Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine (Dec 2023)
Antiviral and immunostimulatory effects of Ssanti-Covir, a mixed herbal formulation, in cyclophosphamide-treated mice
Abstract
Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised many concerns among populations worldwide due to its high mortality and morbidity with the lack of treatment options. Many attempts to find preventive and curable approaches have been proposed to prevent infections. The consumption of herbal products or plant extracts was recommended to modulate the body's immunity and reduce the risk of diseases. Methods: In the current study, we evaluated the anti-viral effects of a mixed herbal formula, named Ssanti-Covir, which was obtained from a combination of 8 herbal species extensively employed in traditional medicine in Vietnam. The objective was to investigate the potential efficacy of Ssanti-Covir against COVID-19 infections in vero E6 cells, as well as its immunostimulatory effects on immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CP). Results: The results of the study revealed that Ssanti-Covir contained significant amounts of andrographolide, silybin A, and silybin B, with concentrations of 137.08 mg/g, 72.01 mg/g, and 81.62 mg/g, respectively. Pre-incubation of Ssanti-Covir at various dilution concentrations effectively prevented cells from being infected by COVID-19, with a viral titer of 100 TCID50/0.1 ml. Oral administration of Ssanti-Covir at doses of 384 mg/kg and 576 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant increase in the relative weight of the spleen and thymus in mice induced with CP, with p-values of <0.05 and <0.01, respectively, as well as elevated levels of peripheral white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. Furthermore, all three dosage regimens (192 mg/kg, 384 mg/kg, and 576 mg/kg) also elevated the levels of IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ cytokines, and IgG in the mice. Conclusion: The research findings suggest that the use of Ssanti-Covir exhibits significant efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infections, while also demonstrating immunostimulatory effects against the CP-induced immunosuppressive model. Consequently, Ssanti-Covir could be employed as a valuable preventive measure or adjuvant treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
