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Antiviral substance from silkworm faeces: purification and its chemical characterization
1Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Yamashina-ku, Japan.
Abstract:
In a previous paper, we reported that an extract of silkworm faeces has a marked antiviral activity on enveloped viruses, but not on a non-enveloped virus, and we showed that it inhibits the synthesis of a viral specific gene of HVJ (Sendai virus) without affecting the viral adsorption and entry into the host cell. In this paper, we accomplished the purification of an antiviral active substance by extraction of a hydrophobic substance and thin layer chromatography. The active substance was found to be a chlorophyll-like substance with a molecular mass of about 530. This substance shows clear antiviral activity against HVJ, HSV (herpes simplex virus type-1), and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus type-1). Its antiviral activity was dependent on light irradiation and temperature. Furthermore, it also possesses a strong hemolytic activity under light.
Insights
A silkworm faeces extract contains a chlorophyll-like antiviral substance. This compound effectively inhibits enveloped viruses like herpes simplex virus type-1 and human immunodeficiency virus type-1.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Previous research identified antiviral activity in silkworm faeces extract against enveloped viruses.
- The extract inhibited viral gene synthesis without affecting viral entry into host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify the antiviral active substance from silkworm faeces extract.
- To characterize the purified substance and evaluate its antiviral spectrum and properties.
Main Methods:
- Hydrophobic extraction and thin-layer chromatography were used for purification.
- Antiviral activity was tested against HVJ (Sendai virus), HSV-1, and HIV-1.
- The substance's properties, including light and temperature dependence, were investigated.
Main Results:
- A chlorophyll-like substance with a molecular mass of approximately 530 Da was purified.
- The purified substance demonstrated antiviral activity against HVJ, HSV-1, and HIV-1.
- Antiviral efficacy was dependent on light irradiation and temperature, and the substance exhibited hemolytic activity under light.
Conclusions:
- A novel chlorophyll-like antiviral compound has been isolated from silkworm faeces.
- This compound shows broad-spectrum antiviral activity against clinically relevant enveloped viruses.
- The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for this natural product, contingent on further research into its mechanism and safety.