Coccinia indica leaf extract inhibits herpes simplex 2 viruses' propagation In vitro

Abstract

Background: Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is known to cause genital herpes a well-characterized sexually transmitted disease among humans. Although there are a couple of antiviral drugs available, poor adherence toward the treatment makes it more complicated. Recent reports on HSV drug resistance due to mutations have paved the way for the search of new antivirals required to control rising new virus infections. Objectives: The objective of this study was to screen the antiviral property of Coccinia indica ethanolic leaf extracts over the HSV-2 strain. Subjects and Methods: C. indica ethanolic extracts were assessed for anti-HSV-2 properties by the standard in vitro microtissue culture assay. Results: The results presented the least concentration of 75 μg of C. indica ethanolic leaf extract inhibited 100% of HSV-2 propagation and 50 μg inhibited around 60% of virus and showed a residual titer of 100.8 ± 0.04 at day 5. Conclusion: The C. indica ethanolic extracts exhibited a significant antiviral activity against the HSV-2 virus in vitro.