SARS-CoV-2 poses a significant risk to global healthcare systems based on the recent worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Spike proteins are the hallmark of SARS-Cov-2, which bind to ACE2 receptors that lead to cell and membrane fusion. To address and alleviate respiratory health issues, we at Shiban Pharma have developed a range of natural products derived from plant and herb extracts, recognized for their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, such as propolis extracts. In this study, we are evaluating the effects of the immuno-formula Shiban 2 and Shiban 5 (IF 2/5) on the infection of airway epithelial cells (A549) and primary airway epithelial cell (PAEC) by SARS-CoV-2. The objective is to evaluate the effects of IF 2/5 and of a placebo on viral infection. Our in vitro data demonstrates that IF 2/5 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the compounds in IF 2/5 exhibit synergy, as determined by the Bliss method and Bliss synergy score. The Bliss synergy model was applied to explore the interaction between Propolis and Tannic Acid in modulating SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibition. Finally, our IF 2/5 also displays anti-inflammatory effects on cytokine markers IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-8, contributing to an antiviral immunomodulatory response in the Propolis and Tannic Acid combination in vitro.
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