Inhibition of the Human Hepatitis C Virus by Dibenzyl Trisulfide from Petiveria alliacea L (Guinea Hen Weed)

Aim: The anti cancer and anti diabetic properties of the extract from the P. alliacea a naturally occuring plant found in Jamaica, have been described previously but its role against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is completely unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti HCV activities of the P. alliacea extract and its isolates dibenzyl disulfide (DDS) and dibenzyl trisulfide (DTS).

Methodology: Luciferase and cell cytotoxic activities were measured using the extracts of P. alliacea, DDS and DTS.

Results: The crude extract of P. alliacea and DTS inhibited the HCV expression while DDS was inactive. The EC50 of the crude ethyl acetate fraction was 18.0 µg/ml while DTS was 5.69 µg/ml and the reference compound rIFN a-2b was 0.57 IU.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the extract of P. alliacea is a promising antiviral agent against HCV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the inhibition of HCV expression mediated by P. alliacea and DTS. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of action of DTS against HCV.