In vivo Antiviral Activity of Stephania cepharantha against Herpes Simplex Virus Type‐1

Abstract

The antiviral activity of a MeOH extract of Stephania cepharantha (root tubers), its CHCl3-soluble fraction (alkaloid fraction) and the major alkaloid FK-3000 (1) were investigated in BALB/c mice cutaneously infected with HSV-1 strain 7401H. At doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight, p.o., the MeOH extract significantly delayed skin lesion on score 2 (vesicles in the local region), limited the development of further lesions on score 6 (mild zosteriform lesion) and prolonged the mean survival time of HSV-1 infected mice. After p.o. administration of the CHCl3-soluble fraction at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg or FK-3000 (1) at 10 and 25 mg/kg, similar results were obtained. Although the alkaloid improved the survival of infected mice, it had a narrow therapeutic index.

The genus Stephania (Menispermaceae): Chemical and pharmacological perspectives

“…After administration of the alkaloid fraction at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg or FK-3000 at 10 and 25 mg/kg, similar results were obtained. Although the alkaloid improved the survival of infected mice, it had a narrow therapeutic index (Nawawi et al, 2001;Liu et al, 2004;.…”

Inhibitory Effects of Triterpene-Azidothymidine Conjugates on Proliferation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Its Protease.

“…FK 3000 is a morphinane type alkaloid having anti-herpes simplex virus activity in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis. [6][7][8] In addition, we found that FK 3000 also had anti-HIV activity (IC 100 ϭ7.8 mg/ml, CC 0 ϭ15.6 mg/ml) but no inhibi-tory activity against HIV-1 PR, suggesting that it targets a stage of the viral life cycle, different from that mediated by PR. When all the conjugates were tested for their anti-HIV activity and PR inhibitory activity, the triterpene-FK 3000 conjugates (2f, 4f, 6f) showed neither inhibitory activity against HIV-1 PR nor anti-HIV activity.…”

Herbs for Herpes Simplex Infections

“…48 In addition, studies indicate that a number of herbs and botanicals arrested or delayed the formation of vesicles and prolonged survival times when administered to animals coinfected with HSV and HIV. [49][50][51][52] We have frequently used herbs internally with some success, often in formulas that include both lemon balm and St. John's wort. If a patient notices the onset of an acute outbreak and begins taking a combination of antivirals right away, he or she can sometimes abort the attack entirely.…”