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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Dengue Virus | Research article

Investigation of the activity of baicalein towards Zika virus

Authors: Suteema Sawadpongpan, Janejira Jaratsittisin, Atitaya Hitakarun, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Nitwara Wikan, Duncan R. Smith

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito transmitted virus spread primarily by Aedes species mosquitoes that can cause disease in humans, particularly when infection occurs in pregnancy where the virus can have a significant impact on the developing fetus. Despite this, there remains no prophylactic agent or therapeutic treatment for infection. Baicalein is a trihydroxyflavone, that is found in some traditional medicines commonly used in Asia, and has been shown to have several activities including antiviral properties. Importantly, studies have shown baicalein to be safe and well tolerated in humans, increasing its potential utilization.

Methods

This study sought to determine the anti-ZIKV activity of baicalein using a human cell line (A549). Cytotoxicity of baicalein was determined by the MTT assay, and the effect on ZIKV infection determined by treating A549 cells with baicalien at different time points in the infection process. Parameters including level of infection, virus production, viral protein expression and genome copy number were assessed by flow cytometry, plaque assay, western blot and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively.

Results

The results showed that baicalein had a half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) of > 800 µM, and a half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 124.88 µM. Time-of-addition analysis showed that baicalein had an inhibitory effect on ZIKV infection at the adsorption and post-adsorption stages. Moreover, baicalein also exerted a significant viral inactivation activity on ZIKV (as well as on dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus) virions.

Conclusion

Baicalein has now been shown to possess anti-ZIKV activity in a human cell line.

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Title: Investigation of the activity of baicalein towards Zika virus
Authors: Suteema Sawadpongpan
Janejira Jaratsittisin
Atitaya Hitakarun
Sittiruk Roytrakul
Nitwara Wikan
Duncan R. Smith
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Dengue Virus
Zika Virus
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-03971-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Investigation of the activity of baicalein towards Zika virus

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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