[Experimental study of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus against herpes simplex virus type 1].
OBJECTIVE
To study the inhibitory effects of Astragalus membranaceus on herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1).


METHODS
In the 2BS cells infected with HSV-1, the antiviral effect of Astragalus membranaceus decoction was investigated by observing the inhibition of HSV-1-induced cytopathic effect in response to treatment with the decoction.


RESULTS
The half inhibition concentration (IC50) and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of Astragalus membranaceus were 0.98 and 1.95   g/ml respectively, with the therapeutic index (TI) of 128.


CONCLUSIONS
Astragalus membranaceus has obvious HSV-1-inhibiting efficacy and low cytotoxicity.
Sun
Yan
Y
Department of Pharmaceutics, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
Yang
Jie
J
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D027883:Astragalus Plant; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000187:drug effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts