Facing COVID-19 via anti-inflammatory mechanism of action: Molecular docking and Pharmacokinetic studies of six anti-inflammatory compounds derived from Passiflora edulis

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 disease. Pathophysiologically, high levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum of SARS-CoV-2 patients are reported, which is so-called the cytokine storm. In this study, molecular docking calculations of six bioactive compounds from Passiflora edulis with anti-inflammatory activity in interaction with the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 were performed, and their pharmacokinetic properties were predicted. The results of their molecular simulations and the ADME-T profiles of each ligand (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) suggest their use as potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Among the six investigated compounds in which four flavonoids and two alkaloids, the best docked ligands are quercetin (-8.2 kcal/mol), chrysin (-8.0 kcal/mol), kaempferol (-7.9 kcal/mol) and luteolin (-7.7 kcal/mol), both flavonoids compounds. Their pharmacokinetic studies using SwissADME, preADMET and pkCSM Web servers establish the good ADMET profile for each ligand.