Assessment of Antiviral Activity of Curcuma longa on Two RNA Viruses
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Date
2021
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Publisher
Nigerian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
Abstract
Major pandemics and seasonal epidemics that have ravaged the world in the past and even at present, are mostly
caused by RNA viruses. This has necessitated the need for continuous research to identify important natural
products, with antiviral potentials, which can be harnessed for use in the prevention and treatment of viral
infections. This study therefore, evaluated the antiviral property of Curcuma longa on two important RNA
viruses of public health importance, namely polio and measles viruses. Extraction of active ingredients from
turmeric rhizomes was done with the use of Analar grade methanol and concentrated using rotary evaporator.
Polio and measles viruses were isolated from their respective vaccines using Reed-Muench method. Infective
doses of the viruses and toxicity profile of extract were determined. Confluent Vero cells were inoculated with
the viruses at different dilutions of the extract, incubated and observed for 7 days. Methanol extract of Curcuma
longa inhibited polio virus at the maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) of 0.031μg μL-1 and inhibitory
concentration (IC50) of 0.067 μg μL-1 with selectivity index of 2.16. Inhibition by the extract was observed prior
to infection with the viruses. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed presence of terpenes, saponins,
alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and phenol as the bioactive phytochemicals. This study has
shown that curcuma longa has potent inhibitory activity, hence can be harnessed in the development of an
effective antiviral agent against polio and measles viruses.
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Keywords
Curcuma longa, Inhibition, Vero cell lines, Polio virus, Measles virus