall. Ex Nees, Andrographolide, and Andrographolide Analogues as SARS-CoV-2 Antivirals? A rapid review

• Main Authors: Lim, Xin Yi, Chan, Janice Sue Wen, Tan, Terence Yew Chin, Teh, Bee Ping, Abd Razak, Mohd Ridzuan Mohd, Mohamad, Saharuddin, Mohamed, Ami Fazlin Syed
• Format: Article
• Published: SAGE Publications 2021
• Subjects: RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RS Pharmacy and materia medica
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/28606/

Drug repurposing is commonly employed in the search for potential therapeutic agents. Andrographis paniculata, a medicinal plant commonly used for symptomatic relief of the common cold, and its phytoconstituent andrographolide, have been repeatedly identified as potential antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. In light of new evidence emerging since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this rapid review was conducted to identify and evaluate the current SARS-CoV-2 antiviral evidence for A. paniculata, andrographolide, and andrographolide analogs. A systematic search and screen strategy of electronic databases and gray literature was undertaken to identify relevant primary articles. One target-based in vitro study reported the 3CL(pro) inhibitory activity of andrographolide as being no better than disulfiram. Another Vero cell-based study reported potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity for both andrographolide and A. paniculata extract. Eleven in silico studies predicted the binding of andrographolide and its analogs to several key antiviral targets of SARS-CoV-2 including the spike protein-ACE-2 receptor complex, spike protein, ACE-2 receptor, RdRp, 3CL(pro), PLpro, and N-protein RNA-binding domain. In conclusion, in silico and in vitro studies collectively suggest multi-pathway targeting SARS-CoV-2 antiviral properties of andrographolide and its analogs, but in vivo data are needed to support these predictions.