Different groups at IIT Indore have together conducted a study to identify natural plant compounds (NPACs) that are capable of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 from replicating. This can be achieved by targeting the N protein or nucleocapsid protein in its structure. As per the findings of IIT-I’s study, this protein has a lower mutation rate unlike other proteins in the structure like S, E, and M.

This study by NPACs against the multiplication of the virus has been conducted collaboratively by the Computational Biophysics Group led by Dr Parimal Kar and the Infection Bioengineering Group (IBEG) led by Dr Hem Chandra Jha along with research students Rajarshi Roy and Dharmendra Kashyap.

The study suggests that S, E and M proteins have a faster mutation rate compared to the N protein. Hence, targeting the N protein with NPACs seems like a promising option for treatment. Identified plant compounds by the team can be effective for a longer period of time because of the slow mutation of the target protein.

Currently, silymarin, a flavonoid derived from a plant called milk thistle is in the second phase of clinical trials. As per the reports, traditional medicines has been making the use of NPACs against pathogenic diseases for a long time now. With the successful rate attached to the use of Natural Plant Compounds, the chances of finding a remedy for SARS-CoV-2 also increases.