Title:In silico Evaluation of ACE2 Inhibition by Prunus armeniaca L. and in vivo
Toxicity Study
Volume: 23
Issue: 4
Author(s): Ismail Bouadid, Soumia Moujane, Mourad Akdad, Moualij Benaissa and Mohamed Eddouks*
Affiliation:
- Team of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail
University of Meknes, BP 509, Boutalamine, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco
Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, Prunus armeniaca L., molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation, toxicity.
Abstract:
Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that uses ACE2 to enter the host cell.
Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in silico inhibitory activity of polyphenols
from Prunus armeniaca (P. armeniaca) on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
Methods: The efficacy of phytocompounds from P. armeniaca in inhibiting ACE2 was tested
through molecular docking and dynamic analyses. The toxicological analysis of P. armeniaca
was also evaluated.
Results: A total of twenty polyphenols were docked against the ACE2 active site, and four compounds
showed interesting profiles. In vivo acute toxicity study demonstrated that the aqueous
extract of Prunus armeniaca was safe.
Conclusion: Four compounds from Prunus armeniaca seem to exert an inhibitory potential of
ACE2.