Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 18, 2026 46 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists from Philadelphia University in Jordan, Zarqa University in Jordan, and Alagappa University in Tamil Nadu, India have identified natural compounds from the medicinal plant Cistus incanus, also known as pink rockrose, that may help fight the deadly Ebola virus. Their findings suggest that certain plant-based molecules could interfere with a key Ebola virus protein that is essential for the virus to survive and spread inside the body.
Scientists discover natural compounds in pink rockrose plant that may block a critical Ebola virus protein
Natural Plant Compounds Under the Spotlight
Ebola virus disease remains one of the world’s deadliest viral infections, with fatality rates sometimes reaching as high as 90 percent. Despite years of research, treatment options are still limited, especially in regions where outbreaks continue to occur. Because of this, researchers are increasingly exploring medicinal plants for possible antiviral compounds.
The latest study focused on Cistus incanus, a flowering shrub widely found in Mediterranean countries. The plant has already attracted scientific attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Earlier studies had shown that extracts from the plant could work against influenza viruses and even HIV-related viral mechanisms.
The research team decided to investigate whether compounds from the plant could block the Ebola virus by targeting a protein called VP40. This protein is extremely important for the virus because it helps the virus reproduce, assemble new viral particles, and spread from infected cells to healthy ones.
Three Plant Molecules Emerged as Strong Candidates
Using advanced computer-based drug discovery tools, the scientists screened 20 natural compounds found in Cistus incanus. Three compounds stood out from the rest: methyl gallate, catechin, and quercetin.
Among them, methyl gallate showed the strongest activity during the simulations. The compound achieved a docking score of −9.8 kcal/mol, while catechin and quercetin scored −8.8 and −7.7 kcal/mol respectively. Lower docking scores generally suggest stronger binding between a compound and the viral protein.
The simulations showed that these compounds attached themselves tightly to the RNA-binding region of the VP40 protein. This area is considered critical because it helps Ebola virus particles replicate and organize themselves during infection.
Researchers discovered that the compounds formed strong hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with important amino acids in the VP40 protein, particularly Arg134, Asn136, Arg151, and Met152. Scientists believe disrupting these interactions may weaken the virus’s ability to reproduce.
Stable Binding Raised Excitement
The researchers did not stop at simple docking experiments. They also performed 100-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations to see whether the compounds could remain stable inside the viral protein over time.
The results were encouraging. Methyl gallate and catechin remained especially s
table throughout the simulations, while quercetin also maintained relatively good stability after an initial adjustment period. Stable binding is considered important because unstable compounds often fail during real biological testing.
Hydrogen bond analysis revealed that methyl gallate maintained up to five hydrogen bonds with VP40 during the simulations, suggesting a strong and durable interaction. Catechin maintained four hydrogen bonds, while quercetin maintained two.
According to this
Medical News report, the researchers believe these stable interactions could potentially interfere with the Ebola virus life cycle and reduce viral replication if future laboratory testing confirms the findings.
Drug-Like Properties Also Look Promising
Another important part of the study examined whether the compounds possessed characteristics suitable for medicine development. Many promising compounds fail because they cannot be properly absorbed or distributed inside the human body.
The scientists found that methyl gallate, catechin, and quercetin all satisfied Lipinski’s Rule of Five, a widely used guideline that predicts whether a compound is likely to work as an orally administered drug.
The compounds also demonstrated acceptable pharmacokinetic properties involving absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Methyl gallate showed the strongest oral absorption profile among the three leading candidates.
Researchers Stress More Testing Is Needed
Although the findings are exciting, the scientists emphasized that the work remains computational and theoretical for now. The compounds still need to undergo laboratory testing in highly secure biosafety facilities to confirm whether they can truly block Ebola virus infection in living cells and animal models.
The researchers said future studies should include laboratory binding experiments, viral replication tests, and eventually animal studies to determine safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The study highlights how natural medicinal plants may still hold untapped potential in the search for new antiviral drugs. The discovery that methyl gallate, catechin, and quercetin can strongly and stably interact with the Ebola VP40 protein offers a promising early foundation for future therapeutic development. While these findings are still preliminary and based on computer simulations, they provide valuable direction for scientists seeking affordable and accessible antiviral treatments. If future laboratory and clinical studies confirm these results, compounds from Cistus incanus could eventually contribute to the development of safer plant-based therapies against Ebola virus disease.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biophysica.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4125/6/2/29
For the latest on Ebola, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/old-gout-drug-shows-promise-against-ebola
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-berberine-hydrochloride-could-be-used-to-inhibit-ebola-virus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/the-phytochemical-kolaviron-from-garcinia-kola-bitter-kola-shows-potential-against-the-ebola-virus-further-studies-needed
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-nih-study-finds-that-algal-lectin-griffithsin-shows-promise-in-preventing-ebola-virus-infection
Medical Disclaimer: All content published by Thailand Medical News is based on scientific research and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers must not attempt to use, apply, or experiment with any protocols, compounds, or therapies mentioned without first consulting a qualified and licensed medical doctor. Many findings discussed are experimental or preliminary, and only a licensed healthcare professional can determine what is safe and appropriate for an individual’s specific medical condition.
Share
Tweet
Share
