Effects of Aspergillus terreus Extract on Herpes Simplex 1 Virus Replication

Abstract

In this study we reported about the antiviral activity of Aspergillus terreus alcohol extract against Herpes simplex type 1 virus. This activity is dose-dependent, is related to the concentration of the challenging virus and depends particularly on a proteic fraction of 5-10 Kda. Optimal effects were observed with doses ranging from 25 to 6.25 μg/ml for crude alcohol extract and up to 3 μg/ml for 5-10 Kda fraction. Moreover, antiviral activity was evident in viral replication, but not on virus out of the cells. An increased ³H thymidine incorporation was noted on infected cells treated with the extract and this effect may suggest an intracellular accumulation of viral DNA in the absence or reduction of virion production.