Kuwanon X from mulberry leaves exhibits antiviral activity against human adenoviruses

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the anti–adenoviral activity of stilbene derivatives from mulberry leaves. Materials & methods: The anti–adenoviral activity was tested against adenoviruses -3 and -7 on human airway epithelial cell models. Cytotoxicity was assessed by LDH assay. Adenoviral DNA was quantified by qPCR. Results: All five tested stilbene derivatives from mulberry leaves exhibited anti–adenoviral activity, with Kuwanon X showing the highest inhibitory effect. Kuwanon X showed no apparent cytotoxicity for a wide range of concentrations. The mechanistic study revealed that Kuwanon X did not affect viral entry and nuclear translocation of the adenoviral genome but reduced viral DNA production. Conclusion: Stilbene derivatives like Kuwanon X from mulberry leaves are good candidates for antiviral treatment against AdV.