In Vitro Evaluation of a Herbal Oil Combination: a Potential Phytopharmaceutical Targeting TMPRSS2, Furin, and ACE2 in SARS-COV-2 Infection

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) utilizes the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, Furin, and Transmembrane Protease Serine Subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) for cell entry and replication. While vaccines and therapeutic drugs have shown efficacy, limitations like reduced long-term effectiveness and side effects necessitate safer alternatives. Phytopharmaceuticals have shown promise in enhancing immunity and inhibiting key viral entry pathways. This study evaluated the in vitro antiviral efficacy of a herbal oil combination, a formulation developed during the pandemic, by analyzing its impact on TMPRSS2, Furin, and ACE2 expression in colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). The non-toxic dose of the combination was assessed by measuring ATP levels using a luminometric cell viability method. ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin expression levels were analyzed using a combination of Western blotting and ELISA techniques. The cell viability test determined that combination doses up to 0.75 mu g mL-1 were non-toxic, while higher doses had cytotoxic effects. At the end of the incubation of cells at the non-toxic dose, significant decreases were observed in ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin protein expression levels. These findings suggest that this herbal oil combination, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate, could be promising for COVID-19.