Molecular Docking-Based Analysis of Rauvolfia serpentina Alkaloids Targeting HPV E1 and L1 Proteins for Antiviral Therapeutic Potential

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Pavani J Bharadwaj,

  1. Student, Department of Biotechnology, JSS College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Mysore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer and other epithelial cancers. E1 and L1 proteins are crucial to the virus’s lifespan. E1 is a viral helicase that is needed for HPV DNA replication, and L1 is the main structural capsid protein that builds the virion and infects target cells. Going after these proteins is a good way to stop viruses from spreading. In this case, Rauvolfia serpentina, a medical plant known for its wide range of pharmacological effects and high level of alkaloids, looks like a good natural source for therapeutic agents. Using molecular docking techniques, this work investigates the molecular interactions between HPV E1 and L1 proteins and phytoconstituents from Rauvolfia serpentina. The ability of alkaloids like ajmaline, serpentine, and sandwicine to bind to the target proteins’ active sites was assessed. According to the docking studies, these bioactive substances have advantageous binding energies and establish enduring molecular bonds with important residues in the E1 and L1 proteins. Strong affinity for the E1 helicase domain was demonstrated by ajmaline in particular, which may indicate that viral replication is inhibited. Likewise, ajmaline demonstrated strong interaction with L1, suggesting potential disruption of viral entry and capsid formation. The study provides computational evidence that Rauvolfia serpentina contains compounds capable of interacting with and potentially inhibiting critical HPV proteins. These results underscore the need for further experimental studies to validate the antiviral potential of the identified phytocompounds. Overall, the results underscore the potential of plant-derived molecules in developing alternative therapeutic strategies against HPV infection, especially by targeting essential viral proteins through molecular interactions.

Keywords: Rauvolfia serpentina, Human papillomavirus, cervical cancer, molecular docking, anticancer, oncoproteins

How to cite this article:
Pavani J Bharadwaj. Molecular Docking-Based Analysis of Rauvolfia serpentina Alkaloids Targeting HPV E1 and L1 Proteins for Antiviral Therapeutic Potential. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2025; 17(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Pavani J Bharadwaj. Molecular Docking-Based Analysis of Rauvolfia serpentina Alkaloids Targeting HPV E1 and L1 Proteins for Antiviral Therapeutic Potential. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2025; 17(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjops/article=2025/view=234357


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 17
01
Received 28/10/2025
Accepted 14/12/2025
Published 15/12/2025
Publication Time 48 Days
166

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