Inhibition of HIV-1 infection by aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris L.
2011

Inhibition of HIV-1 infection by Prunella vulgaris extracts

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Oh ChoonSeok, Price Jason, Brindley Melinda A, Widrlechner Mark P, Qu Luping, McCoy Joe-Ann, Murphy Patricia, Hauck Cathy, Maury Wendy

Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa

Hypothesis

Can aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris inhibit HIV-1 infection?

Conclusion

Aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris effectively inhibit HIV-1 infectivity by interfering with early post-binding events.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aqueous extracts showed more antiviral activity than ethanol extracts.
  • Extracts inhibited HIV-1 at sub μg/mL concentrations with little cytotoxicity.
  • Post-binding events were primarily targeted for inhibition of HIV-1 infectivity.

Takeaway

This study found that a plant called self-heal can help stop HIV from infecting cells, especially when used early in the infection process.

Methodology

The study tested water and ethanol extracts of Prunella vulgaris for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 infection in HeLa37 cells.

Limitations

The specific constituents responsible for the antiviral activity are not fully characterized.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1743-422X-8-188

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