In silico study of various antiviral drugs, vitamins, and natural substances as potential binding compounds with SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Michael Alabboud, Ali Javadmanesh
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has without a doubt escalated to become a global crisis. Taking into consideration our limited knowledge regarding the virus, all the efforts to provide better understanding or explore the solutions are highly welcomed. In this article, 88 conventional drugs, 16 vitamins, and 63 natural (plant) compounds were chosen to perform a binding simulation with the reported COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) in search for probable inhibitors. Based on docking results, various vitamins (B9, A, K, and E vitamins) exhibited a significantly strong interaction with the studied receptor which might refer to the importance of these supplements in daily diets. Additionally, the strong ligand-protein interactions of some conventional drugs such as Pleconaril, Adefovir dipivoxil, and Stavudine in addition to plant-based compounds such as Curcumin (Curcuma longa), Anolignan A (Anogeissus acuminata), and Phyllamyricin B (Phyllanthus myrtifolius) render these compounds promising and recommended for further studies.