Computer-guided approach to access the anti-influenza activity of licorice constituents

J Nat Prod. 2014 Mar 28;77(3):563-70. doi: 10.1021/np400817j. Epub 2013 Dec 6.

Abstract

Neuraminidase (NA), a key enzyme in viral replication, is the first-line drug target to combat influenza. On the basis of a shape-focused virtual screening, the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) were identified as plant species with an accumulation of constituents that show 3D similarities to known influenza NA inhibitors (NAIs). Phytochemical investigation revealed 12 constituents identified as (E)-1-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)phenyl]-3-(8-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl)-2-propen-1-one (1), 3,4-dihydro-8,8-dimethyl-2H,8H-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b']dipyran-3-ol (2), biochanin B (3), glabrol (4), glabrone (5), hispaglabridin B (6), licoflavone B (7), licorice glycoside B (8), licorice glycoside E (9), liquiritigenin (10), liquiritin (11), and prunin (12). Eleven of these constituents showed significant influenza virus NA inhibition in a chemiluminescence (CL)-based assay. Additional tests, including (i) a cell-based cytopathic effect inhibition assay (general antiviral activity), (ii) the evaluation of cytotoxicity, (iii) the inhibition of the NA of Clostridium perfringens (CL- and fluorescence (FL)-based assay), and (iv) the determination of self-fluorescence and quenching, provided further perspective on their anti-influenza virus potential, revealing possible assay interference problems and false-positive results. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 6 showed antiviral activity, most likely caused by the inhibition of NA. Of these, compounds 1, 3, and 6 were highly ranked in shape-focused virtual screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Austria
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Dogs
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology
  • Glycyrrhiza / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neuraminidase / drug effects
  • Neuraminidase / metabolism*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Virus Replication / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Flavonoids
  • glabrol
  • Neuraminidase