COMBINED EFFECTS OF FLAVONOIDS AND ACYCLOVIR AGAINST HERPESVIRUSES INCELL-CULTURES

The combined antiviral effects of some flavonoid compounds and acyclog uanosine (acyclovir, Zovirax) were studied on the multiplication of he rpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in HEp-2 cells and on pseudorabies (A ujeszky) virus in chick embryo fibroblast cells by the yield reduction method. The flavonoids quercetin, quercitin (quercetin-3-L-rhamnoside ) and apigenin exhibit antiviral activity against these herpesviruses, and acyclovir is currently one of the most effective antiherpetic age nts. In these studies, the simultaneous application of flavonoids with acyclovir resulted in an enhanced antiviral activity. A mathematical formula was used to interpret the drug interaction, resulting in FIC ( fractional inhibitory concentration) indices. Meaning a synergic inter action, all combinations exhibited synergy, FIC values of 0.6-0.8 bein g commonly observed.