Characterization of the anti-influenza activity of the Chinese herbal plant Paeonia lactiflora.
Bai Shao (BS, the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), a common Chinese herb in many recipes used to treat viral infection and liver diseases, is recognized for its ability to nourish menstruation, its Yin convergence, and as an antiperspirant. However, the mechanism and components for its antiviral function remain to be elucidated. In this study, an ethanolic extract of BS was further partitioned into aqueous and organic parts (EAex) for in vitro functional study and in vivo efficacy testing. EAex exhibited an IC50 of 0.016 ± 0.005 mg/mL against influenza virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1), with broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against different strains of human influenza A viruses, including clinical oseltamivir-resistant isolates and an H1N1pdm strain. The synthesis of both viral RNA and protein was profoundly inhibited when the cells were treated with EAex. A time-of-addition assay demonstrated that EAex exerted its antiviral activity at various stages of the virus replication cycle. We addressed its antiviral activity at virus entry and demonstrated that EAex inhibits viral hemagglutination and viral binding to and penetration into host cells. In vivo animal testing showed that 200 mg/kg/d of EAex offered significant protection against viral infection. We conclude that BS possesses antiviral activity and has the potential for development as an anti-influenza agent.
Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. jinyuanho@gmail.com.
Jin-Yuan
JY
Ho
Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. a86x84@hotmail.com.
Hui-Wen
HW
Chang
Department of Cosmetic Science, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. cflin@gw.cgust.edu.tw.
Chwan-Fwu
CF
Lin
Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. b8921043@gmail.com.
Chien-Jou
CJ
Liu
Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. doctordoctorkk@yahoo.com.tw.
Chung-Fan
CF
Hsieh
Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. jimtong@mail.cgu.edu.tw.
Jim-Tong
JT
Horng
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D029596:Paeonia / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts