ABSTRACT
In order to search for anti-Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 agents from Korean medicinal herbs and Korean traditional prescriptions (herb complexes), we selected 80 medicinal herbs and 45 prescriptions, based on a review of the Korean traditional medicine books. Both methanol extracts and boiling-water extracts were tested by means of the MTT assay (tetrazolium based colorimetric assay). Ten of the 125 methanol extracts: CM-11, CM-18, CM-19, CM-21, CM-22, CM-39, MM-3, MM-18, MM-29, MM-73 (see explanation of nomenclature below), showed efficacy against HSV-1. Twelve of the water extracts: CW-2, CW-3-I, CW-3-II, CW-18, MW-3, MW-5 MW-6, MW-12, MW-47, MW-69, MW-73 and MW-75 were active. #3 (individual herb) and #73 (individual herb) were interesting because both water and methanol extracts were active. Especially, #3 is a part of composition of Hong-il-laksamd ngbang and Hojanghaedokt'ang which have anti-HSV-1 activitives. The SI value of MW-69 and CW-18 was relative high as 10.2+/-0.7 and 11.8+/-2.2. The cytotoxic effect on Vero cells of Panch' n-ch' ngbang, Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlst. and acycloguanosine was determined by MTT assay. Water extracts of Panch' ngch' ngbang (prescription) and Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlst. showed very weak cytotoxic effects on Vero cells at > 100 mug/ml but acycloguanosine showed strong cytotoxic effects on Vero cells at > 100 mu g/ml. As a result, #3, #73, MW-69 and CW-18 are considered as potentially useful for anti-HSV-1 agent and will be the focus of further research. Abbreviations: CM - methanol extracts of traditional prescriptions; CW - water extracts of traditional prescriptions; MM - methanol extracts of individual herbs; MW - water extracts of individual herbs.