title: Preclinical in vitro activity of QR-435 against influenza A virus as a virucide and in paper masks for prevention of viral transmission.
abstract: Prophylaxis against influenza is difficult, and current approaches against pandemics may be ineffective because of shortages of the two proven classes of antivirals in the face of a large-scale infection. Herbal/natural products may represent an effective alternative to conventional attempts to protect against infection by avian influenza virus. QR-435, an all-natural compound of green tea extract and other agents, has been developed to provide protection against a wide range of viral infections. The antiviral activities of several QR-435 preparations as well as QR-435 (1) green tea extract were tested against A/Sydney/5/97 and A/Panama-Resvir 17 strains of avian influenza virus H3N2 by means of an assay based on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Toxic effects of QR-435 formulations on these cells were also evaluated as were the virucidal properties of a commercially available mask impregnated with QR-435. The efficacy of a QR-435/mask combination was compared with that of the QR control/mask combination, an untreated mask, and no mask. QR-435 had significant in vitro activity against H3N2 at concentrations that were not associated with significant cellular toxic effects. The antiviral activity of QR-435 (1) was similar to that of QR-435. Masks impregnated with QR-435 were highly effective in blocking the passage of live H3N2 virus. These preclinical results warrant further evaluation of the prophylactic use of QR-435 against viral infection in humans.
authors: Retroscreen Virology, London, United Kingdom.
authors: John S
authors: JS
authors: Oxford
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Lambkin
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Guralnik
authors: Richard A
authors: RA
authors: Rosenbloom
authors: Michael P
authors: MP
authors: Petteruti
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: Digian
authors: Carolyn
authors: C
authors: Lefante
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology; D008397:Masks; D010209:Paper; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D013662:Tea / Q000737:chemistry; D018675:Toxicity Tests
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013662:Tea