Evaluation of Anti-Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) Activity of Methanol Extract of Securigera securidaca by Cell Culture Method

Securigera securidaca Degen&Dörfl (Fabaceae) is an annual herb occurring naturally in Europe، Asia and Australia. The seeds of this plant have been applied to a variety of ailments like diabetes and hyperlipidemia in Iranian folk medicine. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is an enveloped virus which causes genital herpes infection and some other important complications such asencephalitis and eye infections. In present study antiherpetic activity of the seed crude methanol extract of S. securidaca was investigated for the first time. Methanol seed extracts were prepared; Therefore، extracts were added directly to the Vero cell suspension containing virus. To determine the inhibitory effects of methanol extract on herpes simplex virus type 2 Plaque forming assay was used. According to the results، methanol seed extract (20 µg/ml) exerted an inhibitory effect of 98±5. 1%. In conclusion، methanol seed extract of Securigera securidaca can be a good candidate as a natural source for antiviral drug development against HSV-2.