Yin Chen Hao Tang, a Chinese prescription, inhibits both herpes simplex virus type-1 and type-2 infections in vitro

Hua Yew Cheng, Liang Tzung Lin, Hsin Hsin Huang, Chien Min Yang, Chun Ching Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Yin Chen Hao Tang (YCHT) is one of the most frequently used prescriptions in the long history of traditional Chinese medicine practice. The prescription contains three Chinese herbs, namely Artemisia capillaries Thunb. (Compositae), Rheum officinale Baillon (Polygonaceae), and Gardenia jasminoids Ellis (Rubiaceae), and has been widely used to treat acute hepatitis with jaundice. In this study, the in vitro anti-HSV-1 and HSV-2 activities of the water extract of YCHT were investigated. Results showed that YCHT water extract inhibited both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. However, the inhibition was more effective against HSV-2 than against HSV-1. The IC50 and IC90 values of YCHT water extract against HSV-1 infection were in the range of 142.5-150.1 and 191.3-393.9 μg/ml, and against HSV-2 infection they were in the range of 19.6-29.4 and 42.2-97.7 μg/ml, respectively. The water extract of YCHT showed no cytotoxic effect at a concentration of 500 μg/ml or below, and had a CC50 value of 850.7 ± 1.7 μg/ml. The prescription was found to diminish HSV-2 infectivity in a dose-dependent manner, and the activity was influenced by the incubation periods and the incubation temperatures. Concurrent addition of virus with YCHT or pre-treatment of the virus with the prescription extract both protected the cells from infection. In summary, the water extract of YCHT was concluded to inhibit infections by HSV-1 and HSV-2 and this effect was likely mediated through direct inactivation of the virus infectivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14-19
Number of pages6
JournalAntiviral Research
Volume77
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anti-HSV activity
  • Traditional Chinese medicine
  • Virus inactivation
  • Yin Chen Hao Tang

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

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