Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection is the most common cause of genital ulcers. The impact of ulcers also demonstrates a strong link to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Complications, drug resistance, and side-effects of anti-viral drugs make the treatment of HSV-2 infection challenging. Herbal medicines have shown potential against HSV-2 and HIV infections. In this context, polyherbal gel formulation comprising 50% ethanolic extracts from Acacia catechu, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Terminalia chebula and Phyllanthus emblica has been developed. The gel formulation significantly exhibited virucidal activity against both HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections with IC50, 55.93 ± 5.30 µg/mL and 27.26 ± 4.87 µg/mL, respectively. It also inhibited HSV-2 attachment and penetration to the Vero cells with an IC50 = 46.55 ± 1.25 µg/mL and 54.94 ± 2.52 µg/mL respectively, which were significantly lower than acyclovir. However, acyclovir is more potent in post-infection assay with an IC50 = 0.065 ± 0.01 µg/mL whereas gel formulation showed an IC50 = 469.05 ± 16.65 µg/mL under similar conditions. Gel formulation showed no inhibitory effect on the viability of lactobacilli, human vaginal keratinocyte cells (Vk2/E6E7), and the integrity of the Caco-2 cells monolayer. Gel formulation did not lead to any significant increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mutagenic index. The proposed gel formulation may be a promising candidate microbicide for the prevention of sexually transmitted HIV-1 and HSV-2.
Highlights
Over the last three decades, a complex relationship in the epidemics of herpes simplex virus2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) has been demonstrated [1,2]
We have investigated whether this gel formulation has virucidal property against Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), and inhibit their attachment and penetration in the Vero cells
The physical characterization of the gel formulation showed its spreadability of reference
Summary
Over the last three decades, a complex relationship in the epidemics of herpes simplex virus. 2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) has been demonstrated [1,2]. HSV-2 and HIV-1 share a common rout of sexual transmission. There is an increased risk of acquiring HIV-1 infection, if the person is already infected with HSV-2 [2]. In immuno-compromised individuals, Viruses 2018, 10, 580; doi:10.3390/v10110580 www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses. Viruses 2018, 10, 580 like HIV infected patients, symptomatic and asymptomatic HSV-2 infection is more frequent. Infection by HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital ulcers and it is responsible for considerable worldwide morbidity among women [3]. HSV-2 is an enveloped ds DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family and results in lifelong infection [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
