Evaluation of antiherpetic activity of crude extract and fractions of Avicenna marina, in vitro

AimThis study was carried out to check antiherpetic substances of crude methanol leaf extract of Avicenna marina and its column chromatographic fractions.BackgroundHerpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a harmful pathogen especially in highly susceptible individuals.Materials and methodsThe antiherpetic activity of crude methanol extract and sub-fractions was performed in different concentrations (20, 2, 0.2, and 0.02 μg/ml) by use of plaque-forming unit (PFU) assay and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.ResultsThe most active fraction analyzed by NMR contained luteolin 7-O-methylether 3′-O-beta-d-glucoside (LMEG). The other active fraction was detected by HPLC as luteolin. The apparent effective concentrations for 50% plaque reduction (EC50) of crude methanol extract, LMEG, luteolin and ACV were 10, 5, 16.6 and 2.97 μg/ml, respectively. The three extracts showed no cytotoxic effect on Vero cell line at concentrations of 32 μg/ml or below. According to the consequences of time-of-addition studies, antiherpetic compound LMEG exerted an inhibitory effect on the early stage of HSV-2 infection during which it was added.ConclusionsIn conclusion, LMEG isolated from A. marina could probably inhibit HSV attachment to the cell membrane and its entry into the cell.

► Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a harmful pathogen especially in highly susceptible individuals. ► Avicenna marina has been used to treat some diseases such as ulcers, rheumatism and small pox. ► Previously, the antiviral activity of A. marina has been investigated against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus type-1. ► In the present study loteolin and luteolin 7-O-methylether 3′-O-beta-d-glucoside (LMEG) isolated from A. marina.