Cepharanthine: A Review of the Antiviral Potential of a Japanese-Approved Alopecia Drug in COVID-19
May 2020
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Studysummary This review examines cepharanthine's antiviral potential against COVID-19 and finds no clinical results yet; it highlights cepharanthine as a potent inhibitor of coronavirus in preclinical models.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Three years ago, a review was conducted on Cepharanthine (CEP), a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, immunomodulating, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. The review highlighted CEP's potential as an antiviral agent in combating COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. CEP suppresses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) production, cytokine production, and expression of cyclooxygenase, all of which are crucial to viral replication and inflammatory response. Against SARS-CoV-2 and similar viruses, CEP predominantly inhibits viral entry and replication at low doses. It was identified as the most potent coronavirus inhibitor among 2,406 clinically approved drug repurposing candidates in a preclinical model.
