Antiviral Lectins of the Plant Family Amaryllidaceae

Abstract Plants have long served as a first line of defence against viral-borne diseases. Their chemical constituents also afforded sound basis for antiviral drug discovery. The plant family Amaryllidaceae is distinguished its isoquinoline alkaloids, some which proved to be interesting leads. Its lectin (or agglutinin) principles likewise attracted considerable attention potential drugs. This review focuses on the activities that been described lectins Amaryllidaceae. Of thirty known in family, fourteen screened nearly seventy pathogens belonging thirteen viral families. Whilst good were reported most cases, from Galanthus nivalis , Narcissus pseudonarcissus and Hippeastrum hybrid identified with best overall activities. They displayed potent inhibitory effects human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1(III B ) proliferation CEM lymphoblastic cells (EC 50 s 0.005, 0.009 0.004 μM, respectively). Although significant effort was dedicated Retroviridae, noteworthy observed members other families (such hepatitis C Flaviviridae). Furthermore, shown highly selective agents, devoid toxicities towards forty employed hosts. Almost all details their modes operation emerged studies carried out HIV. inhibit attachment, fusion adsorption variety host cells. Modulation entry occur via interference envelope glycoprotein. These observations fit into key biological characteristic lectins, sugar-binding proteins. Graphical