Herpes simplex virus-inhibitory sulfated xylogalactans from the red seaweed Nothogenia fastigiata

Two sulfated xylogalactans (F1 and F7), isolated from the red seaweed Nothogenia fastigiata, achieved a dose-dependent inhibition of the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in Vero cells, with 50% effective doses in the range of 15.0-32.6 micrograms/ml, and without affecting cell viability at concentrations up to 200 micrograms/ml. The presence of sulfate groups in the molecule was essential for the antiviral properties of these polysaccharides. F7 afforded significant inhibition in HSV-1 yield if added to the cell cultures simultaneously with virus inoculum, but had no effect when it was added after 1 h of infection. Analysis of the early events of the viral replicative cycle showed that the anti-HSV effect of F7 was due to a specific inhibition of virus attachment to the host cell whereas virus internalization was not impaired.