Anti-influenza virus activity of propolis in vitro and its efficacy against influenza infection in mice

Antivir Chem Chemother. 2008;19(1):7-13. doi: 10.1177/095632020801900102.

Abstract

Background: Propolis has been used worldwide as a dietary supplement to maintain and improve human health. We examined whether ethanol extracts of Brazilian propolis exhibit antiviral activity against influenza virus in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: Among 13 ethanol extracts screened in a plaque reduction assay, four showed anti-influenza virus activity. The anti-influenza efficacy of the four extracts was further examined in a murine influenza virus infection model. The mice were infected intranasally with influenza virus, and the four extracts were orally administered at 10 mg/kg three times daily for seven successive days after infection.

Results: In this infection model, only one extract, AF-08, was significantly effective at 10 mg/kg in reducing the body weight loss of infected mice. The doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg were also effective in prolonging the survival times of infected mice significantly, but 0.4 mg/kg was not. The anti-influenza efficacy of AF-08 at 10 mg/kg was confirmed in a dose-dependent manner in mice. AF-08 at 10 mg/kg significantly reduced virus yields in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of lungs in infected mice as compared with the control. The reduction of virus yields by AF-08 at 10 mg/kg significantly corresponded to those induced by oseltamivir at 1 mg/kg twice daily from day 1 to day 4 after infection.

Conclusion: The Brazilian propolis AF-08 was indicated to possess anti-influenza virus activity and to ameliorate influenza symptoms in mice. AF-08 may be a possible candidate for an anti-influenza dietary supplement for humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brazil
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / virology
  • Female
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / drug effects*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / growth & development
  • Lung / virology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / drug therapy*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology
  • Propolis / pharmacology*
  • Viral Load
  • Viral Plaque Assay
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Oseltamivir
  • Propolis