Synthesis and Screening of Anti-HSV-1 Activity of Thioglucoside Derivatives of Natural Polyhydroxy-1,4-Naphthoquinones

Four 1,4-naphthoquinone dithioglucoside derivatives based on natural polyhydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones were synthesized. These thioglucosides were screened for their antiradical and antiviral activity in vitro. Antiradical activity of tested compounds was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. The anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) activity of thioglucosides was analyzed by the cytopathic effect inhibition assay and mode of antiviral action was determined by the addition of the tested compounds to uninfected cells, to the virus prior to infection, or to herpes-infected cells. Most effective inhibition of HSV-1 replication was observed at pretreatment of virus by the compounds (direct virucidal effect). The dithioglucoside conjugate with the single β-OH group and lipophilic ethyl substituent in naphthoquinone core showed the greatest antiviral activity.