Polymeric phenylpropenoids are the active components in the pine cone extract that inhibit the replication of type-1 human immunodeficiency virus in vitro.

Abstract

We have previously shown that an alkaline extract from cones of pine trees could significantly inhibit HIV-1 replication in vitro. Ultraviolet, infrared, thin-layered chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed that polymeric phenylpropenoids might be the active ingredient in the alkaline extract that inhibited HIV-1 replication. We synthesized polymeric phenylpropenoids by dehydrogenation of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and coniferyl alcohol. All 4 synthetic isopolymers had anti-HIV activity comparable to that found in the alkaline pine cone extract. Additionally, 3 of the 4 polymers blocked infection of cell by herpes simplex type-1 virus. Among the monomers, only caffeic acid had anti-HIV activity, but was also toxic to cells. None of the monomers had impact on herpes simplex virus infection.