Anti-herpes simplex virus activities of bioactive extracts from Antrodia camphorata mycelia

Background: Antrodia camphorata, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used in the treatment of liver diseases and cancers. Anti-inflammatory properties have also been described. HSV infection represents one of the most serious public health concerns globally because of its devastating impact. Searching for new antiviral agents, especially those with different mechanisms of action, is a crucial goal and there is an unmet need for alternative and complementary therapy against HSV infection. In this study, anti-herpes screening was performed with extracts from A. camphorata mycelia. Methods: MTT assay, fractional inhibitory concentration index and median-effect principle were used to evaluate antiviral activity and to calculate drug combination effect. Results: Crude ethanol extracts and isolated constituents showed inhibition of HSV replication at a very low concentration. Fraction A and antrodin A showed viral inhibitory effect with reduction of viral cell-to-cell spread. In addition, neither fraction A nor antrodin A showed interaction in combination with acyclovir. Conclusions: A. camphorata mycelia and antrodin A might have potential use as anti-HSV agents and are promising candidates for future antiviral drug design.