In vitro Inhibition of Sindbis Virus Replication by Glycyrrhizin

Abstract

Alphaviruses, a genus from the Togaviridae family, are responsible for a wide spectrum of human and animal diseases, ranging from silent asymptomatic infections to fever to encephalitis. Alphaviruses are transmitted via mosquito bites and have a high incidence of disease in Africa, Asia, Australia and Eastern Europe. Previous research had shown that certain medicinal plant compounds present antiviral activity and can be used to treat infections. The purpose of this study was to determine if glycyrrhizin, a natural compound found in the roots of the Glychyrrhiza glabra plant, found in Europe, was able to inhibit the infection of Sindbis virus in Vero cells. Vero cells, treated with glycyrrhizin, were infected with Sindbis virus. Viral media from these experimental cells and from control cells were then used to determine the viral titer by plaque assay. Cells were also examined microscopically for morphological differences. The results indicated that there were fewer viral particles released in the experimental plates, with the glycyrrhizin treatment, compared with the control plates. Based on the results, glycyrrhizin is able to inhibit Sindbis virus infection, and can be further investigated for treatment of alphavirus infections. This research is supported by MARC Program – NIH (LG).