In vitro efficacy of Artemisia extracts against SARS-CoV-2

• Main Authors: Chuanxiong Nie, Jakob Trimpert, Sooyeon Moon, Rainer Haag, Kerry Gilmore, Benedikt B. Kaufer, Peter H. Seeberger
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-09-01
• Series: Virology Journal
• Subjects: Artemisia annua; Artemisia afra; Antivirals; COVID-19; Covid-organics; Feline coronavirus (FCoV)
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-021-01651-8
• ISSN: 1743-422X

Abstract Background Traditional medicines based on herbal extracts have been proposed as affordable treatments for patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Teas and drinks containing extracts of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra have been widely used in Africa in efforts to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and fight COVID-19. Methods The plant extracts and Covid-Organics drink produced in Madagascar were tested for plaque reduction using both feline coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Their cytotoxicities were also investigated. Results Several extracts as well as Covid-Organics inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and FCoV infection at concentrations that did not affect cell viability. Conclusions Some plant extracts show inhibitory activity against FCoV and SARS-CoV-2. However, it remains unclear whether peak plasma concentrations in humans can reach levels needed to inhibit viral infection following consumption of teas or Covid-Organics. Clinical studies are required to evaluate the utility of these drinks for COVID-19 prevention or treatment of patients.