Caulerpin as a potential antiviral drug against herpes simplex virus type 1

Abstract

About 80% of the human adult population is infected with HSV-1. Although there are many anti-HSV-1 drugs available (acyclovir, ganciclovir, valaciclovir, foscarnet), their continuous use promotes the selection of resistant strains, mainly in ACV patients. In addition to resistance, the drugs also have toxicity, particularly when administration is prolonged. The study of new molecules isolated from green algae with potential antiviral activity represents a good opportunity for the development of antiviral drugs. Caulerpin, the major product from the marine algae Caulerpa Lamouroux (Caulerpales), is known for its biological activities such as antioxidant, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChE) and antibacterial activity. In this work, we show that caulerpin could be an alternative to acyclovir as an anti-HSV-1 drug that inhibits the alpha and beta phases of the replication cycle.

Spasmolytic Effect of Caulerpine Involves Blockade of Ca2+ Influx on Guinea Pig Ileum

“…, Chondria armata ) algae [24]. Since its first isolation in 1968 [20], caulerpine has shown some activities such as antitumor [25], antibacterial [26], inhibitor of human protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (hPTP1B) [27], inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) [28], antiviral [29], antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory [16]. …”

Marine Bi-, Bis-, and Trisindole Alkaloids

“…Caulerpin was found to be slightly less active against HSV-1 than acyclovir but slightly more selective for HSV-1 over vero cells and hence less cytotoxic. 113 In the BVDV assay, 173 proved to be more active than acyclovir, again with greater selectivity. 114 In an unrelated study, 173 has been described as a green inhibitor of mild steel corrosion, where AFM and IR experiments suggest that 173 forms a protective surface on the surface of mild steel, thereby preventing corrosion.…”

“…98 In several animal nocireceptive models, 173 has displayed antinocireceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, the mechanisms of which have not yet been established. 112 Compound 173 showed moderate to weak antifungal activity against C. neoformans, 104 while the antiviral activity of 173 against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) 113 and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) 114 was assessed. Caulerpin was found to be slightly less active against HSV-1 than acyclovir but slightly more selective for HSV-1 over vero cells and hence less cytotoxic.…”

Analysis of alkaloids (indole alkaloids, isoquinoline alkaloids, tropane alkaloids)

“…Caulerpin inhibits the alpha and beta phases of the replication cycle. Hence, it can be used as a substitute to acyclovir as an anti-HSV-1 drug (Macedo et al, 2012).…”