Protective effect of homonojirimycin from Commelina communis (dayflower) on influenza virus infection in mice

The effects of homonojirimycin (HNJ), one of alkaloids from Commelina communis L, on protection against influenza virus infection in mice were investigated. HNJ was found to improve the survival rate, prolong the mean survival time and reduce virus yields in lungs on days 4 and 6 post-infection (p.i.), after the agent had been orally administered to the mice from 2 days before infection to 6 days p.i. Administration of HNJ (1 mg/kg) significantly increased interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-10 levels but decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-6 levels in serum and lungs of influenza-infected mice on days 2,4 or 6 p.i. These results showed that HNJ exerted protection against influenza virus infection and produced effective immune responses in vivo. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.