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DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1315208
Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 by Thymol-Related Monoterpenoids
Publication History
received 10 February 2012
revised 17 July 2012
accepted 18 July 2012
Publication Date:
13 August 2012 (online)
Abstract
This study examined the anti-herpes simplex virus type I activity of the major constituents of several essential oils. Plaque reduction assays were performed to evaluate anti-herpes simplex virus type I activity. Thymol and carvacrol both possessed significant antiviral activity with an IC50 of 7 µM, and herpes simplex virus type I was 90 % inactivated within 1 hr. The mode of antiviral action was shown to affect the virion directly. Evidence was also observed by electron microscopy. Evaluation of the structural requirements for antiviral activity of thymol-related monoterpenoids revealed that aliphatic side chains had a minor effect, while a hydrophilic group on the benzene ring was sufficient for activity. Our results suggest that thymol and carvacrol are potential candidates for topical therapeutic application to reduce herpes simplex virus transmission.
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