Cimicifuga foetida L. inhibited human respiratory syncytial virus in HEp-2 and A549 cell lines.
Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) causes serious pediatric infection of the lower respiratory tract without effective therapeutic modality. Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (SMGGT; Shoma-kakkon-to) has been proven to be effective at inhibiting HRSV-induced plaque formation, and Cimicifuga foetida is the major constituent of SMGGT. We tested the hypothesis that C. foetida effectively inhibited the cytopathic effects of HRSV by a plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp2) and lower (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Its ability to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). C. foetida dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation (p < 0.0001) before and after viral inoculation, especially in A549 cells (p < 0.0001). C. foetida dose-dependently inhibited viral attachment (p < 0.0001) and could increase heparins effect on viral attachment. In addition, C. foetida time-dependently and dose-dependently (p < 0.0001) inhibited HRSV internalization. C. foetida could stimulate epithelial cells to secrete IFN-β to counteract viral infection. However, C. foetida did not stimulate TNF-α secretion. Therefore, C. foetida could be useful in managing HRSV infection. This is the first evidence to support that C. foetida possesses antiviral activity.
Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Kuo Chih
KC
Wang
Jung San
JS
Chang
Lien Chai
LC
Chiang
Chun Ching
CC
Lin
D031842:Actaea; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002460:Cell Line; D031885:Cimicifuga; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000378:metabolism; D008517:Phytotherapy; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000821:virology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay; D016662:Virus Integration / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C560813:sheng-ma-ge-gen-tang; D016899:Interferon-beta; D006493:Heparin