Danshensu

Danshensu (Dan shen suan A), an orally active phenolic compound, can induce Nrf2/HO-1 activation and inhibition of NF-κB pathway. Danshensu reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, upregulates antioxidant defense mechanism and inhibits intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Danshensu displays a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 with EC₅₀ of 0.97 μM. Danshensu has anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-lung inflammatory and has the potential for COVID-19, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases research^[1][2][3]. In Vitro:Danshensu (Dan shen suan A) potently inhibits the entry of SARS-CoV-2 S protein-pseudo-typed virus (SARS-CoV-2 S) into ACE2-overexpressed HEK-293T cells (IC₅₀=0.31 μM) and Vero-E6 cell (IC₅₀=4.97 μM)^[1].
Danshensu (0-100 μM; for 24 h) at higher concentrations (50 and 100 μM) causes significant reduction in migration and invasion of both FaDu and Ca9-22 cells^[2].
Danshensu (0-100 μM; for 24 h)dose-dependently reduced the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 phosphorylation in FaDu cell^[2].
Danshensu (0-100 μM; for 24, 48, 72 h) does not have any cytotoxic effect on human oral cancer cells^[2].
In Vivo:Danshensu (Dan shen suan A; 25, 50, 100 mg/kg; oral administration daily for 7 continuous days or i.v. once) before SARS-CoV-2 S infection dose-dependently alleviates the pathological alterations in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 S^[1].