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Published on: October 11, 2013
In vitro anti-HSV1 activity of aqueous extract of Areca catechu L
Mahsa Zamanian1, Emad Asgari2, Sahar Afaridoon1
1Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
The aqueous extract of Areca catechu (A. catechu) demonstrated significant anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity, inhibiting viral infection and reducing key viral gene expression. This suggests A. catechu as a potential natural antiviral agent.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a highly contagious virus responsible for cold sores.
- There is a need for novel antiviral agents to combat HSV-1 infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-HSV-1 activity of an aqueous extract of Areca catechu (A. catechu).
- To investigate the effect of A. catechu extract on the expression of HSV-1 genes UL46 and US6.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous extract of A. catechu prepared via maceration in boiling water.
- Antiviral activity assessed using MTT assay on Vero cells infected with HSV-1 at various time points.
- Gene expression analysis of UL46 and US6 using quantitative real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- The A. catechu extract exhibited anti-HSV-1 activity with an IC50 of 110.52 ± 1.36 μg/ml.
- Extract treatment (100 μg/ml) 2 hours pre-infection reduced UL46 gene expression.
- Simultaneous or 4-hour post-infection treatment with the extract also reduced US6 gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Areca catechu possesses significant antiviral properties against HSV-1.
- A. catechu extract demonstrates potential as a natural-based therapeutic agent for HSV-1 infections.
Background And Objectives:
HSV-1 is known as a very contagious virus and the main cause of cold sores or fever blisters. Herein, the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. was evaluated for its anti-HSV-1 activity, compared to the standard control (acyclovir). Also, the effect of extract on the expression of UL46 and US6 genes that accumulate late in viral infection, was studied.
Materials And Methods:
The aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of powdered plant in boiling water. Its antiviral activity was evaluated on Vero cells infected with HSV-1 at different times: 2 h pre-infection, simultaneous infection, and 4 h post-infection, using MTT assay. The effect of extract on the expression of genes was investigated with quantitative real-time PCR.
Results:
The aqueous extract of A. catechu induced the inhibition of infection with the IC50 value of 110.52 ± 1.36 μg/ml. Also, it reduced the expression of UL46 when it was added 2 h pre-infection at 100 μg/ml. Moreover, reduction of expression of US6 was observed at the same concentration when the extract was used simultaneously with the occurrence of infection and 4 h post-infection.
Conclusion:
A. catechu can be considered an essential element of natural-based anti-HSV-1 agents.
