Comparative COX I Molecular Docking of Phyto-chemicals (Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Lignans and Terpenoids) for Anti-platelet Aggregation Dynamics

Introduction: Cycloxygenase I (COX I) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. Therefore, there is a need of anti-platelet aggregation drugs that decrease thrombus formation. Methods: Molecular docking of the phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and lignans) was carried out. Binding energies and the ligand efficiencies of the phytochemicals were compared by standard statistical tool. Results: Docking showed that their inhibitory activity towards COX I mainly depends on hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of the polyphenol ligands and the binding sites, pi-cation/anion, pi-sigma bond, pi-alkyl, and pi-pi T shaped interactions that stabilize the ligand within the active site. Alkaloids are superior over the others to develop as optimal inhibitor compounds of human COX I in terms of ligand efficiency. Conclusion: Ligand efficiencies fall within the criteria of orally efficacious drugs, and could pave a way for lead anti-platelet drug discovery and subsequent development.