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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Growth, Purification, and Titration of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus
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Growth, Purification, and Titration of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus

Published on: May 13, 2021

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Berberine in Human Oncogenic Herpesvirus Infections and Their Linked Cancers

Miroslava Šudomová1, Kateřina Berchová-Bímová2, Stefania Marzocco3

  • 1Museum of Literature in Moravia, Klášter 1, 66461 Rajhrad, Czech Republic.

Viruses
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Berberine (BBR) shows potential as an antiviral and anticancer agent against human oncogenic herpesviruses (HOHVs). This review explores BBR's mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy against HOHV infections and associated cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Human herpesviruses (HHVs) cause diverse diseases, with some types (human oncogenic herpesviruses, HOHVs) linked to cancer.
  • Viral latency, recurrence, and drug resistance necessitate novel therapeutic strategies against HOHVs.
  • Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid, exhibits known antiviral and anticancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review studies on Berberine's anti-HOHV properties.
  • To evaluate BBR's potential in preventing HOHV-associated cancers.
  • To explore BBR's mechanisms against HOHV life cycle and cancer pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of all studies on BBR and HOHVs.
  • Analysis of BBR's effects on viral replication and cancer pathways.
  • Discussion of strategies to improve BBR's therapeutic efficacy.

Main Results:

  • BBR demonstrates significant anti-HOHV activity.
  • BBR shows promise in preventing HOHV-linked cancers.
  • Mechanisms involve targeting viral life cycle and cancer pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Berberine is a promising natural compound for combating HOHV infections and cancers.
  • Further research and clinical studies are warranted to optimize BBR's therapeutic application.
  • BBR offers a potential new avenue for anti-herpesvirus drug development.
Keywords:
Epstein–Barr virusKaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirusberberinecancerherpes simplex virushuman cytomegalovirusinflammationoncogenic herpesviruses

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