Bis-Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids Inhibit Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus In Vitro and In Vivo

The study investigated the antiviral effects of bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids—cepharanthine (CEP), tetrandrine (TET), and fangchinoline (FAN)—against the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which causes severe diarrhea and high mortality in piglets. CEP, TET, and FAN demonstrated anti-PEDV activity with IC50 values of 2.53, 3.50, and 6.69 μM, respectively. Early application of these compounds was more effective, with FAN efficiently interfering with virus entry and attachment, while CEP notably affected virus entry. CEP, with the highest selectivity index of 11.8, was tested in vivo and at a dosage of 11.1 mg/kg, it reduced viral load and intestinal damage in piglets. The findings suggested that these alkaloids could effectively inhibit PEDV and have potential for PED prevention and treatment.