Computational and network pharmacology studies of Phyllanthus emblica to tackle SARS-CoV-2

Chikhale, Rupesh V.; Sinha, Saurabh K.; Khanal, Pukar; Gurav, Nilambari S.; Ayyanar, Muniappan; Prasad, Satyendra K.; Wanjari, Manish M.; Patil, Rajesh B.; Gurav, Shailendra S.

Background Since December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 had been a significant threat globally, which has accounted for about two million deaths. Several types of research are undergoing and have reported the significant role of repurposing existing drugs and natural lead in the treatment of COVID-19. The plant Phyllanthus emblica (Synonym-Emblica officinalis) (Euphorbiaceae) is a rich source of vitamin C, and its use as an antiviral agent has been well established. Purpose The present study was undertaken to investigate the potency of the several components of Phyllanthus emblica against three protein targets of 2019-nCoV viz. NSP15 endoribonuclease, main protease, and receptor binding domain of prefusion spike protein using molecular docking and dynamics studies. Methods The docking simulation studies were carried out using Schrödinger maestro 2018-1 MM share version, while dynamics studies were conducted to understand the binding mechanism and the complexes' stability studies. Results Out of sixty-six tested compounds, Chlorogenic acid, Quercitrin, and Myricetin were most effective in showing the highest binding energy against selected protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. The network pharmacology analysis study confirmed these compounds' role in modulating the immune response, inflammatory cascade, and cytokine storm through different signaling pathways. Conclusion Current pharmacoinformatic approach shows possible role of Phyllanthus emblica in the treatment and management of COVID-19.