The 8-bromobaicalein inhibited the replication of dengue, and Zika viruses and targeted the dengue polymerase

• Main Author: Boonyasuppayakorn S.
• Other Authors: Mahidol University
• Format: Article
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Multidisciplinary
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/82797

Dengue and Zika viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses burdening millions every year with hemorrhagic fever and neurological symptoms. Baicalein was previously reported as a potential anti-flaviviral candidate and halogenation of flavones and flavanones potentiated their antiviral efficacies. Here, we reported that a chemically modified 8-bromobaicalein effectively inhibited all dengue serotypes and Zika viruses at 0.66–0.88 micromolar in cell-based system. The compound bound to dengue serotype 2 conserved pocket and inhibited the dengue RdRp activity with 6.93 fold more than the original baicalein. Moreover, the compound was mildly toxic against infant and adult C57BL/6 mice despite administering continuously for 7 days. Therefore, the 8-bromobaicalein should be investigated further in pharmacokinetics and efficacy in an animal model.