peganum harmala seed extract can prevent hsv-1 replication in vitro

abstract: peganum harmala l. (zygophylaceae) has been used in a variety of practical applications in medical science. our objective in the current study was to determine the effects of the seed extract on herpes simplex virus type 1 (hsv-1) replication in vero cells. different concentrations (100, 500, 571, 667, 800 and 1000 µg/ml) of the extract were examined. experiments were carried out using vero cells. p.harmala seed extract was found to be non-toxic to vero cells up to a concentration of 667 µg/ml. the antiviral activity of non-toxic concentration against hsv-1 was tested. the replication of hsv-1 was inhibited, indicating that the p.harmala l. extract contains an anti-hsv-1 substance.