Therapeutic prospect of tetrandrine against SARS-CoV-2 based on its pulmonary pharmacology and exposure character

VernacularTitle:从汉防己甲素的肺部药理活性及其暴露特征探讨其对抗新冠病毒的前景
Author: Fu-run WANG ; Wen-peng ZHANG ; Ri-gao DING ; Wu ZHONG ; Xiao-mei ZHUANG
Publication Type:Research Article
Keywords: tetrandrine; pharmacokinetics; pulmonary exposure; COVID-19; natural medicine
From: Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2021;56(7):1769-1777
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: As the main active compound of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, tetrandrine (TET) has been used to treat silicosis for nearly 50 years. TET has clear therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. A recent study suggests that TET may inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by blocking the two-pore channel 2 (TPC2), revealing its potential as a natural medicine to treat COVID-19. To explore the material basis of TET targeting lung efficacy and its potential toxicity, available literatures related to the pharmacological activity on pulmonary, dosage, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of TET are systemically reviewed. The prospect and current problems of TET to be a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 are further investigated on this basis.