Antiviral activity of puerarin as potent inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase

Puerarin is a major isofiavone compound isolated from the root ofPueraria lobata. It was reported that puerarin had antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antitumor, cholesterol lowering, liver protective, and neuroprotective properties. However, few studies have explored the antiviral effect of puerarin and its target mechanism related to influenza virus. Here, the antiinfluenza activity of puerarinin vitroandin vivoand its mode of action on the potential inhibition of neuraminidase (NA) were investigated. Puerarin displayed an inhibitory effect on A/FM/1/1947(H1N1) (EC50= 52.06 mu M). An indirect immunofluorescence assay indicated that puerarin blocked the nuclear export of viral NP. The inhibition of NA activity confirmed that puerarin can block the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells. Puerarin (100 and 200 mg/kg/d) exhibited effective antiviral activity in mice, conferring 50% and 70% protection from death against H1N1, reducing virus titers, and effectively alleviating inflammation in the lungs. The molecular docking results showed that puerarin had a strong binding affinity with NA from H1N1. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation revealed that puerarin had higher stable binding at the 150-loop region of the NA protein. These results demonstrated that puerarin acts as a NA blocker to inhibit influenza A virus both in cellular and animal models. Thus, puerarin has potential utility for the treatment of the influenza virus infection.

Automated summary

Puerarin, a major isoflavone compound from Pueraria lobata root, exhibits various properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects. It shows inhibitory activity against H1N1 influenza virus by blocking viral NP transport and newly formed virus particle release. In vivo studies demonstrate its potential as a treatment for influenza virus infection, with effective antiviral activity and reduced inflammation in the lungs.