A simplified plaque reduction assay for antiviral agents from plants. Demonstration of frequent occurrence of antiviral activity in higher plants

M Abou-Karam; W T Shier

doi:10.1021/np50068a011

A simplified plaque reduction assay for antiviral agents from plants. Demonstration of frequent occurrence of antiviral activity in higher plants

J Nat Prod. 1990 Mar-Apr;53(2):340-4. doi: 10.1021/np50068a011.

Authors

M Abou-Karam¹, W T Shier

Affiliation

¹ Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.

PMID: 2166135
DOI: 10.1021/np50068a011

Abstract

An improved plaque reduction assay for antiviral activity was developed and used to examine extracts from sixty-one higher plants. Substantial antiviral activity was observed in ca. 20%, which is higher than might be expected given the limited metabolic differences between viruses and their hosts. The frequent antiviral activity may represent phytoalexins elaborated to protect against plant viruses.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Antiviral Agents / isolation & purification*
Plant Extracts / isolation & purification
Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
Simplexvirus / drug effects
Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus / drug effects
Viral Plaque Assay / methods*

Substances

Antiviral Agents
Plant Extracts