Cepharanthine Suppresses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Replication Through the Downregulation of the PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways

The study found that Cepharanthine (CEP), a naturally occurring alkaloid, effectively suppressed Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) replication by downregulating the PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. This suppression was achieved through a dose-dependent reduction in viral replication and maintenance of cell structural integrity in Vero and Hela cell lines. CEP treatment led to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in infected cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against HSV-1, particularly in cases resistant to traditional treatments like acyclovir. The study also noted CEP's previous approval in Japan for treating alopecia, indicating its broader therapeutic potential.