Bioactive natural products with anti-herpes simplex virus properties

Abstract

Objectives In this review, we highlight and summarise the most promising extracts, fractions and pure compounds as potential anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) agents derived from microorganisms, marine organisms, fungi, animals and plants. The role of natural products in the development of anti-HSV drugs will be discussed. Key findings Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and -2) are common human pathogens that remain a serious threat to human health. In recent years, a great interest has been devoted to the search for integrated management of HSV infections. Acyclovir and related nucleoside analogues have been licensed for the therapy that target viral DNA polymerase. Although these drugs are currently effective against HSV infections, the intensive use of these drugs has led to the problem of drugresistant strains. Therefore, the search for new sources to develop new antiherpetic agents has gained major priority to overcome the problem. Summary Natural products as potential, new anti-HSV drugs provide several advantages such as reduced side effects, less resistance, low toxicity and various mechanisms of action. This paper aims to provide an overview of natural products that possess antiviral activity against HSV.

Virucidal, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of β-escin and Aesculus hippocastanum extract

“…After HSV‐1 infection, the innate immune system reacts by activating antiviral effectors, including type I IFNs, natural killer cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to control the infection. In turn, natural products can stimulate immune responses to inhibit HSV infection …”

“…Medicinal plants have been used to treat viral infections for decades. In fact, in the last years, plant extracts and herbal compounds have been investigated for their anti‐HSV and immune regulatory properties …”

Anti‐HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 Flavonoids and a New Kaempferol Triglycoside from the Medicinal Plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana

“…Plant extracts and plant‐derived compounds represent an important source of new potential antiherpetic drugs . Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds present throughout the plant kingdom and capable of interacting with many biological systems, including HSV .…”

Antiviral activity of plants and their isolated bioactive compounds: An update

“…HSV contains a double DNA filament with icosahedral symmetry, and it is able to induce several syndromes in adults and child, including ocular diseases, stromal keratitis, endotheliitis, and neurotrophic keratopathy. HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 are the most extensively studied HSV; the first one is the main cause of oral and facial infections as well as encephalitis, whereas HSV‐2 is commonly associated with genital infection, which are recently discovered as the main risk factor involved in the onset of HIV infection and invasive cervical carcinoma (Hassan, Masarčíková, & Berchová, ). Moreover, HSVs are not eradicable; indeed, after the primary infection (Figure ), they enter the nerve cells generating lesions into the host, leading to the onset of a lifelong latent infection in sensory neurons.…”