Revealing Anti-viral Potential of Siddha Formulation Manjal noi Kudineer against Hepatitis C Viral - RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase Using in-silico Docking Technique

Background: The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a dangerous infectious illness that has long been a concern for public health on a worldwide scale. According to calculation, over 170 million individuals are afflicted, with the highest infection rates in Africa and Asia. HCV is a major concern worldwide and eliminating it in its early phase to avoid liver cirrhosis and HCC has long been the aim for studies. To date, there is no verified vaccine available in the market and current approved therapy (standard of care). Siddha formulas have managed pathogenic infections for ages. Siddha practice strengthens the host’s immunity and resilience to pathogens. Materials and Methods: The main aim of the present investigation is to screen the anti-viral potential of the siddha formulation Manjal noi Kudineer against Hepatitis C viral - RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) using in-silico docking technique. Results: Result of the study clearly emphasise that the lead cucurbitacin E ranks top with greatest binding free energy -8.96 kcal/mol, followed by Piperidine (-7.71), Curcumin (-7.45), Piperic acid (-6.77), Beta- Humulene (-6.40), Cinnamic acid (-5.89), Oleic acid (-5.59) and Piperine (-5.32). It was also evident that the therapeutics such as oleic acid and Cucurbitacin E revealing potential binding affinity in targeting the activation loop (Leu474, His475, Ser476 and Tyr477) of the viral polymerase enzyme. Followed by which other leads including Limonene, Beta-Pinene, Cinnamic acid, Anethole, Phyllanthin, Piperic acid, Curcumin and Piperine ranked second by offering prominent interactions with the residual bioactive amino acids (His475, Ser476 and Tyr477). Conclusion: From the data’s of the present in-silico screening, it was concluded that the phytochemicals in the siddha formulation Manjal noi Kudineer display strong anti-viral property by blocking the target enzyme target enzyme (Hepatitis C viral polymerase) and thereby considered as a novel drug of choice for the clinical management of hepatitis C viral infection.