Emetine hydrochloride, derived from the ipecac root, is a potent anti-protozoal and emetic agent. Emetine hydrochloride inhibits viral polymerases and inhibits Zika and Ebola virus infections. Emetine hydrochloride potently inhibits autophagy and has anti-malarial, anti-bacterial and anti-amoebic effect^[1][2][3][4]. In Vitro: Emetine hydrochloride accumulates SQSTM1 and MAP1LC3B in SNB-19 cells, indicating autophagy is blocked^[1].
Emetine hydrochloride dose-dependently decreases NS1 protein level in HEK293 cells infected with the African prototype, ZIKV MR766 (IC₅₀=52.9 nM). Emetine hydrochloride directly inhibits ZIKV NS5 RNA polymerase activity with an IC₅₀ of 121 nM^[1].
In Vivo: Emetine hydrochloride (1, 2 mg/kg/day; IP; for 3 days) significantly reduces the serum viral load of ZIKV infected Ifnar1^−/− mice^[1].
Emetine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg/day; retro-orbital injection; for six days) reduces the levels of circulating ZIKV approximately 10-fold in three-month-old female SJL mice with ZIKV^BR[1].
Emetine (0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2 mg/kg/day; i.p.) not only attenuates blood glucose levels in dose-dependent way but also induces a persistent attenuation of blood glucose levels in C57Bl/6 male mice (20-25 g) ^[2].