Sumac Polyphenols as Pan-Herpesvirus Inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Virology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pandemic preparedness requires broad-spectrum antivirals effective against diverse pathogens.
• Plant polyphenols exhibit broad-spectrum antiviral properties by targeting multiple viral and cellular components.
• Identifying safe, plant-derived polyphenols is crucial for developing novel antiviral countermeasures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the broad-spectrum antiviral potential of safe, human-confirmed plant polyphenols.
• To evaluate the efficacy of geraniin and Rutan constituents against herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Main Methods:

• Isolation of ellagitannin geraniin and galloylglucose constituents (Rutan, R5-R8) from *Geranium sanguineum* and *Rhus coriaria* (sumac).
• In vitro assessment of antiviral activity against HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, and EBV.
• Comparative analysis of the inhibitory effects of individual polyphenols and Rutan.

Main Results:

• Geraniin and Rutan constituents demonstrated activity against HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, and EBV.
• Rutan and R5 showed significant inhibition of intracellular CMV and EBV replication.
• Geraniin exhibited specific activity against HSV-2, while Rutan and R7 were more potent against HSV-1.

Conclusions:

• Sumac polyphenols, including geraniin and Rutan constituents, possess broad-spectrum antiviral capabilities against multiple Orthoherpesviridae subfamilies.
• These findings support the development of sumac-derived polyphenols as potential broad-spectrum antiviral agents for pandemic preparedness.
• This study highlights the potential of ethnobotanical sources for discovering novel antiviral compounds.