Molecular Docking Studies of Phytoconstituents Identified in Traditional Siddha Polyherbal Formulations Against Possible Targets of SARS-CoV-2

The Indian Traditional Medicines System has long used Siddha polyherbal formulations for different viral diseases. The ingredients of these formulas have been proven to be antiviral. The study focuses on in silico computational evaluation of phytoconstituents of the official Siddha formulation Kabasura, Thonthasura, and Vishasura Kudineer, which were widely used in treating viral fever and respiratory infections and may influence the current SARS-CoV-2 coronary virus pandemic. Maestro interface (Schrödinger Suite, LLC, NY) was used for molecular docking studies against MPro (PDB ID 5R82, 6Y2F, and 6LU7), Nsp15 endoribonuclease (6W01), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (6M71), and spike protein (6VW1) of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, pharmacokinetics (ADME) and safety profile prediction studies were performed to identify the best drug candidates using Qikpro and Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T). A total of 36 compounds were screened, of which nine displayed strong binding affinity and drug-likeness. Luteolin and chrysoeriol produced stronger results. These nine compounds were free of oral toxicity as evaluated by the Toxicity estimation software. Based on further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical effectiveness trials, these compounds may be used for the prevention or treatment as per the Indian system of traditional medicines

Baicalein prevents stress-induced anxiety behaviors in zebrafish model

Baicalein is a flavonoid mainly obtained from plants with wide range of biological activities, including neuroprotection. An acute and unexpected chronic stress (UCS) protocol has recently been adapted to zebrafish, a popular vertebrate model in brain research. The present study was aimed to evaluate baicalein’s anti-anxiety potential in a zebrafish model by induction, which included neuropharmacological evaluation to determine behavioural parameters in the novel tank diving test (NTDT) and light-dark preference test (LDPT). The toxicity was also assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay, and the 50% lethal concentration (LC(50)) was determined. The animals were then stressed for 7 days before being treated with different doses of baicalein (1 and 2 mg/L) for another 7 days in UCS condition. Due to acute stress and UCS, the frequency of entries and time spent in the 1) top region and 2) light area of the novel tank reduced significantly, indicating the existence of elevated anxiety levels. The biological activity of baicalein was demonstrated by its high LC(50) values (1,000 μg/ml). Additionally, baicalein administration increased the frequency of entries and duration spent in the light region, indicating a significant decrease in anxiety levels. Overall, the present results showed that baicalein has a therapeutic advantage in reversing the detrimental consequences of UCS and acute stress, making it is a promising lead molecule for new drug design, development, and therapy for stress

Silibinin and naringenin against bisphenol a-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish model—potential flavonoid molecules for new drug design, development, and therapy for neurological disorders

Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known xenoestrogen, is commonly utilised in the production of polycarbonate plastics. Based on the existing evidence, BPA is known to induce neurotoxicity and behavioural issues. Flavonoids such as silibinin and naringenin have been shown to have biological activity against a variety of illnesses. The current research evaluates the neuropharmacological effects of silibinin and naringenin in a zebrafish model against neurotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by Bisphenol A. In this study, a novel tank diving test (NTDT) and light–dark preference test (LDPT) were used in neurobehavioural investigations. The experimental protocol was planned to last 21 days. The neuroprotective effects of silibinin (10 μM) and naringenin (10 μM) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) induced by BPA (17.52 μM) were investigated. In the brine shrimp lethality assay, the 50% fatal concentrations (LC50) were 34.10 μg/mL (silibinin) and 91.33 μg/mL (naringenin) compared to the standard potassium dichromate (13.15 μg/mL). The acute toxicity investigation found no mortality or visible abnormalities in the silibinin- and naringenin-treated groups (LC50 > 100 mg/L). The altered scototaxis behaviour in LDPT caused by BPA was reversed by co-supplementation with silibinin and naringenin, as shown by decreases in the number of transitions to the light zone and the duration spent in the light zone. Our findings point to BPA’s neurotoxic potential in causing altered scototaxis and bottom-dwelling behaviour in zebrafish, as well as the usage of silibinin and naringenin as potential neuroprotectants