In vitro and in vivo activity of eugenol on human herpesvirus

Eugenol (4-allyl-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene) was tested for antiviral activ ity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses. In vitro, it was found that the replic ation of these viruses was inhibited in the presence of this compound. Inhi bitory concentration 50% values for the anti-HSV effects of eugenol were 25 .61 mug/mL and 16.2 mug/mL for HSV-1 and HSV-2 respectively, 250 mug/mL bei ng the maximum dose at which cytotoxicity was tested. Eugenol was virucidal and showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested. Eugenol-acyclovir combinations synergistically inhibited herpesvirus replication in vitro. T opical application of eugenol delayed the development of herpesvirus induce d keratitis in the mouse model. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.