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Prospects of Coffee Leaf against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Chen-Shiou Wu1, Hsiu-Mei Chiang2, Yeh Chen1,3,4
1Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.
International Journal of Biological Sciences
|July 25, 2022
Summary
Coffee leaf extract effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2, including variants, by blocking host cell entry. This natural compound shows potential for developing new hand sanitizers and disinfectants against the virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates novel preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
- There is a need for effective, natural alternatives for disinfectants and personal protective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen natural plant extracts for potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
- To evaluate coffee leaf extract as a component for hand sanitizers or spray-like disinfectants.
Main Methods:
- Spike-ACE2 ELISA and FRET assays were used for initial screening of Taiwanese agricultural by-product extracts.
- SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-particles (Vpp) infection assays validated inhibitory effectiveness.
- A skin-like gelatin membrane model assessed efficacy for disinfectant applications.
Main Results:
- Coffee leaf extract (Coffea Arabica) demonstrated significant inhibition of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and five Variants of Concern entry.
- High concentrations of coffee leaf extract on skin models blocked SARS-CoV-2 more effectively than 75% ethanol.
- LC-HRMS identified caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), quinic acid, and mangiferin as active compounds.
Conclusions:
- Coffee leaf extract is a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Vpp infection via an ACE2-dependent mechanism.
- This extract shows promise as a natural ingredient for developing anti-SARS-CoV-2 products.
- Utilizing agricultural by-products like coffee leaves offers sustainable solutions for pandemic prevention.
