11 Dec 2020, Published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (IF 9.412) ©PNAS

In this study, the scientists systematically screened out 5 existing pharmaceuticals and herbal ingredients that are effective against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) virus. They are mefloquine, nelfinavir, extract of Perilla Frutescens, extract of Mentha haplocalyx and extract of Ganoderma lucidium.

By using a cell-based infection assay, over 3,000 agents were screened, out of which 15 active small chemical molecules were identified significantly. Among these, they were mainly classified into 5 different groups including viral protease inhibitors, guanine analog, inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 function, ion channel modulators and ionophoric antibiotics. Besides the chemical molecules, scientists also found several Chinese herbal extracts were of particular significance. Among them, Ganoderma lucidum demonstrated its significance in inhibiting virus ability.

Following the cell-based assay, it was animal test (in-vivo experiment). The in-vivo assay, 5 ingredients finally showed its potential as anti-SARS-CoV-2 virus subtances. Mefloquine and nelfinavir can be potentially repurposed for inhibiting Covid-19, while three Chinese herbs also showed their potential abilities. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, Lingzhi) extracted by water solvent exhibited its outstanding antiviral efficacy. Even when it was diluted to over 1,200 folds, it was still active in its prohibition against the virus.

However, the author also suggested that the cell-based experience may not be extrapolated to clinical outcomes. Therefore, its potential of being a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor requires further evaluation.

Jan, Jia-Tsrong et al., 2021. Identification of existing pharmaceuticals and herbal medicines as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – PNAS, 118(5), p.1.