Antiviral, antibacterial and vitamin C-synergized radical-scavenging activity of Sasa senanensis Rehder extract

In Vivo. 2008 Jul-Aug;22(4):471-6.

Abstract

Sasa senanensis Rehder extract (SE) showed slightly higher cytotoxicity against human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines and human glioblastoma cell lines, as compared with human oral normal cells (gingival fibroblast, pulp cell, periodontal ligament fibroblast), and was more cytotoxic to human myelogenous and T-cell leukemia cell lines. SE showed a bacteriostatic effect on Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia, but almost completely eliminated hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) produced by these bacteria. SE protected human T-cell leukemia MT-4 cells from the cytopathic effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and its anti-HIV activity was much higher than that of tannins and flavonoids, comparable with that of natural and synthetic lignins. SE also protected the MDCK cells from the cytopathic effect of influenza virus infection. SE synergistically enhanced the superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity of vitamin C. The present study suggests the functionality of SE as a complementary alternative medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Ascorbic Acid / metabolism*
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dogs
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Sasa / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Plant Extracts
  • Ascorbic Acid