Phytochemicals from Leucas zeylanica Targeting Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Chemical Profiles, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Mycal Dutta,Abu Montakim Tareq,Jewel Mallick,D.A Bradley,Abdullah Alsubaie,Shafi Mahmud,Mohuya Majumder,Md Zia Uddin,Abdulraheem S A Almalki,Md Sohel Rana,Ahmed Rakib,Mohammad Nazmul Islam,Saad Ahmed Sami,Mayeen Uddin Khandaker,Talha Bin Emran

doi:10.3390/biology10080789

Abstract

Simple SummaryMolecular docking in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulation was accomplished as they extend an ample opportunity to screen plausible inhibitors of the main protease from Leucas zeylanica. The preferential phytochemicals were identified from L. zeylanica through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The pre-eminent three identified phytochemicals exhibited toxicity by no means during the scrutinization of ADME/T prominences. Moreover, pharmacologically distinguishing characteristics and the biological activity of the lead phytochemicals were satisfying as an antiviral drug contender. Additionally, the molecular dynamics simulation exhibited thermal stability and a stable binding affinity of the protein–compound complex that referred to the appreciable efficacy of lead optimization. Therefore, the preferable phytochemicals are worth substantial evaluation in the biological laboratory to recommend plausible antiviral drug candidates.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a contemporary coronavirus, has impacted global economic activity and has a high transmission rate. As a result of the virus’s severe medical effects, developing effective vaccinations is vital. Plant-derived metabolites have been discovered as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a target for therapeutic research because of its highly conserved protein sequence. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and molecular docking were used to screen 34 compounds identified from Leucas zeylanica for potential inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. In addition, prime molecular mechanics–generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) was used to screen the compound dataset using a molecular dynamics simulation. From molecular docking analysis, 26 compounds were capable of interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, while three compounds, namely 11-oxa-dispiro[4.0.4.1]undecan-1-ol (−5.755 kcal/mol), azetidin-2-one 3,3-dimethyl-4-(1-aminoethyl) (−5.39 kcal/mol), and lorazepam, 2TMS derivative (−5.246 kcal/mol), exhibited the highest docking scores. These three ligands were assessed by MM-GBSA, which revealed that they bind with the necessary Mpro amino acids in the catalytic groove to cause protein inhibition, including Ser144, Cys145, and His41. The molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the complex rigidity and stability of the docked ligand–Mpro complexes based on the analysis of mean radical variations, root-mean-square fluctuations, solvent-accessible surface area, radius of gyration, and hydrogen bond formation. The study of the postmolecular dynamics confirmation also confirmed that lorazepam, 11-oxa-dispiro[4.0.4.1]undecan-1-ol, and azetidin-2-one-3, 3-dimethyl-4-(1-aminoethyl) interact with similar Mpro binding pockets. The results of our computerized drug design approach may assist in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.

Highlights

In recent decades, the world has witnessed an unprecedented number of life-threatening human disease outbreaks caused by an array of pathogenic organisms, including several notable viral diseases, such as influenza, chikungunya, Nipah, Zika, and Ebola [1,2]
A total of 34 compounds were identified from the aerial parts of L. zeylanica using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which are listed in Figure 1 and Table 1, along with their chemical compositions
The docking experiment delineated that standard inhibitor N3 showed the highest docking score (−7.013 kcal/mol) for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) compared to the other studied compounds

Summary

Introduction

The world has witnessed an unprecedented number of life-threatening human disease outbreaks caused by an array of pathogenic organisms, including several notable viral diseases, such as influenza, chikungunya, Nipah, Zika, and Ebola [1,2]. The ongoing spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been exponential. It has already surpassed most previous viral infections in terms of infectivity and has become the center of global attention. COVID-19 has taken a significant toll on people worldwide and on 11 March 2020 was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) a pandemic. This highly contagious infection has had a detrimental impact on the global healthcare management system and, as of 1 February 2021, >100 million confirmed cases have been reported, including more than 2 million estimated deaths worldwide [4]

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