Abstract

The aim of this study was to search for new antiviral agents from Tunisian Jrani caprifig latex (Ficus carica L., Moraceae). Terpenes and coumarins were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in hexane and hexane ethyl-acetate (1:1, v/v) extracts, and used in experiments to test their influence on a series of viruses, namely Herpes simplex (HSV-1), Adenovirus (ADV) and Echovirus type 11 (ECV-11). To evaluate the capacity of the extracts inhibition of viruses replication cycles by preventing their adsorption and their penetrations in the cells (by interaction with the cellular receivers designed for these viruses) or by inhibition of their intracellular replication or by virus inhibition after a direct contact under microscopic observation of cytopathic effect (CPE). Extracts inhibited virus multiplication in tested techniques at the concentrations of 19.5 and 39 µg/ml, respectively. All extracts had no cytotoxic effect on Vero cells at all tested concentrations. In conclusion, some compounds of Jrani latex which possess antiviral activities may be due to the high level of Triterpens. Their mode of action against the tested viruses was found to be at all stages of multiplication, suggesting the potential use of this compound for treatment of the infection caused by these viruses.

Key words: Ficus carica, caprifig, latex, HSV-1, HSV-2, ECV-11, ADV, coumarins, terpens.

Abbreviation

CPE, Cytopathic effect; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; MEM, minimum essential medium; FBS, fetal bovine serum; HSV-1, herpes simplex virus type 1; CPE, cytopathic effect.