Antimicrobial Studies

Synergistic antiviral effect of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin and nelfinavir against feline coronavirus.

Scientists screened 16 compounds for their antiviral activity against feline coronavirus (FCoV), which causes the fatal disease Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in cats. They found that Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) and nelfinavir inhibited FCoV replication. However, when the viral load was increased to mimic FIP, the inhibitors lost their effect. When GNA and nelfinavir were combined, they completely blocked viral replication. This suggests that the combined use of GNA and nelfinavir has therapeutic potential in treating cats with early-diagnosed FIP. These findings are important for developing effective treatments and vaccines against FIP.

Hsieh LE et al (2010).
Antiviral Res.
PubMed:
20603153

Qualitative phytochemical screening and in vitro antimicrobial effects of methanol stem bark extract of Ficus thonningii (Moraceae).

Usman H, Abdulrahman F and Usman A (2009).
Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med.
PubMed:
20448855