Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 by thymol-related monoterpenoids.
This study examined the anti-herpes simplex virus type I activity of the major constituents of several essential oils. Plaque reduction assays were performed to evaluate anti-herpes simplex virus type I activity. Thymol and carvacrol both possessed significant antiviral activity with an IC₅₀ of 7  µM, and herpes simplex virus type I was 90 % inactivated within 1 hr. The mode of antiviral action was shown to affect the virion directly. Evidence was also observed by electron microscopy. Evaluation of the structural requirements for antiviral activity of thymol-related monoterpenoids revealed that aliphatic side chains had a minor effect, while a hydrophilic group on the benzene ring was sufficient for activity. Our results suggest that thymol and carvacrol are potential candidates for topical therapeutic application to reduce herpes simplex virus transmission.
School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Wen-Lin
WL
Lai
He-Shing
HS
Chuang
Meng-Hwan
MH
Lee
Chia-Li
CL
Wei
Chin-Fu
CF
Lin
Ying-Chieh
YC
Tsai
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002470:Cell Survival; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D000081007:Cymenes; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000821:virology*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D015394:Molecular Structure; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013943:Thymol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014709:Vero Cells; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000081007:Cymenes; D039821:Monoterpenes; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; D013943:Thymol; C073316:carvacrol