Metagenomic and Molecular Docking Analysis of Probiotic-Rich Fermented Foods with Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajlsi.v5i2.7797Keywords:
Antioxidant Activity, Bioactive Compounds, Molecular Docking, Probiotics, Sars-Cov-2Abstract
Probiotics and fermented foods have gained considerable attention for their ability to modulate immune responses and exhibit antiviral activity, particularly against SARS-CoV-2. However, integrated evidence linking their nutritional composition, microbial profile, and molecular antiviral potential remains limited. Selected traditional fermented foods (ogi, garri, fufu, iru oworo, and iru pete) were analyzed for vitamin composition, physicochemical characteristics, and antioxidant activity using standard analytical methods. Microbial profiling was conducted using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing. Bioactive metabolites associated with probiotics were identified and evaluated through molecular docking against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Significant variations were observed among the samples. Iru pete exhibited the highest levels of vitamins B3, B6, B12, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity. Metagenomic analysis revealed a predominance of probiotic-associated species, including Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Limosilactobacillus fermentum. Molecular docking results showed that violacein and sitagliptin exhibited more favorable predicted binding affinities (−8.0 and −7.5 kcal/mol, respectively), than nirmatrelvir (−6.6 kcal/mol), under the docking conditions employed.. In Conclusion, traditional fermented foods represent valuable sources of probiotics and bioactive compounds with nutritional and potential antiviral benefits. The combined biochemical, microbial, and computational findings highlight their promise as adjunct functional foods in antiviral strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Further in vivo and clinical studies are required to confirm their therapeutic relevance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Oluwaseun Daniel Fowotade, Jacqueline Azodoh, PharmD, Benson Cyril Nana Boakye, Sukurat Omotanwa Lasisi, Adedamola Iyanuoluwa Adesina
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