Title:Bioinformatic Screening of Compounds from Iranian Lamiaceae Family
Members against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Volume: 20
Issue: 6
Author(s): Abbas Alibakhshi*, Shima Gharibi, Shahrzad Ahangarzadeh*Fatemeh Yarian
Affiliation:
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research
Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Keywords:
Lamiaceae family, SARS-CoV-2, RBD, molecular docking, molecular dynamic, spike protein.
Abstract:
Background: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is still a major challenge worldwide. The
disease is caused by binding the coronavirus to ACE2 receptors on lung cells, infecting the cells and triggering
the onset of symptoms. The prevention of such a binding in which the virus is eventually unable to
enter the cell could be a promising therapeutic approach.
Methods: In this in silico study, 306 compounds of Lamiaceae family native in Iran (native Mints) were
retrieved from several databases as 3D structures, and after that molecular docking and virtual screening,
the compounds with inhibitory potential were selected in terms of free energy binding against the spike
protein of the virus. The pharmacokinetic profile of selected compounds was evaluated, and by molecular
dynamic simulation and MM/PBSA, four compounds were further assessed for binding affinities against
the receptor-binding domain of the spike.
Results: The results showed the Catechin gallate and Perovskone B from Stachys and Salvia genus generated
a stronger binding affinity, and therefore could act as potential inhibitory compounds of RBD of the
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Conclusion: This study revealed that some members of the Lamiaceae family could be employed to inhibit
SARS-CoV-2 activity through interaction with spike protein and therefore could be used for further
investigation in vitro and in vivo.