In vitro inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus with combined ribavirin and an oral preparation of traditional Chinese medicine Hu Fei
Liu, Y.-h.; Hou, A.-c.; Zhao, G.-c.; Wang, F.-l.; Wu, S.-n.
Zhonghua Shi Yan he Lin Chuang Bing du Xue Za Zhi 17(2): 187-188
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1003-9279 PMID: 12870007 Document Number: 556270
To study the in vitro antiviral effect of ribavirin combined with an oral preparation of traditional Chinese medicine "Hu Fei" (protecting the lung) on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Cytopathic effects (CEP) of RSV on Hep2 cells were observed after adding different concentrations of ribavirin, Hu Fei and combination of both into the culture medium. The minimum concentration of ribavirin and Hu Fei for complete inhibition of CPE caused by RSV was 7.80 microg/ml and 5.00 mg/ml, respectively. When the combination of ribavirin and Hu Fei was applied, their minimum concentrations needed for complete inhibition were decreased to 0.98 ?g/ml and 0.63 mg/ml. Both ribavirin and Hu Fei showed in vitro anti-RSV effect, but the inhibitory effect of combined ribavirin and Hu Fei was more potent than either of the preparation alone.