Soy isoflavones and virus infections

Abstract

Isoflavones and their related flavonoid compounds exert antiviral properties in vitro and in vivo against a wide range of viruses. Genistein is, by far, the most studied soy isoflavone in this regard, and it has been shown to inhibit the infectivity of enveloped or nonenveloped viruses, as well as single-stranded or double-stranded RNA or DNA viruses. At concentrations ranging from physiological to supraphysiological (3.7-370 muM), flavonoids, including genistein, have been shown to reduce the infectivity of a variety of viruses affecting humans and animals, including adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, human immunodeficiency virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and rotavirus. Although the biological properties of the flavonoids are well studied, the mechanisms of action underlying their antiviral properties have not been fully elucidated. Current results suggest a combination of effects on both the virus and the host cell. Isoflavones have been reported to affect virus binding, entry, replication, viral protein translation and formation of certain virus envelope glycoprotein complexes. Isoflavones also affect a variety of host cell signaling processes, including induction of gene transcription factors and secretion of cytokines. The efficacy of isoflavones and related flavonoids in virus infectivity in in vitro bioassays is dependent on the dose, frequency of administration and combination of isoflavones used. Despite promising in vitro results, there is lack of data confirming the in vivo efficacy of soy isoflavones. Thus, investigations using appropriate in vivo virus infectivity models to examine pharmacological and especially physiological doses of flavonoids are warranted.

Non-cytotoxic Thymus capitata extracts prevent Bovine herpesvirus-1 infection in cell cultures

“…Flavonoid derivatives have also been reported to possess antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses [28][29][30]. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside and luteolin are flavonoid compounds that are found in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), and celery (Apium graveolens) and have shown antiviral activity in vitro [28,31]. The extracts of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and their purified compounds, including apigenin, were tested against a number of viruses (herpesvirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis B virus), and have displayed a broad range of antiviral action, which is in accordance with our data [32].…”

Inhibitory effects ofPinus massonianabark extract on hepatitis C virusin vitro

“…Flavonoid, a major ingredient of PMBE, has been reported to display antiviral activities and reduce the replication of several viruses (Andres et al, 2009;Liu et al, 2006;Rainsford, 2006). Flavonoid is a class of plant pigment, found in a wide range of green vegetables and fruits.…”

Flavonoides como agentes quimiopreventivos y terapéuticos contra el cáncer de pulmón

“…No obstante, muchos flavonoides también han mostrado actividad antitrombótica, inhibición de la activación leucocitaria o incluso actividad vasodilatadora, con lo que tienen un papel potencial contra enfermedades cardiovasculares 40 . Otros flavonoides, derivados de plantas usadas tradicionalmente como medicinales, han mostrado actividad antibacteriana, antifúngi-ca y antiviral (especialmente las isoflavonas) contra especies resistentes a antibióticos 41,42 y contra infecciones por la bacteria Helicobacter pylori 43 . Por último, también se les atribuyen posibles propiedades antialérgicas 44 y pro- tectoras del sistema vascular 45 y del hígado 46 y efectos en trastornos oculares 47 y enfermedades neurodegenerativas 48 .…”