Mariana Andrade-Medina

The still ongoing search for effective antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 has led researchers to explore natural products for potential therapeutic candidates. In this work, we conducted a comprehensive high-throughput virtual screening and molecular docking analysis of twenty-six garlic-derived sulfur-containing compounds against several key viral and host targets selected because of their relevance in the SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle. We studied the binding interactions of these compounds with targets including the viral Spike complex, Mpro and PLpro and cell’s ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Cathepsin B. Our analysis revealed that compounds [ ]-glutamyl-S-t-1-propenylcysteine, [ ]-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine, cycloalliin and carvone, exhibited the most promising binding affinities, hence act as potential inhibitors by interfering the viral entry and replication processes. Notably, they also demonstrated strong binding at the RBD-ACE2 interface, suggesting their capacity to block the initial viral attachment and entry. These findings highlight the potential of garlic-derived compounds as multi-target antiviral agents, warranting further experimental validation to confirm their efficacy and explore their therapeutic potential against COVID-19.

Background: Allium sativum L., or garlic, is one of the most studied plants worldwide within the field of traditional medicine. Current interests lie in the potential use of garlic as a preventive measure and adjuvant treatment for viral infections, e.g., SARS-CoV-2. Even though it cannot be presented as a single treatment, its beneficial effects are beyond doubt. The World Health Organization has deemed it an essential part of any balanced diet with immunomodulatory properties. Objective: The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of garlic compounds and preparations on immunomodulation and viral infection management, with emphasis on SARS-CoV- -2. Method: Exhaustive literature search has been carried out on electronic databases. Conclusion: Garlic is a fundamental part of a well-balanced diet which helps maintain general good health. The reported information regarding garlic’s ability to beneficially modulate inflammation and the immune system is encouraging. Nonetheless, more efforts must be made to understand the actual medicinal properties and mechanisms of action of the compounds found in this plant to inhibit or diminish viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Based on our findings, we propose a series of innovative strategies to achieve such a challenge in the near future.