Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang inhibited Enterovirus 71 infection in human foreskin fibroblast cell line.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:

Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (SMGGT), a popular prescription of Chinese traditional medicine, has been used to manage measles infection of children for thousands of years. There are evidences to presume a wider spectrum of antiviral activity of SMGGT. However, SMGGT has not been proven to have activity against EV71 infection.

AIM OF THE STUDY:

We tested the hypothesis that SMGGT could inhibit cytotoxic effect of EV71.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Human foreskin fibroblast cell line was used for viral culture. Cytotoxicity was examined by XTT assay.

RESULTS:

SMGGT could inhibit cytopathy induced by EV71 when given before (p<0.0001), in association with (p<0.0001), or after viral infection (p<0.0001). SMGGT was effective (IC(50): 0.21 microg/ml) and safe (SI: more than 24,000). SMGGT could inhibit viral attachment (p<0.0001) and penetration (p<0.0001). EV71 infection could induce cellular interferon production (p<0.0001). However, SMGGT affected neither the virus-induced (p=0.9913), nor the constitutional interferon production (p>0.05). Therefore, SMGGT had direct anti-viral activity not mediated by interferon.

CONCLUSIONS:

SMGGT was effective on management of the disease induced by EV71 infection.

• Authors: Jung San Chang, Kuo Chih Wang, Lien Chai Chiang
• Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology (J Ethnopharmacol) Vol. 119 Issue 1 Pg. 104-8 (Sep 02 2008) ISSN: 0378-8741 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 18601992 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Interferon-beta

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (administration & dosage, pharmacology, toxicity)
• Cell Line
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (administration & dosage, pharmacology, toxicity)
• Enterovirus A, Human (drug effects)
• Fibroblasts (drug effects, metabolism)
• Foreskin
• Humans
• Inhibitory Concentration 50
• Interferon-beta (drug effects, metabolism)
• Male
• Toxicity Tests
• Virus Attachment (drug effects)