Anti-herpes simplex virus effects of berberine from Coptidis rhizoma, a major component of a Chinese herbal medicine, Ching-Wei-San

Abstract

Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from Coptidis rhizome. Among the individual herbal components of a Chinese herb medicine, Ching-Wei-San, Coptidis Rhizoma has the most potent antimicrobial activity. By high-pressure liquid chromatography, the quantitative analysis of berberine from 6.25-mg/mL (w/v) Coptidis rhizome extract or 50.00-mg/mL (w/v) Ching-Wei-San was determined to be 0.26 mg/mL. To explore the potential use of Ching-Wei-San against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, the cytotoxicity, anti-HSV-1 and anti-HSV-2 activity in Vero cells were assayed. The selectivity index of berberine was about 1.2-1.5 times higher than that of Coptidis rhizome extract and Ching-Wei-San. Moreover, the antiviral activities correspond to the content of berberine in the aqueous solution. Berberine may interfere with the viral replication cycle after virus penetration and no later than the viral DNA synthesis step, and its activities were not affected by the preparation processes. Berberine, the natural plants that contain this component, including Coptidis rhizome, and Ching-Wei-San have all shown anti-HSV effects.

Bioactive natural products with anti-herpes simplex virus properties

“…Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from Chinese herbal plant Coptidis rhizome and demonstrated in‐vitro antiherpetic activity with IC50 values for HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 24.4 and 26.8 μ m , respectively. Moreover, its mechanism of action is due to the prevention of penetration of virus into the cell [82]. Another alkaloid FK‐3000 was obtained from the methanolic extract of Stephania cepharantha and showed in‐vivo anti‐HSV‐1 activity.…”

Inhibition of H1N1 influenza A virus growth and induction of inflammatory mediators by the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine and extracts of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

“…Berberine has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain tumor-derived cell lines [16][17][18][19][20] and to prevent the growth of certain bacteria [21][22][23][24][25][26]. Berberine can effectively inhibit the growth of several viruses [27][28][29] including human cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus. Berberine has also been shown to inhibit production of cytokines, inflammatory lipids, and nitric oxide from macrophages treated with LPS [3,30].…”

Downregulation of Cellular c-Jun N-Terminal Protein Kinase and NF-κB Activation by Berberine May Result in Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Replication

“…Chin et al first reported that berberine from Coptidis rhizoma showed an anti-HSV effect (41). Due to its low cytotoxicity and minimal side effects, berberine is considered a promising antiviral drug candidate for alternative treatment.…”