Inhibitory effect of medicinal herbs against RNA and DNA viruses

Antivir Chem Chemother. 2004 May;15(3):153-9. doi: 10.1177/095632020401500305.

Abstract

Fifteen Argentine medicinal plants were tested for their antiviral activity in vitro against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and 2), bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV-1), influenza virus type A (Inf A) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Antiviral activity was evaluated by a reduction in cytopathic effect, plaque-forming units and p24 HIV-1 antigen. The Selective Index of the active extract (SI(extract) = CC50(extract)/EC50(extract)) of Coronopus didymus (SI(extract) = 110.7), Juglans australis (SI(extract) = 8.1) and Lippia alba (SI(extract) = 19.2) against BVDV-1, HSV-1 and influenza A virus, respectively, justify a further analysis. None of the seven plants assayed against HIV-1 displayed any antiviral activity. The results of this study justify the continuing isolation and characterization of the antiviral components present.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argentina
  • Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease / drug therapy*
  • Cattle
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral
  • Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral / drug effects
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1 / drug effects
  • Herpes Simplex / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Phytotherapy / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Simplexvirus / drug effects
  • Vero Cells
  • Viral Plaque Assay

Substances

  • Plant Extracts