key: cord-0794294-jnvmhewt
authors: Bahbah, Eshak I.; Negida, Ahmed; Salah Nabet, Mohamed
title: Purposing Saikosaponins for the treatment of COVID-19
date: 2020-04-23
journal: Med Hypotheses
DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109782
sha: 2197c5fc869ae8d0265b4a6f42aba74975c461c4
doc_id: 794294
cord_uid: jnvmhewt

nan

Till the moment, there are no approved antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Saikosaponin A, Saikosaponin B, and Saikosaponin D are major triterpenoid saponins derived from Bupleurum falcatum L. (Umbelliferae) with valuable pharmacological activities. These active components exbibit several immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. We propose that Saikosaponins might hold the promise for the treatment of COVID-19 based on the following rationale: 

Saikosaponin B demonstrated in-vitro antiviral activity against HCoV-229E by inhibiting the viral attachment to cells in a dose-dependent manner, blocking the viral penetration into cells, and interfering with the early stage of viral replication, such as virus absorption and penetration [3] . Saikosaponin D inhibits the autophagic activity of Enterovirus A71.

A molecular docking study demonstrated that Saikosaponin A has a high affinity to bind to a target receptor of the SARS-CoV-2, ACE II receptor [4] .

In conclusion, we believe that Saikosaponins are candidate treatment for COVID-19 owing to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. We recommend future well-designed randomized controlled trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Saikosaponins in patients with COVID-19.

A systematic review of the active saikosaponins and extracts isolated from radix bupleuri and their applications

Antiviral and immunoregulatory role against PCV2 in vivo of Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients

Discovery of anti-2019-nCoV agents from Chinese patent drugs via docking screening

None to declare Acknowledgement None to declare

None to declare