In vitro antiviral activity of Ficus carica latex against caprine herpesvirus-1.
The latex of Ficus carica Linn. (Moraceae) has been shown to possess antiviral properties against some human viruses. To determine the ability of F. carica latex (F-latex) to interfere with the infection of caprine herpesvirus-1 (CpHV-1) in vitro, F-latex was resuspended in culture media containing 1% ethanol and was tested for potential antiviral effects against CpHV-1. Titration of CpHV-1 in the presence or in the absence of F-latex was performed on monolayers of Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells. Simultaneous addition of F-latex and CpHV-1 to monolayers of MDBK cells resulted in a significant reduction of CpHV-1 titres 3 days post-infection and this effect was comparable to that induced by acyclovir. The study suggests that the F-latex is able to interfere with the replication of CpHV-1 in vitro on MDBK cells and future studies will determine the mechanisms responsible for the observed antiviral activity.
a Department of Veterinary Medicine , University of Bari , Sp. Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano , BA , Italy.
Michele
M
Camero
Mariarosaria
M
Marinaro
Angela
A
Lovero
Gabriella
G
Elia
Michele
M
Losurdo
Canio
C
Buonavoglia
Maria
M
Tempesta
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002417:Cattle; D030681:Ficus / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007840:Latex / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018140:Varicellovirus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007840:Latex
CpHV-1; Ficus carica latex; antiviral activity; goat; herpesvirus