Investigations on antiviral action of Haemanthus albiflos natural extract

Abstract

Investigations were undertaken on the antiviral action of an hydroalcoholic extract from Haemanthus albijlos bulb, reported here as an efficient agent against RNA viruses. Poliovirus propagated on HeLa cells with different concentrations of the extract was used in the assays. The effect on cellular RNA, DNA and protein synthesis as well as on viral RNA synthesis was evaluated by measuring the radioactivity incorporated using labelled precursors.A 0.2 pL/mL concentration of the plant extract showed an inhibition of cellular RNA, DNA and protein synthesis compared with the control of 44%, 40% and 52%, respectively. At the same concentration a 90% decrease of the viral RNA synthesis was observed over 210 min.

Phytotherapeutic Information on Plants Used for the Treatment of Tuberculosis in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

“…For instance, Artemisia afra is used by the traditional healers in Amathole District to treat Flu and TB, and it is also used by the Zulu people [ 18 – 20 ]. The leaf extract of Haemanthus albiflos was reported to have shown significant difference against DNA viruses and all RNA viruses [ 21 ] likewise the leaf of Carpobrotus edulis was reported to have showed significant difference for the treatment of TB and as immune booster for HIV patients in Nkonkobe Municipality [ 12 , 20 ]. Furthermore, Lall and Meyer [ 22 ] reported that individuals infected with HIV/AIDS are also susceptible to TB and often develop this disease before other manifestations become apparent.…”

Scientific rationale for traditional use of plants to treat tuberculosis in the eastern region of the OR Tambo district, South Africa

“…In vitro antimycobacterial activity of fifty-eight extracts from ten plants; G. foliosa (bark), H. Husson et al, 1994and 1997, Crouch et al, 2005 Anacardiaceae Protorhus longifolia (Bernh.) Engl…”

Amaryllidacae alkaloids

“…Further studies have now indicated that its activity is involved at an early stage in the virus' development. 6 The identity of the active agent(s) remain unknown.…”