Inhibition of human immunodeficiency viral replication by tannins and related compounds

Among 87 chemically defined tannins and related compounds, several hydrolyzable tannins, but not condensed tannins or other lower molecular weight polyphenols, significantly inhibited both the cytopathic effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the expression of HIV antigen in human lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1)-positive MT-4 cells. The 50% effective concentrations (2.0-4.8 micrograms/ml) of the active compounds were 13- to 15-fold lower than their 50% cytotoxic concentrations. Their anti-HIV activity was demonstrated to be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of HIV adsorption to the cells.