The Brief Overview, Antivirus and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity, Quantitative Methods, and Pharmacokinetics of Cepharanthine: a Potential Small-molecule Drug Against COVID-19

Overview

Journal Front Pharmacol

Date 2023 Aug 16

PMID 37583901

Authors

Binbin Xia

Li Zheng

Yali Li

Wenfang Sun

Yang Liu

Liushui Li

Jingyao Pang

Jing Chen

Jiaxin Li

Hua Cheng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

To effectively respond to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an increasing number of researchers are focusing on the antiviral activity of cepharanthine (CEP), which is a clinically approved drug being used for over 70 years. This review aims to provide a brief overview of CEP and summarize its recent findings in quantitative analysis, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potential, and mechanism in antiviral and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Given its remarkable capacity against SARS-CoV-2 infection and , with its primary target organ being the lungs, and its good pharmacokinetic profile; mature and stable manufacturing technique; and its advantages of safety, effectiveness, and accessibility, CEP has become a promising drug candidate for treating COVID-19 despite being an old drug.

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