Leucoefdin a potential inhibitor against SARS CoV-2 Mpro

Leucoefdin an important constituent of various fruits such as banana, raspberry, etc. was explored to target M(Pro)protease of SARS Co-V 2. Ligand was found to bind at active site of M(Pro)with large negative binding energies in molecular docking and simulation study. The docking results showed that Leucoefdin interacted with the M(Pro)by forming hydrogen bonds, at Leu 141, His163, His 164, and Glu 166. Other non-bonded interactions were seen at Met49, Pro52, Tyr54, Phe140, Leu141, Cys145 and Met165. Results of Leucoefdin was in coherence with the recently reported M(Pro)protease-inhibitor complex. It even displayed better binding energies (kcal/mol) in HTVS (-6.28), SP (-7.28), XP (-9.29) and MMGBSA (-44.71) as compared to the reference ligand [HTVS (-4.87), SP (-6.79), XP (-5.75) and MMGBSA (-47.76)]. Leucoefdin-M(Pro)complex on molecular dynamic simulation showed initial fluctuations in RMSD plot for a certain period and attained equilibrium which remained stable during entire simulation for 150 ns. RMSF of protein showed less secondary structure fluctuations and a greater number of H-bond formation with Leucoefdin during 150 ns simulation. Post simulation MMGBSA analysis showed binding energy of -45.98 Kcal/mol. These findings indicated the potential of Leucoefdin as lead compound in R&D for drug discovery and development against SARS CoV-2. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Automated summary

Leucoefdin, an important component found in fruits like banana and raspberry, was found to have a strong binding affinity for the M(Pro) protease of SARS-CoV-2, showing potential as a lead compound in drug discovery and development against the virus. Docking and simulation studies revealed specific interactions with the active site of M(Pro) and stable binding energies, indicating its promise as a therapeutic agent.