This study explored the potential of Antrodia cinnamomea extract in inhibiting dengue virus (DENV) infection and reducing inflammatory symptoms. The results showed that two ethanolic extracts (ACE 3 and ACE 4) were able to inhibit DENV infection in Meg-01 cells, while reducing the concentration of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL- 8. This highlights the potential role of A. cinnamomea in the treatment of DENV hemorrhagic fever.
Furthermore, these extracts have also been associated with increased levels of the antiviral cytokine interferon (IFN)-α after DENV infection of Meg-01 cells. This suggests that A. cinnamomea may not only reduce viral infections but also stimulate the immune system to respond against the infection.
Although these results are promising, more research is needed to better understand the detailed mechanism of action of these extracts and how they interact with viruses and the immune system. However, this marks an important step forward in the search for new treatments for DENV hemorrhagic fever, a condition with a major impact on public health.
Source:
Chen YJ, Tsao YC, Ho TC, Puc I, Chen CC, Perng GC, Lien HM. Antrodia cinnamomea Suppress Dengue Virus Infection through Enhancing the Secretion of Interferon-Alpha. Plants (Basel). 2022 Oct 6;11(19):2631. doi: 10.3390/plants11192631. PMID: 36235496; PMCID: PMC9573221.