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Antiviral Activity of Inonotusin A: An Active Compound Isolated from Boletus bellinii and Boletus subtomentosus

Summary

Researchers discovered that two edible mushroom species contain a powerful antiviral compound called inonotusin A that can fight against both herpes and coxsackie viruses. This natural compound showed strong virus-fighting abilities with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Impacts on everyday life: • Offers potential for new antiviral medications derived from natural sources • Could lead to safer treatments for common viral infections • Demonstrates the medicinal value of edible mushrooms in human health • Shows promise for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs • Highlights the importance of preserving fungal biodiversity for medical research

Background

Viral infections remain a significant global health challenge, with limited treatment options and emerging resistant strains. Natural products, particularly from fungi, represent a promising source of novel antiviral compounds. Mushrooms of the Boletus genus are known to produce various bioactive molecules, but their antiviral properties have been minimally explored.

Objective

To evaluate the antiviral activity of methanolic extracts from two edible mushrooms, Boletus bellinii and Boletus subtomentosus, against Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Coxsackie Virus B type 3 (CVB-3), and to identify and characterize the active compounds responsible for antiviral effects.

Results

Both Boletus extracts showed significant antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 1 mg/mL). B. bellinii extract demonstrated IC50 values of 3.60 μg/mL against HSV-2 and 35.70 μg/mL against CVB-3, while B. subtomentosus showed IC50 values of 5.67 μg/mL and 56.88 μg/mL respectively. The active compound was identified as inonotusin A, which showed even higher antiviral activity with IC50 values of 0.81 μg/mL against HSV-2 and 19.04 μg/mL against CVB-3.

Conclusion

This study represents the first report of inonotusin A’s antiviral activity against HSV-2 and CVB-3, demonstrating its potential as a novel antiviral agent. The compound showed distinct mechanisms of action: direct virucidal effect against HSV-2 and inhibition of cell entry for CVB-3. These findings suggest inonotusin A could be developed as a promising broad-spectrum antiviral agent.
  • Published in:Biologia (Bratisl),
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11756-022-01219-z
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