Effect on Hantavirus Replication of Resins from Heliotropium Species and Other Selected Compounds

Abstract

The present investigation on Heliotropium species was carried out in an attempt to detect possible replication inhibitors of Hantavirus variety Andes. Using the plaque inhibition assay, we have evaluated a group of compounds and resins isolated from Heliotropium species. The antiviral activity was determined between the concentration range 2.5-40.0 μg/mL. Antiviral activity was detected in all the tested resins, particularly that of H. huascoense, with an EC50 value of 12.5 μg/mL. Of the pure compounds tested, the aromatic geranyl derivative filifolinone was the most active. The EC50 value of this compound, 11.3 μg/mL, was similar to that of the control, ribavirin. However, these substances were not selective, but this screening has served to identify those compounds with most promise.