Positive Health Online

Abstract

SONG and CHOI, Department of Herbal Resources, Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Republic of Korea studied the anti-influenza A/PR/8/34 virus activity of silymarin (from Milk Thistle).

Background

Methodology

The anti-influenza A/PR/8/34 virus activity of silymarin was evaluated in MDCK cells and investigated the effect of silymarin on synthesis of viral mRNAs. Silymarin was investigated for its antiviral activity against influenza A/PR virus using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method.

Results

Silymarin exhibited anti-influenza A/PR/8/34 virus activity of 98% with no cytotoxicity at the concentration of 100 mug/ml, reducing the formation of a visible CPE. Oseltamivir also did show moderate antiviral activity of about 52% against influenza A/PR/8/34 virus at the concentration of 100 mug/ml. Furthermore, the mechanism of anti-influenza virus action in the inhibition of viral mRNA synthesis was analyzed by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and the data indicated an inhibitory effect in late viral RNA synthesis compared with oseltamivir in the presence of 100 mug/ml of silymarin.

Conclusion

Therefore, the potential of silymarin for use in treating influenza virus infection merits greater attention.

References

Song JH and Choi HJ. Silymarin efficacy against influenza A virus replication. Source Phytomedicine. 18(10):832-5. Jul 15 2011.

Comment

The above research from Korea describes the considerable anti-influenza virus activity of silymarin at the molecular level.