Infections by herpes simplex viruses have an immense impact on humans, ranging from selflimiting, benign illness to serious, life-threatening diseases. While nucleoside analog drugs are available, resistance has been increasing and currently no vaccine exists. Ginsenosides derived from Panax ginseng have been documented to inhibit several viruses and bolster immune defenses. This study evaluated 12 of the most relevant ginsenosides from P. ginseng for toxicities and inhibition of herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 in Vero cells. The effects of test compounds and virus infection were determined using a PrestoBlue cell viability assay. Time course studies were also conducted to better understand at what points the virus life cycle was affected. Non-toxic concentrations of the ginsenosides were determined and ranged from 12.5 µM to greater than 100 µM. Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 demonstrated the greatest inhibitory effect and was active against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 with an IC₅₀ of approximately 35 µM. The most dramatic inhibition-over 100% compared to controls-occurred when the virus was exposed to 20(S)-Rg3 for 4 h prior to being added to cells. 20(S)-Rg3 holds promise as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against herpes simplex viruses and, when used together with valacyclovir, may prevent increased resistance to drugs.

中文翻译：

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人参皂苷 20(S)-Rg3 对 1 型和 2 型单纯疱疹病毒的抑制作用。

单纯疱疹病毒感染对人类具有巨大的影响，从自限性良性疾病到严重的危及生命的疾病。虽然可以使用核苷类似物药物，但耐药性一直在增加，目前还没有疫苗。从人参中提取的人参皂苷已被证明可以抑制多种病毒并增强免疫防御。本研究评估了人参中 12种最相关的人参皂甙用于 Vero 细胞中 1 型和 2 型单纯疱疹病毒的毒性和抑制。使用 PrestoBlue 细胞活力测定法确定测试化合物和病毒感染的影响。还进行了时程研究，以更好地了解病毒生命周期在哪些时间点受到影响。确定了人参皂苷的无毒浓度，范围从 12.5 µM 到大于 100 µM。人参皂苷 20(S)-Rg3 表现出最大的抑制作用，并且对 HSV-1 和 HSV-2 均有活性，IC_{为 50}大约 35 µM。当病毒在添加到细胞之前暴露于 20(S)-Rg3 4 小时时，发生了最显着的抑制——与对照相比超过 100%。20(S)-Rg3 有望成为一种潜在的抗单纯疱疹病毒的化疗药物，当与伐昔洛韦一起使用时，可以防止耐药性增加。