Dioscin's antiviral effect in vitro

Dioscin is chemical compound obtained from an extract from a medical plant, air potato that is a yam species. Its potential antiviral properties were analyzed in this study. In this study, dioscin's antiviral effects were tested against several viruses including adenovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). By time-of-addition assay, dioscin not only blocked the initial stage of adenovirus infection, but also affected the host cell's response for viral infection. In addition, 293 cells treated with dioscin displayed decreased mRNA levels for adenovirus receptor (CAR). Over expression of CAR in 293 cells pretreated with dioscin restored the infectivity of adenovirus. The inhibitory effect of dioscin against VSV infection was observed only in 293 cells pretreated with dioscin prior to infection. Finally, dioscin's inhibitory effect on secretion of HBeAg and HBsAg in HBV positive cell line HepG2 2.215 was observed by ELISA assay.

► Dioscin has low toxicity to 293 and HepG2 2.215 cell lines. ► Dioscin can inhibit the early stage of adenovirus infection. ► Dioscin can attenuate adenovirus infection by reducing the expression level of viral receptors. ► Dioscin can inhibit VSV infection during its contact with cells. ► Dioscin can block the secretion level of HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2 2.215.