Efficacy ofBidens pilosaExtract against Herpes Simplex Virus InfectionIn VitroandIn Vivo

Abstract

The development of strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV) resistant to drugs has been reported among the immunocompromised patients. Thus, there is a need to develop new therapeutic agents for HSV infections. We evaluated the anti-HSV activity ofBidens pilosa(B. pilosa), a tropical weed, in tissue culture cells and a mouse model.B. pilosaextract showed potent virucidal activity. It inhibited plaque formation and suppressed virus yield in Vero and RAW 264.7 cells infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both the binding of virus to host cells and penetration of virus into cells were also blocked byB. pilosa. Furthermore,B. pilosawas effective against thymidine kinase-deficient and phosphonoacetate-resistant HSV-1 strains.B. pilosatreatment increased the survival rate of HSV-infected mice and limited the development of skin lesions. Our results indicate thatB. pilosahas anti-HSV activity and is thus a potentially useful medical plant for treatment of HSV infection.