Facing COVID-19 Via Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Action: Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Studies of Six Anti-Inflammatory Compounds Derived from Passiflora edulis

Aim: In the most severe case of the COVID-19, there is an excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, being the main cause of mortality and morbidity. The present study aims at assessing the potential inhibitor effect of six phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory activity derived from Passiflora edulis, against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Materials and Methods: Virtual screening by molecular docking (Autodock tool) was used to obtain the binding energies of ligand-protein complexes formed between each of the six ligands and the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The six ligands were then submitted to ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and toxicity analyses to understand their pharmacokinetic behavior, using SwissADME, preADMET and pkCSM webservers.

Results: Four high-docking score compounds were identified (both flavonoids) as hits, with the trend: ligand 4 (quercetin, -8.2 kcal/mol ) > ligand 1 (chrysin, -8.0 kcal/mol) > ligand 2 (kaempferol, -7.9 kcal/mol) > ligand 3 (luteolin, -7.7 kcal/mol)> ligand 5 (harmol, -6.7 kcal/mol) > ligand 6 (harmine, -6.4 kcal/mol). The pharmacokinetic behavior of the six ligands revealed that they can be easily absorbed and have good permeability and bioavailability. The toxicity predictions of the six compounds from P. edulis which is an editable fruit confirm that they are safe.

Conclusion: Several approaches are currently being used to tackle the COVID-19. Given the cytokine storm in the most severe case of the COVID-19, we adopted the strategy of combatting the disease by compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. The assessment of the efficiency of six phytochemicals from P. edulis against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and their pharmacokinetic profile revealed their potential inhibitor effect against the COVID-19 protein.