Assessment of Antiviral Potential of Linn. Extracts against Rabies Virus.

OBJECTIVE

The soxhlet, cold, and ayurvedic extracts of Linn. were evaluated for antirabies activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Soxhlet and cold extraction method were used to extract (fruit and seed) extracts, and ayurvedic extraction of was prepared. toxicity assay was performed as per the OECD 420. LD dose was calculated by Reed and Muench method. The antirabies activity was screened in Swiss albino mice with the virus challenge dose of 10 LD (intracerebrally) in both preexposure (PE) and postexposure treatment with oral administration of extracts in Swiss albino mice and observed for 21 days. The virus load in the mice brain was evaluated by TCID50 titration method.

RESULTS

(ayurvedic preparation) was found to be nontoxic up to 2000 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice, i.e., 60 mg/30 g of mice, when administered (0.5 ml) orally and observed till 21 days. Up to 20% survival rate on the test group (PE of extracts) up to 14 days postinfection as compared to the virus control group (10 LD) was observed. No survival rate was observed in the postexposure group of extract; however, the survival time was increased by 4 days as compared to the virus control group. Viral load of the infected mice brain sample was estimated in vero cell line, and 3 log reduction in the virus titer was observed in text group as compared to the virus control, suggesting that extract has an antirabies activity.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of antiviral activity of an ayurvedic preparation of Linn. against rabies virus. extracts have a potential antirabies activity.

SUMMARY

In the present study, Linn. (ayurvedic preparation) extract exhibited survival (20%) in the preexposure (PE) of the virus and the survival time was increased in the postexposure treatment where the disease was established. The mortality was observed, and the viral load was determined by titration method. TCID50: tissue culture infectious dose 50; LD50: lethal dose 50; RV CVS: Rabies virus challenge virus standard; PE: Pre exposure; IC: intracerebral; PI: post infection; FITC: Fluorescein isothiocyanate.