Antiviral activity of Embelia ribes Burm. f. against influenza virus in vitro

Abstract

Viral respiratory infections are raising serious concern globally. Asian medicinal plants could be useful in improving the current treatment strategies for influenza. The present study examines the activity of five plants from Bangladesh against influenza virus. MDCK cells infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) were treated with increasing concentrations of ethyl acetate extracts, and their cytotoxicity (CC), virus-inhibiting activity (IC), and selectivity index (SI) were calculated. The ethyl acetate extract of fruits of Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae) had the highest antiviral activity, with an IC of 0.2 µg/mL and a SI of 32. Its major constituent, embelin, was further isolated and tested against the same virus. Embelin demonstrated antiviral activity, with an IC of 0.3 µM and an SI of 10. Time-of-addition experiments revealed that embelin was most effective when added at early stages of the viral life cycle (0-1 h postinfection). Embelin was further evaluated against a panel of influenza viruses including influenza A and B viruses that were susceptible or resistant to rimantadine and oseltamivir. Among the viruses tested, avian influenza virus A/mallard/Pennsylvania/10218/84 (H5N2) was the most susceptible to embelin (SI = 31), while A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) virus was the most resistant (SI = 5). In silico molecular docking showed that the binding site for embelin is located in the receptor-binding domain of the viral hemagglutinin. The results of this study provide evidence that E. ribes can be used for development of a novel alternative anti-influenza plant-based agent.

Investigation of Brassica juncea, Forsythia suspensa, and Inula britannica: phytochemical properties, antiviral effects, and safety

“…The bio-functionalities of these compounds have been studied and they can be used to treat various diseases and disorders without adverse effects [43]. Various phenolic compounds also show antiviral effects [8, 30, 44–47]. Chlorogenic acid, a caffeoylquinic acid, showed inhibitory effects on NA and H1N1 infection [45].…”

Computational studies reveal mechanism by which quinone derivatives can inhibit SARS-CoV-2. Study of embelin and two therapeutic compounds of interest, methyl prednisolone and dexamethasone

“…Embelin can inhibit viral infection via a variety of mechanisms and is active against influenza and hepatitis B viruses [ [35] , [36] ]. Our preliminary biological study indicates that it is also an inhibitor for HSV-1 by acting directly on the virions [ 41 ], providing elements of investigation related to Covid-19 virus.…”

“…The anti-viral activity of five embelin-containing plant products from Bangladesh were studied against influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) MDCK infected cells. When treated with increasing concentrations of ethyl acetate extracts of Embelia ribes Burm fruits [ 35 ], the highest antiviral activity was IC 50 of 0.2 μg/mL. The pure compound, embelin, was isolated and tested against the same virus with an IC 50 of 0.3 μM.…”

“…The current Covid-19 pandemic has elicited enormous interest in enveloped viruses. Knowing that quinones show antiviral activity on viruses such as influenza, hepatitis B [ [35] , [36] ], together with our preliminary results showing embelin inhibition of the Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) enveloped DNA virus [ 41 ] were stimuli to explore its potential action on Covid-19. In this study we explore the potential of embelin against Covid-19 virus.…”

Structure-Based Bioactive Phytochemical Design from Ayurvedic Formulations Towards Spike and Mpro Druggable Targets of SARS-CoV-2

“…Germacrone of Haridra has been found to have activity against H1N1 and H3N2 virus causing respiratory illness [49]. Embelin from Vidanga has been found to have activity against influenza virus H1N1, H5N2 and H3N2 causing respiratory illness [50]. Vasicine from Vasa also has been found to have anti-viral activity against Influenza virus causing respiratory illness [51].…”