Dual synergistic inhibition of COX and LOX by potential chemicals from Indian daily spices investigated through detailed computational studies

Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Lipoxygenase (LOX) are essential enzymes for arachidonic acid (AA) to eicosanoids conversion. These AA-derived eicosanoids are essential for initiating immunological responses, causing inflammation, and resolving inflammation. Dual COX/5-LOX inhibitors are believed to be promising novel anti-inflammatory agents. They inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs), but have no effect on lipoxin formation. This mechanism of combined inhibition circumvents certain limitations for selective COX-2 inhibitors and spares the gastrointestinal mucosa. Natural products, i.e. spice chemicals and herbs, offer an excellent opportunity for drug discovery. They have proven anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential of a molecule to be a lead/ drug candidate can be much more enhanced if it has the property of inhibition in a dual mechanism. Synergistic activity is always a better option than the molecule's normal biological activity. Herein, we have explored the dual COX/5-LOX inhibition property of the three major potent phytoconsituents (curcumin, capsaicin, and gingerol) from Indian spices using in silico tools and biophysical techniques in a quest to identify their probable inhibitory role as anti-inflammatory agents. Results revealed the dual COX/5-LOX inhibitory potential of curcumin. Gingerol and capsaicin also revealed favorable results as dual COX/5-LOX inhibitors. Our results are substantiated by target similarity studies, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, energy calculations, DFT, and QSAR studies. In experimental inhibitory (in vitro) studies, curcumin exhibited the best dual inhibitory activities against COX-1/2 and 5-LOX enzymes. Capsaicin and gingerol also showed inhibitory potential against both COX and LOX enzymes. In view of the anti-inflammatory potential these spice chemicals, this research could pave the way for more scientific exploration in this area for drug discovery.