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Antiviral effects of persimmon extract on human norovirus and its surrogate, bacteriophage MS2
Maki Kamimoto1, Yoshiaki Nakai, Toru Tsuji
1Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima Univ, 1-4-4, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan.
Unlabelled:
Human noroviruses (NoVs) are the leading cause of gastroenteritis and foodborne illnesses worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effects of persimmon extract (PE) on NoV GII.4 and bacteriophage MS2. We also examined the relationship between the tannin content of PE and its antiviral effects to identify the active ingredient in PE. Different persimmon tannin (PT) solutions were prepared by mixing PE with different concentrations of bovine serum albumin. The antiviral efficacy of these solutions against NoV was evaluated by quantifying the amount of residual noroviral genome using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. The antiviral efficacy of PE against MS2 was examined with an infectivity assay (plaque assay). Solutions containing ≥ 0.11 mg/mL PT reduced the noroviral genome by more than 70.0% and the infectivity of MS2 by more than 2.5 log PFU/mL. However, the effects of PT on both viruses decreased markedly at a concentration of 0.08 mg/mL and solutions containing negligible PT had no antiviral activity. These results suggest that the PT component of PE inactivates NoV and MS2. Our results indicate that PE is a nontoxic antiviral agent effective against enteric viruses.
Practical Application:
Persimmon extract showed antiviral effects against NoV and bacteriophage MS2. Persimmon extract is suitable for use as an antiviral agent.
Insights
Persimmon extract effectively inactivates human noroviruses (NoV) and MS2 bacteriophage. This natural extract, rich in persimmon tannin (PT), shows promise as a safe antiviral agent against enteric viruses.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Virology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Human noroviruses (NoVs) are a primary cause of global gastroenteritis and foodborne illness.
- Developing effective antiviral agents against enteric viruses is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral effects of persimmon extract (PE) against norovirus GII.4 and bacteriophage MS2.
- To determine the role of persimmon tannin (PT) content in the extract's antiviral activity.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure residual noroviral genome.
- Plaque assays assessed the infectivity of MS2 bacteriophage.
- Persimmon tannin solutions were prepared at varying concentrations.
Main Results:
- Solutions with ≥ 0.11 mg/mL persimmon tannin reduced noroviral genome by over 70%.
- These solutions decreased MS2 infectivity by more than 2.5 log PFU/mL.
- Antiviral activity diminished significantly at lower tannin concentrations, with negligible activity at negligible PT levels.
Conclusions:
- Persimmon extract demonstrates significant antiviral properties against both norovirus and MS2.
- Persimmon tannin is identified as the active component responsible for the observed antiviral effects.
- Persimmon extract is a safe, non-toxic, and effective antiviral agent for combating enteric viruses.
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