Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Antiherpes evaluation of soybean isoflavonoids
D F Argenta1, I T Silva, V L Bassani
1Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga 2752, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
The antiviral effects of soybean isoflavonoids have been investigated recently, especially those of genistein. It has been reported that this isoflavone is able to inhibit herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication, which is associated with skin and epithelial mucosa infections. The treatment of these infections with antiherpes drugs has resulted in the emergence of resistant viral strains. Based on this evidence, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-HSV effects of soybean isoflavonoids: daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and coumestrol. Genistein and coumestrol inhibited HSV-1 (KOS and 29R strains, which are acyclovir sensitive and acyclovir resistant, respectively) and HSV-2 (333 strain) replication, whereas no antiviral effects were detected for daidzein and glycitein. The mechanisms of action were evaluated by different methodological strategies. Coumestrol affected the early stages of viral infection, and both compounds were able to reduce HSV-1 protein expression, as well as HSV-2 cell-to-cell spread.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Antifungal Agents
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
Subviral Agents
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions
Cancer Prevention
Some...

