A NOVEL EXTRACTION AND LC–MS/MS-QTOF BASED METABOLITE PROFILING COUPLED WITH ADMET AND PASS SERVER PREDICTION UNVEILS ANTI-HIV LEADS FROM OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM L.
HTML Full TextA NOVEL EXTRACTION AND LC–MS/MS-QTOF BASED METABOLITE PROFILING COUPLED WITH ADMET AND PASS SERVER PREDICTION UNVEILS ANTI-HIV LEADS FROM OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM L.
Manohar Pundaleekappa Shinhasan and Deepa Machampalayam Arumugam *
Department of Botany, Government Arts College (A), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to identify potential anti-HIV phytoconstituents from Ocimum tenuiflorum through a novel extraction strategy combined with LC–MS/QTOF-based phytochemical profiling, ADMET and PASS server predictions, HIV target proteins to elucidate bioactive compounds with promising antiviral potential. The LC-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of 17 compounds, including flavanones, isoflavones, phenolics, terpenoids, coumarins, and thiazole derivatives. ADMET analysis indicated that most of these phytoconstituents exhibited favourable drug-likeness properties and belonged to toxicity classes IV, V, or VI, suggesting that they are non-toxic and potentially safe for therapeutic use. PASS server predictions revealed that the compounds possess significant HIV integrase-inhibitory activity.
Keywords: Ocimum tenuiflorum, Swiss ADMET, PASS Prediction, Anti-HIV, HIV-Integrase
INTRODUCTION: The genus Ocimum (family: Lamiaceae) comprises approximately 150 species, many of which are well known for their aromatic constituents and diverse pharmacological activities 1, 2. The plant was named Ocimum tenuiflorum by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work “Manlissa plantarum” in 1771. It has a synonym Ocimum sanctum, which is used in many publications and often used interchangeably. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanical Gardens also provide Taxonomic information supporting the name Ocimum tenuiflorum.
Ocimum tenuiflorum L., displays considerable interspecific and inter-cultivar variation, with plants exhibiting green, red, or blackish-red pigmentation in their leaves and stems 3-6. O. tenuiflorum has been reported for its pharmacological properties and the species Ocimum holds a prominent place in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and various ethnomedicinal practices, where they are used intreating respiratory ailments, fevers, inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and infectious diseases 7-9.
Different extraction methods significantly influence the phytochemical composition of Ocimum preparations, as different solvents and processing conditions can alter the solubility, stability, or transformation of secondary metabolites, ultimately impacting therapeutic efficacy 10. Ocimum tenuiflorum has been widely investigated using GC–MS and LC–MS techniques, which have revealed the presence of diverse phytochemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oil constituents such as eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and various hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives 11-13. These studies collectively underscore the phytochemical richness of the species and support ongoing research into its bioactive potential. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major life-threatening pathogen with widespread global prevalence. Current therapeutic strategies primarily rely on antiretroviral drugs targeting key stages of the viral replication cycle. Raltegravir the first approved HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, has side effects such as nausea, headache, and elevated liver enzymes 14, 15. Dolutegravir, a second-generation integrase inhibitor, also causes adverse effects such as increases in creatine phosphokinase and gastrointestinal symptoms 16, 17. An alternative and increasingly promising approach targets the viral capsid protein. Lenacapavir, a pioneering long-acting capsid inhibitor, disrupts late-stage virion maturation, resulting in malformed, non-infectious viral particles 18.
In the present study, a unique extraction method was employed to obtain antiviral constituents, particularly those with potential anti-HIV activity. It is well documented that phytochemical extracts can undergo chemical transformations during storage or because of intermolecular interactions, leading to the formation or modification of bioactive compounds. Such transformations often enhance the therapeutic potency of the resultant molecules, as exemplified in Catharanthus roseus, where vinblastine is biosynthetically derived from vincristine during the storage of the extract 19-22. Following this rationale, the aqueous extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum was processed using a modified extraction procedure designed to maximize the yield of potentially active antiviral metabolites. The final extract was subsequently subjected to liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis to characterize and identify the constituent phytochemicals for further ADMET and PASS server-based prediction for their anti-HIV potential.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Plant Material: Twigs of Ocimum tenuiflorum with a reddish hue, growing wild in parts of Hubli, Karnataka, were collected and identified. The fresh leaves were separated and thoroughly washed to remove the dirt and soil. The washed leaves were gently dried in the shade and the completely dried leaves were stored for further use.
Extract Preparation: One kilogram of dried leaves of holy basil (Tulasi) was boiled in distilled water for 1 hour and the decoction was drained off through a coarse cloth into a large jar. Two drops of strong sulfuric acid (H2SO4) were added to the decoction and left undisturbed. Then the extract was filtered using Whatman No. 1 filter paper. 5g of Ammonium carbonate was added to the filtrate and allowed to stand for 24 hrs. The supernatant was drained and the dried powder obtained was redissolved in ethanol for further analysis.
Instrumentation LC-MS/MSQTOP: To obtain sensitive and stable responses, the negative ionization mode was selected for the higher and more stable signal strengths. Subsequently, the MS/MS ion transitions were screened in MRM scanning mode to enhance the selectivity of detection. The Agilent ChemVista library was used in the selected and listed compounds.
Sample Preparation: 50 mg of the residue of Ocimum tenuiflorum extract was dissolved in 50 ml of distilled water. The upper aqueous layer was collected and filtered through a 0.45 µm Millipore membrane filter to remove particulate matter. A 3 µL aliquot of the resulting filtrate was used for LC–MS analysis.
Liquid Chromatography (LC) Conditions: Chromatographic separation was performed using a UPLC system equipped with a binary solvent pump. A reverse-phase Hypersil Phenyl BDS column (50 × 4.6 mm, 2.4 µm) was used, maintained at a column oven temperature of 40°C.
An isocratic mobile phase comprising 20:80 (v/v) 5 mM ammonium acetate solution and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid was employed. The flow rate was set at 0.4 mL/min, and the total run time was 30 minutes.
Mass Spectrometry (MS) Conditions: Mass spectrometric analysis was conducted using an Agilent G6550A QTOF mass spectrometer coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source operated in negative ionization mode. The ESI parameters were as follows: Capillary temperature was maintained at 150°C, the Gas atomizer flow was 13 L/min, Source voltage was –2.7 kV, Full-scan mass range was m/z 150–1000 and the Source temperature was kept 250°C. Data acquisition was performed in full-scan mode to facilitate comprehensive profiling of phytoconstituents present in the extract.
Pharmacokinetic Studies:
ADMET Analysis: The identified phytoconstituents were subjected to comprehensive in-silico ADMET evaluation to assess their pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles. ADMET properties (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) were predicted using the established online tool SwissADME platform to determine drug-likeness, bioavailability, and safety. These parameters facilitated the initial screening and prioritization of compounds with suitable pharmacokinetic characteristics for further evaluation.
PASS Server Prediction: The Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) online tool (https://www.way2drug.com/) was employed to predict the probable pharmacological activities of the selected compounds based on their structural descriptors. The search targeted potential bioactives with antiviral properties, with a specific focus on anti-HIV and integrase inhibitory activities.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The search for novel phytoconstituents from plant sources remains a constant area of interest worldwide. In recent years, the emergence of new pathogens, diseases, and illnesses has posed significant challenges to drug discovery. In this context, the present study explored potential phytoconstituents from Ocimum tenuiflorum with targeted anti-HIV activity.
Ocimum tenuiflorum, extracted using a unique process, resulted in a cherry-red coloured aqueous solution. Acidification of the extract using H2SO4 resulted in the precipitation of proteins, and alkalization led to the formation of salts of the bioactives. The solution filtered over Whatman filter paper yielded a dark deposit, which is the salts of the extracted bioactives. The filtrate was separated and stored for further study.
LC–MS QTOF Profile: The LC–MS QTOF analysis of the uniquely processed Ocimum tenuiflorum aqueous extract-derived substances revealed a diverse range of bioactive metabolites. The identified phytochemicals belong to phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, fatty acids, and glycosides. The chromatographic separation revealed 17 major compounds, each confirmed by accurate mass determination and molecular ion peaks in negative ionization mode ([M–H]⁻), indicating the predominance of acidic and phenolic constituents Table 1, Fig. 1. Several of these compounds are known to possess antiviral and immunomodulatory activities.
Notably, the presence of multiple phenolic acids such as chicoric acid, caffeoylquinic acids, and caffeic acid derivatives suggests a strong potential for antioxidant-mediated antiviral effects. Several phenolic acids have been reported to interfere with viral replication pathways and can synergize with flavonoids to enhance antiviral potency. L-chicoric acid, for example, inhibits HIV-1 integrase in-vitro and reduces viral integration in cell-based systems 22-25.
The detection of flavonoid aglycones and glycosides, such as apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, kaempferol glycoside, myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside, and quercetin-O-glucoside, is particularly noteworthy. Flavonoids are widely recognized for their capacity to bind to HIV integrase and reverse transcriptase via hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions, thereby inhibiting viral integration and replication 26, 27. Their presence aligns strongly with in-silico predictions (such as PASS), indicating high integrase inhibitory potential among the identified compounds.
Among the triterpenoids, ursolic acid stands out as a well-established antiviral agent with documented anti-HIV activity. Ursolic acid has been shown to inhibit HIV-1 protease 28-31. Its detection in significant abundance reinforces the therapeutic relevance of O. tenuiflorum as a source of anti-HIV natural compounds.
The identification of α-linolenic acid and other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the extract may enhance its therapeutic profile since PUFAs are well-described modulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. They can influence inflammation resolution, membrane fluidity, and cell signalling pathways important for antiviral defence. Several in-vitro studies have demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity of α-linolenic acid (ALA) and other PUFAs against enveloped viruses by interfering with viral entry and disrupting virion membranes, although direct reports specifically demonstrating ALA-mediated inhibition of HIV replication are relatively scarce compared with other viruses. Conversely, several in vitro and biochemical studies have reported that certain long-chain fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids, inhibit HIV-1 enzymes or interfere with viral entry, suggesting the anti-viral potential of fatty acids against HIV. Clinical and lipidomic studies in people living with HIV show altered PUFA levels and associations between PUFA abundance and markers of immune activation, supporting the biological relevance of PUFA–immune interactions in HIV infection. These lines of evidence may support the hypothesis that linolenic acid in the extract could contribute indirectly to anti-HIV activity through immunomodulation 32-37.
Other notable compounds include nicotiflorin, basmantin, and cucurbit-O-glucoside, are reported to possess antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory actions in previous studies. Additionally, the detection of diteryl 2,3-chloro-6,7-dinitro-[1,3]benzoxazol-4-amine suggests the presence of unique or modified phytochemical structures that may contribute unexplored bioactivities.
A thorough review of the literature revealed that the hydroalcoholic fraction of O. sanctum possesses active metabolites such as luteolin, orientin, cosmosiin, eugenol, apigenin, luteolin 5-0-beta-d-glucopyranoside, eupalitin, ocimarin, molludistin, nepetoidin, xanthomicrol, hymenoxin, carnosic acid, demethylnobiletin, salvigenin, gardenin B, palmitic acid, methyl acetate, ursolic acid and basilimoside, which were detected at positive ion mode. Further, rosmarinic acid and genkwanin were detected at the negative ion mode 38. There are no reports on the presence of modified benzylpyrone components when extracted using the general procedures. Interestingly, the presence of rare or modified benzopyrone derivatives in the present study may indicate that the unique extraction method facilitated the formation or concentration of structurally transformed molecules. Such derivatives often possess strong antiviral, antimicrobial, and enzyme-inhibitory activities, making them attractive candidates for further computational and experimental validation.
FIG. 1: CHROMATOGRAM OF MRM NEGATIVE ION MODE
TABLE 1: PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS DETERMINED BY LC-MS/MS
| S. no. | Proposed Phyto Compounds | Retention Time (min) | Molecular
Formula |
Ionization
ESI (+/--) |
Molecular
Weight |
Observed
(Parent) (m/z) |
| 1 | Chicoric acid | 6.687 | C22H18O12 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 474.3714 | 473.0828 |
| 2 | Gallocatechin | 7.713 | C15H14O7 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 306.0740 | 305.2089 |
| 3 | Ursolic acid | 9.425 | C30H48O3 | [M ̶ H] ̶ | 456.6741 | 455.2209 |
| 4 | Apigenin 7-O-glucuronide | 10.085 | C21H18O11 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 446.0219 | 445.3470 |
| 5 | Cryptochlorogenic acid | 10.953 | C16H18O9 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 354.0947 | 353.0875 |
| 6 | 4-caffeoyl-1,5-quinolactone (Coumaric acid or derivatives) | 11.385 | C16H1608 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 336.0836 | 335.0892 |
| 7 | 5-O-Feruloylquinic acid (Ferulic acid) | 12.685 | C17H20O9 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 368.1102 | 367.1030 |
| 8 | Flavonol 3-O-D-xylosylgalactoside (Kaempferol) | 13.784 | C26H28O12 |
[M ̶̶ H] ̶ |
532.1565 | 531.1494 |
| 9 | Linolenic acid | 16.095 | C18H30O2 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 279.3314 | 278.0567 |
| 10 | Myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside | 17.156 | C21H20O12 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 464.0853 | 463.2669 |
| 11 | 3-Hydroxy-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid(Caffeic acid) | 19.405 | C9H10O4 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 182.0148 | 181.1230 |
| 12 | Rosmarinic acid | 20.115 | C18H16O8 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 360.3145 | 359.2657 |
| 13 | Nicotiflorin | 21.372 | C27H30O15 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 594.5105 | 593.2286 |
| 14 | 1,1-diphenyl-4-phenylthiobut-3-en-1-ol | 22.801 | C22H20OS | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 332.4581 | 321.0520 |
| 15 | Quercetin-O-glucoside | `24.425 | C21H18O13 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 464.3678 | 463.2209 |
| 16 | Diethyl 2-(3-chloro-6,7-difluoro-[1,3]thiazolo[3,4-a]quinoxalin-1-ylidene)propanedioate | 25.612 | C17H13ClF 2N2O4S
|
[M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 414.7985 | 413.0443 |
| 17 | Umbelliferone | 27.023 | C9H6O3 | [M ̶̶ H] ̶ | 162.0317 | 161.1255 |
ADMET and PASS Server Predictions: Computational screening has emerged as a critical component in modern drug discovery, enabling efficient identification of therapeutically relevant compounds while reducing experimental complexity. In this study, drug-likeness prediction using the SwissADME platform revealed that the majority of the identified phytoconstituents complied with Lipinski’s Rule of Five, indicating favorable physicochemical properties for oral bioavailability Table 2.
The SMILES-based ADME evaluation further demonstrated acceptable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles for these molecules, supporting their suitability as potential lead candidates 39. Toxicity prediction through the ProTox 3.0 platform indicated that most of the compounds fell within low-to-non-toxic categories, suggesting a favourable safety margin for further investigation 40. PASS server analysis provided additional insight into the pharmacological potential of the shortlisted molecules. The predicted activity spectra showed high Pa values for antiviral properties, particularly for HIV integrase inhibition, with Pa values consistently exceeding corresponding Pi values.
These predictions aligned with molecular docking results (unpublished data), indicating that the compounds not only possess drug-like characteristics but also exhibit a strong likelihood of exerting anti-HIV activity at the molecular level (Way2Drug platform). Collectively, the computational findings support the therapeutic relevance of the identified Ocimum tenuiflorum compounds and highlight their potential as promising candidates for further validation.
TABLE 2: PASS SERVER PREDICTION OF BIOACTIVITY OF METABOLITES IDENTIFIED IN LC-MS/QTOF ANALYSIS
| S. no. | Chemical Com. | PUB
CHEM ID |
Nature of Compounds | MW | Molecular Formula | No. of. Hydrogen Donors | No.of Hydrogen acceptors | Water Solubility | CYP1A2 inhibitor | Lipinski's Rule | Bioavailability Score | Predicted Toxicity Class | PASS server |
| 1 | Chicoric acid | 5281764 | Caffeic acid derivative (polyphenol) | 474.4 g/mol | C22H18O12 | 6 | 12 | Soluble | No | No; 2 violations: NorO>10, NHorOH>5 | 0.11 | 5 | 0.619-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.598-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.529-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor |
| 2 | Gallocatechin | 65084 | Flavan-3-ol (flavonoid subclass) | 306.27 g/mol | C15H14O7 | 7 | 6 | Soluble | No | Yes; 1 violation: NHorOH>5 | 0.55 | 6 | 0.459-Antiviral;0.352-Antiviral HIV;0.183-HIV-2 reverse transcriptase inhibitor |
| 3 | Ursolic acid | 64945 | Pentacyclic triterpenoid | 456.7 g/mol | C30H48O3 | 2 | 3 | Poorly Souble | No | Yes; 1 violation: MLOGP>4.15 | 0.85 | 4 | 0.166-Antiviral;0.381-Immunostimulant(inducer-causes treatment failure) |
| 4 | Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide | 12912214 | Flavone glycoside | 446.4 g/mol | C21H18O11 | 6 | 11 | Soluble | No | No; 2 violations: NorO>10, NHorOH>5 | 0.11 | 5 | 0.231-Antiviral;0.117-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.121-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.119-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor |
| 5 | Cryptochlorogenic acid | 9798666 | Phenolic acid (chlorogenic acid isomer) | 354.31 g/mol | C16H18O9 | 6 | 9 | Very Soluble | No | Yes; 1 violation: NHorOH>5 | 0.11 | 5 | 0.525-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.465-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.452-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.258-Antiviral HIV |
| 6 | 4-Caffeoyl-1,5-quinolactone (Coumaric acid derivative) | 1.02E+08 | Hydroxycinnamic acid derivative | 336.29 g/mol | C16H16O8 | 4 | 8 | Soluble | No | Yes; 0 violation | 0.55 | 5 | 0.239-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.29-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.199-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.121-Antiviral HIV |
| 7 | 5-O-Feruloylquinic acid (Ferulic acid derivative) | 10133609 | Hydroxycinnamic acid derivative | 368.3 g/mol | C17H20O9 | 5 | 9 | Very Soluble | No | Yes; 0 violation | 0.11 | 5 | 0.429-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.413-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.386-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor |
| 8 | (Flavonol )Kaempferol-3-O-D-xylosylgalactoside | 1.32E+08 | Flavonol glycoside | 580.5 g/mol | C26H28O15 | 9 | 15 | Soluble | No | No; 3 violations: MW>500, NorO>10, NHorOH>5 | 0.17 | 5 | 0.115-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.104-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.146-Antiviral HIV |
| 9 | Linolenic acid | 5280934 | Polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 type) | 278.4 g/mol | C18H30O2 | 1 | 2 | Soluble | 0 | Yes; 0 violation | 0.7 | 6 | 0.388-HIV-2 reverse transcriptase inhibitor;0.118-HIV-1 integrase (Overall Integration) inhibitor |
| 10 | Myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside | 56843093 | Flavonol glycoside | 464.4 g/mol | C21H20O12 | 8 | 12 | Soluble | No | No; 2 violations: NorO>10, NHorOH>5 | 0.17 | 5 | 0.265- HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.256-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.213-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor |
| 11 | Caffeic acid (3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid) | 689043 | Hydroxycinnamic acid (phenolic acid) | 180.16 g/mol | C9H8O4 | 3 | 4 | Very Soluble | No | Yes; 0 violation | 0.56 | 5 | 0.498-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.446-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.429- HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor |
| 12 | Rosmarinic acid | 5281792 | Caffeic acid ester (polyphenolic compound) | 360.3 g/mol | C18H16O8 | 5 | 8 | Soluble | No | Yes; 0 violation | 0.56 | 5 | 0.453-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.418-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor;0.393- HIV-1 integrase inhibitor |
| 13 | Nicotiflorin (Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside) | 5318767 | Flavonol glycoside | 594.5 g/mol | C27H30O15 | 9 | 15 | Soluble | No | No; 3 violations: MW>500, NorO>10, NHorOH>5 | 0.17 | 5 | 0.111-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor;0.099-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor |
| 14 | 1,1-Diphenyl-4-phenylthiobut-3-en-1-ol | 5363672 | Phenylthio derivative / phenolic compound | 332.5 g/mol | C22H20OS | 1 | 1 | Moderately soluble | Yes | Yes; 1 violation: MLOGP>4.15 | 0.55 | 4 | 0.185-HIV-2 reverse transcriptase inhibitor; |
| 15 | Quercetin-O-glucoside | 44259229 | Flavonol glycoside | 464.4 g/mol | C21H20O12 | 8 | 12 | Soluble | No | No; 2 violations: NorO>10, NHorOH>5 | 0.17 | 5 | 0.193-HIV-1 integrase (3'-Processing) inhibitor;0.187-HIV-1 integrase (Strand Transfer) inhibitor |
| 16 | Diethyl 2-(3-chloro-6,7-difluoro-[1,3]thiazolo[3,4-a]quinoxalin-1-ylidene) propanedioate | 10341762 | Heterocyclic thiazoloquinoxaline derivative (N-containing compound) | 414.8 g/mol | C17H13ClF2N2O4S | 0 | 7 | Moderately soluble | yes | Yes; 0 violation | 0.55 | 5 | No pass prediction related to HIV |
| 17 | Umbelliferone | 5281426 | Coumarin derivative (benzopyrone) | 162.14 g/mol | C9H6O3 | 1 | 3 | Soluble | Yes | Yes; 0 violation | 0.55 | 5 | 0.477-HIV-2 reverse transcriptase inhibitor;0.206-Antiviral (HIV);0.173-HIV-1 integrase inhibitor |
CONCLUSION: The present study successfully demonstrated unique extraction methodology for obtaining compounds with anti-HIV potential from O. tenuiflorum. The presence of rare or modified benzopyrone derivatives detected in LCMS/Q-TOF analysis has shown that the unique extraction method facilitated the formation or concentration of structurally transformed molecules. Also, LC-MS/ QTOF results revealed that the Ocimum extract contains a pharmacologically rich mixture of phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, many of which have documented or predicted antiviral effects. These findings support the subsequent computational analysis, including ADMET evaluation and PASS activity prediction, to prioritize compounds with the highest therapeutic potential against HIV target proteins. The combined presence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral bioactives provides a strong biochemical basis for the observed and predicted anti-HIV properties of the compounds identified in O. tenuiflorum. Further studies are required to understand the drug potential of the compounds identified.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Nil
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Nil
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How to cite this article:
Shinhasan MP and Arumugam DM: A novel extraction and LC–MS/MS-QT of based metabolite profiling coupled with admet and pass server prediction unveils anti-HIV leads from Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Int J Pharm Sci & Res 2026; 17(4): 1259-66. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.17(4).1259-66.
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Article Information
22
1259-1266
594 KB
4
English
IJPSR
Manohar Pundaleekappa Shinhasan and Deepa Machampalayam Arumugam *
Department of Botany, Government Arts College (A), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
deepapat2007@gmail.com
23 November 2025
28 December 2025
31 December 2025
10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.17(4).1259-66
01 April 2026






