Herbal Composition for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for COVID-19, such as Remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine, lack full confirmation of efficacy, and there is a need for effective drugs to inhibit coronavirus infection and cytokine storms.
Innovation Solution
A herbal composition comprising Heartleaf Houttuynia, Indigowoad Root, Fineleaf Nepeta, Saposhnikovia Root, Mulberry Leaf, Scutellaria Root, Mongolian Snakegourd Fruit, Magnolia Bark, Peppermint Herb, and Baked Liquorice Root, in specific weight ratios, which is prepared by soaking the herbs in water and boiling to create a herbal liquid that inhibits coronavirus, particularly SARS-CoV-2, by binding to the spike protein and inhibiting 3CL protease activity, and reducing cytokine expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional supportive therapy is used for COVID-19 treatment, then patient care is provided, but there is no effective drug to inhibit coronavirus infection and cytokine storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite herbal composition containing multiple plant ingredients (Heartleaf Houttuynia, Indigowoad Root, Fineleaf Nepeta, Saposhnikovia Root, Mulberry Leaf, Scutellaria Root, Mongolian Snakegourd Fruit, Magnolia Bark, Peppermint Herb, and Baked Liquorice Root) in specific weight ratios to achieve synergistic effects against coronavirus and cytokine storms, resolving the limitation of single-drug efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the weight ratios of individual herbal components within specific ranges (e.g., Heartleaf Houttuynia: 5 parts, Indigowoad Root: 5 parts, Fineleaf Nepeta: 3 parts, etc.) to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing harmful effects, transforming the treatment approach from fixed dosage to optimized parameter combination
2Adaptability or versatility
If old drugs like Remdesivir or hydroxychloroquine are used to test therapeutic effects, then treatment options are available, but the efficacy against COVID-19 has not been fully confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs traditional herbal medicines that are readily available, cost-effective, and can be prepared through simple decoction methods, providing an accessible treatment alternative that does not require complex manufacturing or expensive materials, thereby making effective treatment more widely available
3Reliability
If a herbal composition with multiple ingredients is used, then inhibition of coronavirus and cytokine storm is achieved, but the complexity of composition and preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the herbal composition into specific functional groups with assigned weight ratios (e.g., Heartleaf Houttuynia and Indigowoad Root at 5 parts each for viral inhibition, Fineleaf Nepeta and Scutellaria Root at 3-5 parts each for cytokine regulation), making the complex multi-ingredient formula systematic and easier to prepare while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The herbal composition, NRICM101, demonstrates significant inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by reducing viral replication and cytokine storm, with improved patient recovery rates and reduced viral shedding, as shown in clinical observations and biochemical assays.
Implementation Method 1
by binding to the spike protein and inhibiting 3CL protease activity
Data Source
AI summary
A composition of plant ingredients, a herbal composition for inhibiting coronavirus and cytokine storm, and a preparation method of the herbal composition are introduced. The composition of plant ingredients has Heartleaf Houttuynia, Indigowoad Root, Fineleaf Nepeta, Saposhnikovia Root, Mulberry Leaf, Scutellaria Root, Mongolian Snakegourd Fruit, Magnolia Bark, Peppermint Herb and Baked Liquorice Root. The herbal composition has 1 to 20 parts by weight of Heartleaf Houttuynia, Indigowoad Root, Fineleaf Nepeta, Saposhnikovia Root, Mulberry Leaf, Scutellaria Root, Mongolian Snakegourd Fruit, Magnolia Bark, Peppermint Herb and Baked Liquorice Root. The preparation method contains providing Heartleaf Houttuynia, Indigowoad Root, Fineleaf Nepeta, Saposhnikovia Root, Mulberry Leaf, Scutellaria Root, Mongolian Snakegourd Fruit, Magnolia Bark, Peppermint Herb and Baked Liquorice Root; and soaking all the herbs described above in water and boiling the water to prepare a herbal liquid, the volume of which is about one-third of an initial volume of the water.