Phytochemical fingerprint analysis, anti-SARS-CoV-2, and anti-inflammatory activities of Ya Mor Harak formulation

Abstract

In Thai traditional medicine, Ya Mor Harak formulation (YMH) is used for fever-relief in cases of high fever symptoms similar to COVID-19. This study aimed to screen anti-SARS-CoV-2, anti-inflammatory activities, and phytochemical fingerprint analysis of YMH. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was investigated by plaque reduction assay. Anti-inflammatory IL-6 inhibition was determined by ELISA. This study showed that three YMH extracts from deionized water (AYMH), 70% EtOH (70EYMH), and 95% EtOH (95EYMH) exhibited anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity by plaque reduction assay with the IC<inf>50</inf> values of 159.20, 79.80, and 71.02 µg/ml, respectively. Three YMH extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against the IL-6 inflammatory cytokine secretion. The phytochemical constituents of YMH showed seven major compounds, including gallic acid, corilagin, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, nortiliacorinine A, and one unidentified compound (C<inf>27</inf>H<inf>22</inf>O<inf>18</inf>). The ellagic acid was found to be the most abundant in 95EYMH, which was consistent with the highest antiviral effect of 95EYMH against SARS-CoV-2. However, the results of this study cannot elucidate the specific antiviral mechanism of YMH extract or identify the active compound responsible for this effect. Further research is essential to investigate these extracts’ mechanisms and chemical compounds for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.