Antiviral activity of mangiferin against herpes simplex virus type 2 in vitro

The effect of mangiferin, a tetrahydroxy pyrrolidone saponin extracted from the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica), against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro was studied. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of it against HSV-2 plaque formation in HeLa cells was 111.7 micrograms.ml-1, and the concentrations of 33 and 80 micrograms.ml-1 reduced the virus replicative yields by 90% (EC90) and 99% (EC99), respectively. The therapeutic index (IC50/EC50) was 8.1. Mangiferin did not directly inactivate HSV-2. The results of the drug addition and removal tests suggest that mangiferin inhibits the late event in HSV-2 replication.