Activity of Propolis Nanoparticles against HSV-2: Promising Approach to Inhibiting Infection and Replication

Abstract

Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) infection causes a significant life-long disease. Long-term side effects of antiviral drugs can lead to the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, propolis, a natural product derived from beehives, has been proposed to prevent or treat HSV-2 infections. Unfortunately, therapeutic applications of propolis are still limited due its poor solubility. To overcome this, a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system was employed. An ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) was encapsulated in nanoparticles composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and chitosan using a modified oil-in-water single emulsion by using the solvent evaporation method. The produced nanoparticles (EEP-NPs) had a spherical shape with a size of ~450 nm and presented satisfactory physicochemical properties, including positively charged surface (38.05 ± 7.65 mV), high entrapment efficiency (79.89 ± 13.92%), and sustained release profile. Moreover, EEP-NPs were less cytotoxic on Vero cells and exhibited anti-HSV-2 activity. EEP-NPs had a direct effect on the inactivation of viral particles, and also disrupted the virion entry and release from the host cells. A significant decrease in the expression levels of the HSV-2 replication-related genes (ICP4, ICP27, and gB) was also observed. Our study suggests that EEP-NPs provide a strong anti-HSV-2 activity and serve as a promising platform for the treatment of HSV-2 infections.

New insights of propolis nanoformulation and its therapeutic potential in human diseases

“…The role of nanopropolis is to prevent viral particles from entering or leaving host cells by acting as a barrier. In addition, the expression levels of HSV replication-related genes, especially ICP4, ICP27, and gB, have decreased significantly [ 112 , 113 ]. Uniquely, the use of nano propolis-chitosan in treating NDV infections, although it produces low cytotoxicity, shows promising antiviral activity against NDV infections [ 97 ].…”

Formulation and optimization of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with riolozatrione: a promising nanoformulation with potential antiherpetic activity

“…Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are a type of NCs consisting of solid particles formed with polymers, in which the active ingredient or other therapeutic substances are encapsulated, adsorbed, or incorporated into a polymeric matrix (18). NPs have become a useful strategy for delivering natural products with anticancer (19), antimicrobial (20), antiasthmatic (21), and antiherpetic (22) activities. In addition to avoiding the degradation of natural products, NPs have favorable bioavailability with respect to free natural products.…”