Objective: To study the inhibitory effects of Astragalus membranaceus on herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1).
Methods: In the 2BS cells infected with HSV-1, the antiviral effect of Astragalus membranaceus decoction was investigated by observing the inhibition of HSV-1-induced cytopathic effect in response to treatment with the decoction.
Results: The half inhibition concentration (IC50) and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of Astragalus membranaceus were 0.98 and 1.95 g/ml respectively, with the therapeutic index (TI) of 128.
Conclusion: Astragalus membranaceus has obvious HSV-1-inhibiting efficacy and low cytotoxicity.