Efficiency of curcuminoids against COVID-19 proteins and human ACE-2 receptor: A molecular docking study

Abstract

COVID-19 is a deadly disease which has become a global issue in the recent years. At present, the whole world is trying to combat the disease and scientific communities are putting rigorous efforts in developing 100 per cent effective treatment. Though some synthetic drugs are efficient in controlling the COVID-19, they possess numerous side effects on human body. In these consequences, there is a global need to search for the natural agents that can act against COVID-19 as a precautionary measure which can improve our immunity and also to control the COVID-19 at various stages of infection. Curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) are naturally derived plant compounds from turmeric rhizomes and are having the ability to fight against COVID-19. Earlier studies have focused on docking of curcuminoids against spike protein and main protease of COVID-19. In the present study, docking of curcuminoids against four COVID-19 proteins and one human receptor has been studied. The efficiency of curcuminoids was compared with that of synthetic drugs. Results clearly showed the potentiality of curcuminoids against COVID-19 and can be used as an alternative to the existing synthetic drugs after sufficient clinical trials.