Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Multiplication by Meliacine, a Peptide of Plant Origin

Meliacine, a peptide isolated from leaves of Melia azedarach L., exhibited potent activity against herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1). The in vitro selective indices for pre- and post-treatment were 937.5 and 2500, respectively. Analysis of early events following infection showed that meliacine did not affect viral adsorption and penetration. Meliacine strongly inhibited specific infected-cell polypeptides (ICPs) produced late in infection. The antiviral activity, which is attributed mainly to this selective effect, was also demonstrated in an immunofluorescence assay.