Assessment of Antiherpetic Effect of Camellia Sinensis against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Background: As viral resistance to available chemical drugs causes problems in the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection, there is an evolving need for new antiherpes drugs. In the present study Camellia sinensis plant was assessed for antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 in different times. Methods: Different parts of Camellia sinensis plant, collected from Iran, were extracted with different methods to obtain a crude aqueous extract. This extract was screened for its cytotoxicity against HEp-2 cell line by cytopathic effect (CPE) assay. Antiviral properties of the plant extract were determined by cytopathic effect inhibition assay. Findings: Camellia sinensis extract exhibited significant antiviral activity at nontoxic concentrations to the cell line used. The findings have indicated that the extract has the most antiherpes property when used an hour after virus inoculation. Camellia sinensis extract has not had toxic effects at the highest concentrations (1000 μg/ml) in the cell lines used. Conclusion: Camellia sinensis extract has shown significant antiherpetic efficacy. Further research is needed to elucidate the active constituents of this plant which may be useful in the development of new and effective antiviral agents. Keywords: Antiviral agents, Herbal medicine, Camellia sinensis, Herpes simplex virus type 1