Objective: To study the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on HCV in vitro.
Methods: SMMC-7721 cells transfected with pBK-HCV using lipofectin transfection protocal were treated with oxymatrine. bDNA signal amplification assay and MTT colorimetric assay were used for intracellular HCV RNA and cytotoxicity.
Results: The stable HCV expression cell model established here could be used as a tool for medicine screen. Oxymatrine at the concentration of 100~1000 mug/ml could significantly decrease the level of intracellular HCV RNA. No cytotoxicity was shown in such concentrations.
Conclusions: Oxymatrine has an anti-HCV potential activity in vitro.