Plant-derived products may help fight HBV
Researchers have found that certain plant-derived products may help prevent and treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Proanthocyanidin (PAC) and its analogs, oolonghomobisflavanes, act by inhibiting viral entry into host cells.
The investigators noted that PAC was effective even against treatment-resistant HBV strains, and it augmented the ability of the antiviral drug tenofovir to interrupt HBV spread in human cells.
"PAC represents a specific inhibitor against HBV that is a less toxic plant-derived agent used as a dietary supplement," said Dr. Koichi Watashi, co-author of the Hepatology study.
More information: Senko Tsukuda et al, A new class of hepatitis B and D virus entry inhibitors, proanthocyanidin and its analogs, that directly act on the viral large surface proteins, Hepatology (2017). DOI: 10.1002/hep.28952
