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Planta Med 1995; 61(3): 237-241
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-958063
Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Virucidal Effects of the Steam Distillate from Houttuynia cordata and its Components on HSV-1, Influenza Virus, and HIV

Kyoko Hayashi1 , Mioko Kamiya1 , Toshimitsu Hayashi2
  • 1Department of Virology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-01, Japan
  • 2Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-01, Japan
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Publication History

1994

1994

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The steam distillate prepared from fresh plants of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) was found to have direct inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), influenza virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) without showing cytotoxicity, but not against poliovirus and coxsackie-virus. The loss of viral infectivity was related to the duration of drug treatment. Three major components of the distillate, methyl n-nonyl ketone, lauryl aldehyde, and capryl aldehyde, also inactivated HSV-1, influenza virus, and HIV-1. These in vitro findings demonstrate that the essential oils provide virucidal activity against enveloped viruses by interfering with the function of virus envelope.

key words

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. - Saururaceae - antiviral activity - methyl n-nonyl ketone - lauryl aldehyde - capryl aldehyde