Natural Products to Prevent Herpes Virus Infection

Medicines, Vol. 7, Pages 64: Quantification of the Ability of Natural Products to Prevent Herpes Virus Infection:

Medicines, Vol. 7, Pages 64: Quantification of the Ability of Natural Products to Prevent Herpes Virus Infection

Medicines doi: 10.3390/medicines7100064

Authors:
Kunihiko Fukuchi
Hiroshi Sakagami
Yoshiaki Sugita
Koichi Takao
Daisuke Asai
Shigemi Terakubo
Hiromu Takemura
Hirokazu Ohno
Misaki Horiuchi
Madoka Suguro
Tomohiro Fujisawa
Kazuki Toeda
Hiroshi Oizumi
Toshikazu Yasui
Takaaki Oizumi


Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is usually dormant and becomes apparent when body conditions decline. We investigated the anti-HSV activity of various natural and synthetic compounds for future clinical application. Methods: Mock- and HSV-infected Vero cells were treated for three days with various concentrations of samples. For short exposure, 100-fold concentrated virus were preincubated for 3 min with samples, diluted to normal multiplicity of infection (MOI), before the addition to the cells. Anti-HSV activity was evaluated by the chemotherapy index. Results: Alkaline extracts of the leaves of Sasa sp. (SE) and pine cone (PCE) showed higher anti-HSV activity than 20 Japanese traditional herb medicines (Kampo formulas), four popular polyphenols, and 119 chromone-related compounds. Exposure of HSV to SE or PCE for 3 min almost completely eliminated the infectivity of HSV, whereas much longer exposure time was required for Kakkonto, the most active Kampo formulae. Anti-HSV activity of PCE and Kakkonto could be detected only when they were dissolved by alkaline solution (pH 8.0), but not by neutral buffer (pH 7.4). Anti-HSV activity of SE and povidone iodine was stable if they were diluted with neutral buffer. Conclusions: The present study suggests the applicability of SE and PCE for treatment of oral HSV and possibly other viruses.