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Anti-influenza virus phytochemicals from Radix Paeoniae Alba and characterization of their neuraminidase inhibitory activities

Authors :
Tianbo Zhang
Ling Cheng
Mengjie Xiao
Pang-Chui Shaw
Chun-Yeung Lo
Chris Ka Pun Mok
Source :
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 253
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, BS), the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., in ancient China was used for Wen Bing (Warm Disease) treatment. Wen Bing has the symptoms of influenza. Ethanol extract of the root has recently been shown to possess anti-influenza activity. However, the active compounds have not yet been identified. Aim We showed that BS aqueous extract was potent in inhibiting influenza A virus in infected cells. We aimed to isolate the bioactive compounds and characterize the anti-influenza mechanism. Materials and methods Plaque reduction assay was performed for fractions isolated from BS. Hemagglutination inhibition assay and neuraminidase inhibition assay were performed to find the target protein. Molecular docking and reverse genetics were used to confirm the action site of gallic acid on the neuraminidase protein. Results We identified three tannin compounds gallic acid (GA), methyl gallate (MG) and pentagalloylglucose (PGG) in BS aqueous extract that could inhibit the replication of influenza A virus in MDCK cells. While only PGG was found to inhibit the influenza virus-induced hemagglutination of chicken erythrocytes, all three compounds significantly reduced the activity of the neuraminidase. The results from molecular docking and reverse genetics showed that GA interacted with Arg152 of neuraminidase protein. Conclusion Three compounds GA, MG and PGG isolated from BS were found to inhibit influenza A virus in MDCK cells. GA interacts with amino acid Arg152 of the viral neuraminidase. Our study identified anti-influenza compounds of BS and demonstrated their antiviral mechanism, thus providing scientific evidence for using this herb for clinical treatment.

Details

ISSN :
18727573
Volume :
253
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of ethnopharmacology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....c977eb8bf49b292036d0bd0ac93f629d