Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus (Wild-Type and Drug-Resistant) Properties of Herbal Kerra<sup>TM</sup>, KS<sup>TM</sup>, and Minoza<sup>TM</sup>

Commercial herbal compounds are a main attractive target to explore for a novel drug for the treatment of HSV. This study investigated the anti-HSV infectivity of extracts derived from the Thai commercial herbals Kerra<sup>TM</sup>, KS<sup>TM</sup>, and Minoza<sup>TM<...

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Main Authors: Chaleampol Loymunkong, Kiattawee Choowongkomon, Chukkris Heawchaiyaphum, Nutchanat Chatchawankanpanich, Chamsai Pientong, Tipaya Ekalaksananan, Jureeporn Chuerduangphui
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Viruses
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/7/889
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Summary:Commercial herbal compounds are a main attractive target to explore for a novel drug for the treatment of HSV. This study investigated the anti-HSV infectivity of extracts derived from the Thai commercial herbals Kerra<sup>TM</sup>, KS<sup>TM</sup>, and Minoza<sup>TM</sup>. Wild-type HSV-1 KOS, HSV-2, and drug-resistant HSV-1 dxpIII were used to investigate any inhibitory effects of these extracts. A plaque formation assay was performed to investigate the effects of all extracts. The viral <i>ICP4</i>, <i>UL30</i>, <i>gD</i>, and gB and cellular <i>IL1β</i>, <i>IL6</i>, <i>STAT3</i>, and <i>NFKB1</i> expression levels were evaluated. The Kerra<sup>TM</sup>, KS<sup>TM</sup>, and Minoza<sup>TM</sup> extracts at 50–200 μg/mL significantly inhibited HSV-1 KOS and dxpIII infection in the post-entry step, whereas only Minoza<sup>TM</sup> could not reduce plaque formation of HSV-2. In addition, <i>ICP4</i>, <i>UL30</i>, and <i>gD</i> mRNAs and gB protein were significantly decreased in Kerra<sup>TM</sup>- and KS<sup>TM</sup>-treated cells. Furthermore, <i>IL1B</i>, <i>IL6</i>, <i>STAT3</i>, and <i>NFKB1</i> expression was upregulated in Kerra<sup>TM</sup>- and KS<sup>TM</sup>-treated cells. Kerra<sup>TM</sup> and KS<sup>TM</sup> could be agents against HSV infection, especially the HSV acyclovir (ACV)-resistant strain. From the docking result and drug-likeness prediction, 2-Methoxy-9H-xanthen-9-one, piperine, and sargassopenilline D found in Kerra<sup>TM</sup>, KS<sup>TM</sup>, and Minoza<sup>TM</sup> show high binding energy closely resembling ACV, and are desirable as drug-like characteristics.
ISSN:1999-4915