Natural Polyphenol-Containing Gels against HSV-1 Infection: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Materials Science
• Virology

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes common sores and severe encephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Acyclovir is the standard antiviral treatment but can lead to drug-resistant HSV-1 strains.
• Plant-derived compounds like quercetin and mangiferin show promise as alternative antiviral agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate semisolid formulations for topical quercetin and mangiferin delivery against HSV-1.
• To compare the physical-chemical properties, drug release kinetics, and stability of phosphatidylcholine- and poloxamer-based gels.
• To assess the in vitro antiviral efficacy of these formulations against HSV-1.

Main Methods:

• Phosphatidylcholine- and poloxamer-based gels containing quercetin and mangiferin were prepared and characterized using rheological measurements and X-ray diffraction.
• In vitro diffusion studies using a Franz cell system were conducted to evaluate polyphenol release kinetics.
• Antioxidant potential, stability, and virucidal activity (plaque reduction assay) against HSV-1 were assessed.

Main Results:

• The gels exhibited distinct thermoresponsive behaviors and supramolecular structures.
• Poloxamer-based gels demonstrated better control over polyphenol diffusion compared to phosphatidylcholine-based gels.
• Quercetin in poloxamer gel showed enhanced stability and antioxidant activity, with prolonged antiviral effects against HSV-1.

Conclusions:

• Semisolid poloxamer-based gels are suitable for topical delivery of quercetin and mangiferin for HSV-1 treatment.
• These formulations offer improved stability, antioxidant properties, and sustained antiviral activity, potentially overcoming acyclovir resistance.
• This study highlights the potential of natural compounds formulated in advanced delivery systems for managing viral infections.