Extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke show strong antiviral activity against the sexually transmitted pathogen herpes simplex virus type 2
Journal article, 2018

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke have been traditionally used by women of the Tacana tribe in the Bolivian Amazonas for genital hygiene and for treatment of genital infection/inflammation. Aim of the study: To assess the ability of extracts from Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke to block genital viral infection by herpes simplex virus type 2. Materials and Methods: Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke were collected from the Amazon region of La Paz, Bolivia. Extracts were prepared and screened for anti-viral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) using both in vitro and in in vivo models of infection. Results: Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke efficiently blocked HSV-2 infection of cell cultures without major cell cytotoxic effects. Extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke could prevent HSV-2 disease development when administered together with virus in a mouse model of genital HSV-2 infection. In vitro analyses revealed that both plant extracts exerted their anti-HSV-2 effects by interfering with viral cell attachment and entry, but could not block viral replication post entry. Conclusions: These studies show that extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke have potent antiviral activities against HSV-2 comparable to those two previously identified plants, Croton lechleri Mull. Arg. and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. These studies confirm that plants used by the Tacana tribe could be explored further for the development of novel topical antiviral microbicides.

HSV-2

Copaifera reticulate Ducke

Antiviral

Genital

Equisetum giganteum L

Author

M. P. Churqui

University of Gothenburg

Higher University of San Andrés

L. Lind

University of Gothenburg

Karolina Thörn

University of Gothenburg

A. Svensson

University of Gothenburg

Otto Savolainen

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering

K. T. Aranda

Higher University of San Andrés

K. Eriksson

University of Gothenburg

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

0378-8741 (ISSN) 18727573 (eISSN)

Vol. 210 192-197

Subject Categories

Immunology

DOI

10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.010

PubMed

28807852

More information

Latest update

2/21/2018