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Updated: Oct 5, 2026
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
[The experimental study of the anti-enterovirus effects of drugs in vitro]
Objective:
To screen the safe and effective anti-enterovirus drugs for clinical application.
Methods:
The cytotoxicity of Ribavirin, Shuanghuanglian and Garlic were evaluated through MTT colorimetry and cell morphology. The antiviral activity of Ribavirin, Shuanghuanglian and Garlic were studied in HEL and Vero cells infected with CBV3 and ECHO11 by observing cytopathic effect (CPE), MTT colorimetry and plaque-reduction assay. The antiviral activity of these three drugs were compared and that of Shuanghuanglian and Garlic were also compared before and after ECHO11 absorbing by plaque-reduction assay.
Results:
(1) The cytotoxicity of these three drugs were expressed as TC50(50% toxic concentration). TC50 of Ribavirin was 2 mg/ml, of Shuanghuanglian 5 mg/ml, of Garlic 12.5 micrograms/ml. (2) Ribavirin could inhibit CBV3 and ECHO11 at the concentration ranged from 1 mg/ml to 1.5 mg/ml. Shuanghuanglian could inhibit CBV3 and ECHO11 at the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml and the viral inhibiting effect was concentration-dependent. Garlic could inhibit CBV3 and ECHO11 at the concentration ranged from 2.5 micrograms/ml to 7.5 micrograms/ml and 5 micrograms/ml was the most effective. (3) Plaque-reduction assay was used to test the anti-virus (CBV3 and ECHO11) activity of these three drugs: plaque reduction rate of 1.5 mg/ml Ribavirin was 43.2% and 37.2%, of 2.5 mg/ml Shuanghuanglian was 81.1% and 88.4% and of 5 micrograms/ml Garlic was 66.2% and 77.4% respectively. The plaque reduction rate of Ribavirin was lower than the other two drugs (P < 0.05), between these two showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The anti-ECHO11 activity of Shanghuanglian before ECHO11 adsorbing was higher than after ECHO11 adsorbing (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the plaque reduction rates of Garlic before and after ECHO11 adsorbin.
Conclusion:
All of the three drugs have anti-virus activity in vitro while Shuanghuanglian and Garlic are more effective. Among these three drugs, the cytotoxicity of Shuanghuanglian is the most weak and the anti-virus activity is the strongest. The antiviral activity of Shuanghuanglian adding before virus adsorbing was higher, so it seems that Shuanghuanglian can prevent EV infection.
Insights
Shuanghuanglian and Garlic demonstrate potent anti-enterovirus activity in vitro, with Shuanghuanglian showing the strongest efficacy and lowest cytotoxicity. These findings suggest potential for preventing enterovirus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enteroviruses (EVs) are a significant cause of human illness.
- Development of safe and effective antiviral drugs is crucial for clinical application.
- Existing treatments for enteroviral infections are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen for safe and effective anti-enterovirus drugs for clinical use.
- To evaluate the antiviral activity and cytotoxicity of Ribavirin, Shuanghuanglian, and Garlic against enteroviruses.
- To compare the efficacy of these agents in preventing enterovirus infections.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT colorimetry and cell morphology.
- Antiviral activity was evaluated in HEL and Vero cells infected with Coxsackievirus B3 (CBV3) and Echovirus 11 (ECHO11).
- Methods included observing cytopathic effect (CPE), MTT colorimetry, and plaque-reduction assays.
Main Results:
- Shuanghuanglian and Garlic exhibited significant antiviral activity against CBV3 and ECHO11 at lower concentrations compared to Ribavirin.
- Shuanghuanglian demonstrated the highest plaque reduction rate (81.1% and 88.4%) and lowest cytotoxicity (TC50 = 5 mg/ml).
- Shuanghuanglian's anti-ECHO11 activity was higher when added before virus adsorption, suggesting a preventive role.
Conclusions:
- Ribavirin, Shuanghuanglian, and Garlic all possess in vitro anti-enterovirus activity.
- Shuanghuanglian and Garlic are more effective and safer anti-enterovirus agents compared to Ribavirin.
- Shuanghuanglian shows promise in preventing enterovirus infections due to its potent antiviral activity and preventive effect when administered before virus adsorption.
