Inhibition of Lentivirus Replication by Prunella vulgaris Extracts
Author Information
Author(s): Brindley Melinda A, Widrlechner Mark P, McCoy Joe-Ann, Murphy Patricia, Hauck Cathy, Rizshsky Ludmila, Nikolau Basil, Maury Wendy
Primary Institution: Dept. Microbiology, University of Iowa
Hypothesis
Can aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris inhibit the replication of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV)?
Conclusion
Aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris exhibit significant anti-viral activity against EIAV, suggesting potential as microbicides against lentiviruses.
Supporting Evidence
- Aqueous extracts showed more anti-viral activity than ethanol extracts.
- Extracts prevented viral particles from binding to permissive cells.
- Eight of nine fractions from aqueous extracts displayed anti-viral activity.
- Synergistic anti-viral activity was observed in several fractions.
- Extracts inhibited EIAV infectivity without significant cytotoxicity.
Takeaway
This study found that a plant called Prunella vulgaris can help stop a virus from making more copies of itself, which is good news for fighting infections.
Methodology
The study involved testing water and ethanol extracts of Prunella vulgaris for their ability to inhibit EIAV replication in cell cultures.
Limitations
The specific constituents responsible for the anti-viral activity remain unidentified, and the study did not explore the effects on all viral strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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