Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Viruses, Types 1 and 2, by Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3.
Infections by herpes simplex viruses have an immense impact on humans, ranging from selflimiting, benign illness to serious, life-threatening diseases. While nucleoside analog drugs are available, resistance has been increasing and currently no vaccine exists. Ginsenosides derived from Panax ginseng have been documented to inhibit several viruses and bolster immune defenses. This study evaluated 12 of the most relevant ginsenosides from P. ginseng for toxicities and inhibition of herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 in Vero cells. The effects of test compounds and virus infection were determined using a PrestoBlue cell viability assay. Time course studies were also conducted to better understand at what points the virus life cycle was affected. Non-toxic concentrations of the ginsenosides were determined and ranged from 12.5 µM to greater than 100 µM. Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 demonstrated the greatest inhibitory effect and was active against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 with an IC50 of approximately 35 µM. The most dramatic inhibition-over 100% compared to controls-occurred when the virus was exposed to 20(S)-Rg3 for 4 h prior to being added to cells. 20(S)-Rg3 holds promise as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against herpes simplex viruses and, when used together with valacyclovir, may prevent increased resistance to drugs.
['Wright|Stephen|S|', 'Altman|Elliot|E|']
D000818:Animals D000998:Antiviral Agents D002470:Cell Survival D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops D036145:Ginsenosides D006561:Herpes Simplex D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50 D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests D005894:Panax D010936:Plant Extracts D018139:Simplexvirus D014709:Vero Cells D014779:Virus Replication
herpes simplex viruses Panax ginseng valacyclovir Ginsenoside Rg3 virus inhibition