An evaluation of the RNase H inhibitory effects of Vietnamese medicinal plant extracts and natural compounds.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a severe pandemic disease especially prevalent in poor and developing countries. Thus, developing specific, potent antiviral drugs that restrain infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), a major cause of AIDS, remains an urgent priority.

OBJECTIVE:

This study evaluated 32 extracts and 23 compounds from Vietnamese medicinal plants for their inhibitory effects against HIV-1 ribonuclease H (RNase H) and their role in reversing the cytopathic effects of HIV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The plants were air-dried and extracted in different solvent systems to produce plant extracts. Natural compounds were obtained as previously published. Samples were screened for RNase H inhibition followed by a cytopathic assay. Data were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

At 50 μg/mL, 11 plant extracts and five compounds inhibited over 90% of RNase H enzymatic activity. Methanol extracts from Phyllanthus reticulatus and Aglaia aphanamixis leaves inhibited RNase H activity by 99 and 98%, respectively, whereas four extracts showed modest protection against the cytopathic effects of HIV.

CONCLUSION:

The screening results demonstrated that the butanol (BuOH) extract of Celastrus orbiculata leaves, methanol (MeOH) extracts of Glycosmis stenocarpa stems, Eurya ciliata leaves, and especially P. reticulatus leaves showed potential RNase H inhibition and protection against the viral cytopathic effects of HIV-1. Further chemical investigations should be carried out to find the active components of these extracts and compounds as potential anti-HIV drug candidates.

• Authors: Bui Huu Tai, Nguyen Duy Nhut, Nguyen Xuan Nhiem, Tran Hong Quang, Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngan, Bui Thi Thuy Luyen, Tran Thu Huong, Jennifer Wilson, John A Beutler, Ninh Khac Ban, Nguyen Manh Cuong, Young Ho Kim
• Journal: Pharmaceutical biology (Pharm Biol) Vol. 49 Issue 10 Pg. 1046-51 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1744-5116 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21595586 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-HIV Agents
• Antiviral Agents
• Plant Extracts
• Ribonuclease H

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Aglaia (chemistry)
• Anti-HIV Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral (drug effects)
• Cytoprotection
• Developing Countries
• Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
• HIV Infections (drug therapy)
• HIV-1 (drug effects, physiology)
• Humans
• Phytotherapy
• Plant Extracts (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Plant Leaves
• Plant Stems
• Plants, Medicinal (chemistry, metabolism)
• Ribonuclease H (antagonists & inhibitors)