AntiviralIn vitro activity ofHypericum perforatum l. extract on the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)

Abstract

The total methanol extract and chromatographic fractions of the extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. were investigated for their antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) AD-169 laboratory strain by modification of the widely used diagnostic method ‘shell-vial’ culture. The plant selection was based on its traditional use against viruses of the Herpes family in Greece. The results showed extract fraction III had the most potent antiviral activity against HCMV which was also superior to that of ganciclovir. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.