Antiviral activity of <i>Sterculia quadrifida</i> R.Br extract against dengue serotype 2 virus

Abstract

There are four serotypes of dengue viruses (DENV1, 2, 3 and 4). Dengue is typically transmitted in a cycle involving humans and mosquito vectors. There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of dengue virus worldwide in recent decades. At present, there is no specific drug available to control the infection, and the most effective preventive measures are the control of the mosquito population. The objective of this study was to assess the antiviral properties of Sterculia quadrifida ethanol extract against dengue infection. The stem bark of Sterculia quadrifida R.Br was extracted using three different solvents: n-hexane, water, and 70% ethanol. Dengue serotype 2 (DENV-2) virus was propagated in C6/36 cells. MTT reagents were used to perform cytotoxicity tests, and the antiviral activity of the extract was evaluated in Vero cells. The result of the cytotoxicity test showed that the extracts of Sterculia quadrifida caused the inhibition of DENV-2 with inhibitory potential of 19.156 μmg/mL, 3.592 μmg/ml, and 6.028 μmg/ml at concentrations of 36.296 μmg/mL, >200 μmg/mL, and 99.743 μmg/mL, for n-hexane, water, and 70% ethanol, respectively. The cytotoxicity of Sterculia quadrifida suggests it might be a valuable source of antiviral agents.