University scientists in Swansea (United Kingdom) discovered a substance contained in green tea, which could potentially be useful in the fight against COVID-19. The study published in the RSC Advances magazine is briefly described in a press release on MedicalXpress.
Experts analyzed the structure of various phytochemical substances to identify those that are able to suppress SARS-COV-2 infection by affecting certain components of the virus. 132 substances were selected, which were tested for interaction with the main protease (MPRO) coronavirus. It turned out that two of them – Zinnamtenanin-B and Gallocatechin Galt – turned out to be fit-compounds, most effectively blocking MPRO.
According to the rule of five (also called the Lipinsky Rule), the compound must have a number of molecular properties that makes it suitable for oral administration, for example, to have no more than five donor hydrogen bonds or no more than ten acceptor hydrogen bonds. Since Gallokatekhin Gallet corresponds to the rule of five, the connection itself and its analogs took for further analysis.
Gallocatehina analog (2R, 3R) -2- (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) Chroman-3-Il-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate successfully inhibited several SARS-COV-2 targets, including RNA-dependent RNA – Polymese.
According to scientists, further research is needed to show whether Gallocatechin is clinically efficient and safe for preventing or treatment COVID-19.