# Identification of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr as a Novel Potential Therapeutic Agent Against COVID-19 and Pharyngitis

## TL;DR

Acanthopanax trifoliatus is identified as a potential treatment for both COVID-19 and pharyngitis based on its bioactive compounds' effects.

## Contribution

The study identifies Acanthopanax trifoliatus as a novel multi-target therapeutic agent for treating both COVID-19 and pharyngitis.

## Key findings

- Rutin and isochlorogenic acid C from Acanthopanax trifoliatus show strong inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2.
- These compounds also exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activities relevant to pharyngitis.
- In silico methods effectively identified high-affinity target binders with over 50% inhibition in key genes.

## Abstract

Individuals infected with COVID-19 often experience the distressing discomfort of pharyngitis. Thus, it is crucial to develop novel drugs to improve therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the interaction between bioactive compounds isolated from Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr and proteins associated with COVID-19 and pharyngitis through in silico analysis. Several molecules demonstrated high affinities to multiple targets, indicating significant potential for alleviating pharyngitis and other COVID-19-related symptoms. Among them, rutin and isochlorogenic acid C, two major components in Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr ethanol extracts, were further experimentally demonstrated to exhibit strong inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 and to possess significant anti-inflammatory activities. Inhibition of over 50% in several key genes was observed, demonstrating the efficacy of in silico methods in identifying high-affinity target binders. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr as a novel multi-target therapeutic agent for both COVID-19 and pharyngitis.