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A hypothesis that Notopterol may be effective in COVID-19 via JAK/STAT and other signaling pathways

Fereshteh Nazari-Khanamiri1, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji2,3

  • 1Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Urmia, Iran.

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology
|April 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Notopterol, a compound from a Chinese medicinal herb, may combat COVID-19 by reducing inflammation and viral activity. Further research is needed to confirm its potential as a SARS-CoV-2 treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Virology and Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology and Inflammation Research

Background:

  • COVID-19 pandemic necessitates novel therapeutic strategies due to vaccine uncertainties and limited specific treatments.
  • Notopterygium incisum, a traditional Chinese herb, contains secondary metabolites with potential medicinal properties.
  • Notopterol (NOT), a key metabolite, is investigated for its potential role in managing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Discussion:

  • Notopterol exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-angiogenic effects, suggesting broad biological activity.
  • NOT significantly reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IFN-γ), potentially mitigating COVID-19 cytokine storm.
  • NOT suppresses inflammation via the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, similar to tocilizumab.

Key Insights:

  • Notopterol demonstrates potential to reduce viral-induced oxidative stress, building on the known antiviral activity of its parent herb against influenza.
  • The compound's anti-inflammatory mechanisms, particularly JAK-STAT pathway inhibition, align with therapeutic targets for severe COVID-19.
  • Notopterol's multifaceted properties suggest a promising therapeutic candidate for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Outlook:

  • Further preclinical and clinical investigations are crucial to validate Notopterol's efficacy and safety against COVID-19.
  • Exploring Notopterol as a potential adjunct therapy or novel drug for SARS-CoV-2 infection is warranted.
  • This research opens avenues for investigating other natural products from traditional medicine for emerging infectious diseases.
Keywords:
COVID-19JAK-STAT pathwayNotopterolNotopterygium incisum ting exH.TSARS-CoV2second metabolite

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