Wormwood Essential Oil Inhibits Herpes Virus
Antiherpes activity of Artemisia arborescens (Wormwood) essential oil and inhibition of lateral diffusion in Vero cells.
Saddi M, Sanna A, Cottiglia F, Chisu L, Casu L, Bonsignore L, De Logu A.
BACKGROUND: New prophylactic and therapeutic tools are needed for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections. Several essential oils have shown to possess antiviral activity in vitro against a wide spectrum of viruses. Aim: The present study was assess to investigate the activities of the essential oil obtained from leaves of Artemisia arborescens against HSV-1 and HSV-2 METHODS: The cytotoxicity in Vero cells was evaluated by the MTT reduction method. The IC50 values were determined by plaque reduction assay. In order to characterize the mechanism of action, yield reduction assay, inhibition of plaque development assay, attachment assay, penetration assay and post-attachment virus neutralization assay were also performed. RESULTS: The IC50 values, determined by plaque reduction assay, were 2.4 and 4.1 microg/ml for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively, while the cytotoxicity assay against Vero cells, as determined by the MTT reduction method, showed a CC50 value of 132 microg/ml, indicating a CC50/IC50 ratio of 55 for HSV-1 and 32.2 for HSV-2. The antiviral activity of A. arborescens essential oil is principally due to direct virucidal effects. A poor activity determined by yield reduction assay was observed against HSV-1 at higher concentrations when added to cultures of infected cells. No inhibition was observed by attachment assay, penetration assay and post-attachment virus neutralization assay. Furthermore, inhibition of plaque development assay showed that A. arborescens essential oil inhibits the lateral diffusion of both HSV-1 and HSV-2. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the antiviral activity of the essential oil in toto obtained from A. arborescens against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The mode of action of the essential oil as antiherpesvirus agent seems to be particularly interesting in consideration of its ability to inactivate the virus and to inhibit the cell-to-cell virus diffusion.
Editor's Note: Wormwood essential oil is not commonly used in aromatherapy as it is considered particularly toxic. It could be used in very small amounts topically without ill effect, though should never be taken internally. The essential oil is available via special order through Ananda for experienced practitioners. Please call or email us for ordering information. Melissa oil, however, has also been extensivly studied for its inhibition of the Herpes virus, with at least one German researcher reporting that complete remission of the virus had been achieved with regular use through several outbreaks. Melissa, while potent, is completely safe for human use.
*The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.