Novel SARS-CoV-2 inhibition properties of the anti-cancer Kang Guan Recipe herbal formula
Journal
Cancer letters
Journal Volume
604
ISSN
1872-7980
Date Issued
2024-11-01
Author(s)
Wang, Wei-Jan
Tang, Hsuan-Ting
Ou, Shi-Chen
Shen, Wan-Jou
Chen, Chung-Yu
Li, Yi-Chuan
Chang, Wei-Chao
Huang, Sheng-Teng
Hung, Mien-Chie
DOI
10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217198
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a persistent challenge, with continued breakthrough infections despite vaccination efforts. This has spurred interest in alternative preventive measures, including dietary and herbal interventions. Previous research has demonstrated that herbal medicines can not only inhibit cancer progression but also combat viral infections, including COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2, indicating a multifaceted potential to address both viruses and cancer. Here, we found that the Kang Guan Recipe (KGR), a novel herbal medicine formula, associates with potent inhibition activity against the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. We demonstrate that KGR exhibits inhibitory activity against several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Mechanistically, we found that KGR can block the interaction of the viral spike and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Furthermore, we assessed the inhibitory effect of KGR on SARS-CoV-2 viral entry in vivo, observing that serum samples from healthy human subjects having taken KGR exhibited suppressive activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our investigation provides valuable insights into the potential of KGR as a novel herbal-based preventive and therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
Subjects
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
Coronavirus disease 2019
Kang guan recipe
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Variants of concern
Description
Article number 217198
Type
journal article