[The in-vitro inactivation of HBsAg by extracts of plants in the genus Phyllanthus].

Three species from the Phyllanthus genus coming from the Cuban eastern zone were studied to determine the inactivation capacity of the surface antigen (Ags HB) of in vitro hepatitis B virus. Alcoholic extracts were prepared from each species and from different parts of such plants, and sera from patients positive to Ags HB were treated with them. Results demonstrate that the analysed species own the capacity of inactivating that antigen between the 93 and the 97% of the sera assayed. The inactivation capacity analysis of the three parts of Phyllanthus chamaecristoides revealed a greater activity in extracts from the stems (97%) with a behavior resembling the two incubation temperatures used. The presence of flavonoids in the extract of this species is observed.