Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common virus, with an estimated infection rate of 60–95% among the adult population. Once infected, HSV-1 can remain latent in the host for a lifetime and be reactivated in patients with a compromised immune system. Reactivation of latent HSV-1 can also be achieved by other stimuli. Though acyclovir (ACV) is a classic drug for HSV-1 infection, ACV-resistant strains have been found in immune-compromised patients and drug toxicity has also been commonly reported. Therefore, there is an urge to search for new anti-HSV-1 agents. Natural products with potential anti-HSV-1 activity have the advantages of minimal side effects, reduced toxicity, and they exert their effect by various mechanisms. This paper will not only provide a reference for the safe dose of these agents if they are to be used in humans, referring to the interrelated data obtained from in vitro experiments, but also introduce the main pharmacodynamic mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against HSV-1. Taken together, TCM functions as a potential source for HSV-1 therapy by direct (blocking viral attachment/absorption/penetration/replication) or indirect (reducing the susceptibility to HSV-1 or regulating autophagy) antiviral activities. The potential of these active components in the development of anti-HSV-1 drugs will also be described.
Highlights
The study of these traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural products mainly focused on direct antiviral activity at different stages of virus infection
There are many factors that lead to the susceptibility of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
TCM might function as a potential source for HSV-1 therapy by indirect antiviral activities
Summary
HSV-1 is a linear double-stranded DNA virus, surrounded by a capsule around the virus core-shell [1]. HSV-1 can establish latent infections, which can be reactivated to cause clinical symptoms under certain conditions, such as psychological and physiological stress [3,4,5,6,7], fatigue [8], ultraviolet irradiation [9,10], physical trauma [11], abnormal hormone levels [12,13,14,15], and immunosuppression [16]. TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) theory demonstrated that pathogenic “fire” derived from stagnation of liver-Qi is a stress-induced physiological response involving the central nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system [22]. These changes increase one’s susceptibility to disease. Considering many TCM has the function of “clearing liver-fire”, it is of great significance to develop the screening and evaluation of the efficacy of TCM against HSV-1
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