Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity and Acute Toxicity Screening of Annona muricata and Artemisia annua Leaf Extracts

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Available data suggests that there is no specific treatment in modern medicine. The present study aims to investigate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Annona muricata and Artemisia annua leaf extracts as well as their acute toxicity study. The phytochemical screening of the plant extracts was done using standard methods. The acute toxicity evaluation was done using Lorke method. The antiviral activity screening against SARS-CoV-2 was done by plaque assay with Vero-E6 cell line. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins and steroids in both plants, while tannins and anthraquinone glycosides were absent. The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 by plaque assay with Vero (E6) cell line shows a reduction in the zones of cellular death for the extracts treated cells compared to the cells with the virus only. Acute toxicity test showed no death or abnormal behavioural changes in mice during and after 24 hours of extract administration. On the basis of the results obtained from the present study, both Annona muricata and Artemisia annua leaf extracts are considered to have some level of inhibition against SARS-CoV-2 virus growth.