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Updated: May 19, 2026

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 by thymol-related monoterpenoids
Wen-Lin Lai1, He-Shing Chuang, Meng-Hwan Lee
1School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Abstract:
This study examined the anti-herpes simplex virus type I activity of the major constituents of several essential oils. Plaque reduction assays were performed to evaluate anti-herpes simplex virus type I activity. Thymol and carvacrol both possessed significant antiviral activity with an IC₅₀ of 7 µM, and herpes simplex virus type I was 90 % inactivated within 1 hr. The mode of antiviral action was shown to affect the virion directly. Evidence was also observed by electron microscopy. Evaluation of the structural requirements for antiviral activity of thymol-related monoterpenoids revealed that aliphatic side chains had a minor effect, while a hydrophilic group on the benzene ring was sufficient for activity. Our results suggest that thymol and carvacrol are potential candidates for topical therapeutic application to reduce herpes simplex virus transmission.
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