[Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase in vitro by extracts of Chinese medicinal herbs]

Thirty-three chinese medicinal herbs reputed by ancient chinese folklore to have anti-infective properties were extracted. The extracts and their compounds were tested for inhibitory activity against the human immunodeficiency virus RT in vitro. 8 of the 33 extracts were found to be active. Of these, MBAA9045 was studied in greater depth. We found that it was a noncompetitive inhibitor against HIV-RT. The concentration of MBAA9045 reducing HIV-RT activity by 50% (IC50) was 22 mumol/L. Chinese medicinal herbs appear to be a rich source of potentially useful materials for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection.