A Comprehensive In Silico Study of New Metabolites from with SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Activity.

Chemical investigation of the total extract of the Egyptian soft coral , led to the isolation of eight compounds, including two new metabolites, sesquiterpene fusceterpene A () and a sterol fuscesterol A (), along with six known compounds. The structures of - were elucidated via intensive studies of their 1D, 2D-NMR, and HR-MS analyses, as well as a comparison of their spectral data with those mentioned in the literature. Subsequent comprehensive in-silico-based investigations against almost all viral proteins, including those of the new variants, e.g., Omicron, revealed the most probable target for these isolated compounds, which was found to be M. Additionally, the dynamic modes of interaction of the putatively active compounds were highlighted, depending on 50-ns-long MDS. In conclusion, the structural information provided in the current investigation highlights the antiviral potential of metabolites with 3,5,6-trihydroxy steroids with different nuclei against SARS-CoV-2, including newly widespread variants.