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Japanese plant yields compounds with potent anti-HIV activity, offering hope for new treatments
By ljdevon // 2025-03-21
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In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified potent anti-HIV compounds in Daphne pseudomezereum, a plant native to Japan, China, and Korea. Commonly known as Onishibari, this deciduous shrub has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Now, scientists from Toho University and Duke University Medical Center have uncovered its potential to combat HIV, a virus that has plagued humanity for decades. Published in the journal Phytochemistry, the study highlights the isolation of 10 daphnane diterpenoids, three of which exhibit remarkable anti-HIV activity with minimal toxicity. This discovery could pave the way for novel treatments, offering hope to millions worldwide. Key findings • Researchers isolated 10 daphnane diterpenoids from the fruits of Daphne pseudomezereum, including three previously undescribed compounds. • Three compounds demonstrated potent anti-HIV activity, with EC50 values as low as 0.78 nM, indicating high efficacy. • The compounds showed low cytotoxicity, with IC50 values exceeding 5 μM, suggesting they are safe for further development. • This discovery builds on the plant’s traditional use in treating chronic skin diseases and rheumatism, expanding its medicinal potential.

A plant with a rich medicinal history

Daphne pseudomezereum belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family, a group of plants known for their diverse biological activities, including anticancer, anti-HIV, and analgesic effects. Historically, the bark of this plant has been used in Japanese papermaking and traditional medicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its fruits, which are toxic if consumed, had not been extensively studied until now. The research team, led by Professor Wei Li of Toho University, focused on the plant’s fruits, isolating compounds that could inhibit HIV replication. “This is the first time daphnane diterpenoids have been isolated from D. pseudomezereum,” said Dr. Wei Li. “The compounds we identified not only show strong anti-HIV activity but also have low toxicity, making them promising candidates for drug development.”

The science behind the discovery

The study involved extracting compounds from the plant’s fruits and testing their efficacy against HIV. Among the 10 isolated compounds, three—dubbed onishibarins A, B, and C—stood out for their potent antiviral activity. These compounds target HIV replication at the cellular level, offering a potential mechanism for future therapies. “The structural complexity of these diterpenoids is fascinating,” said Dr. Takashi Kikuchi, a co-author of the study. “Their unique configuration allows them to interact with HIV in a way that inhibits its replication without harming healthy cells.” The findings are particularly significant given the ongoing global HIV crisis. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 39 million people were living with HIV in 2022, with 1.3 million new infections reported that year. While antiretroviral therapies have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition, drug resistance and side effects remain significant challenges.

The future of plant-based medicine

This discovery underscores the untapped potential of plant-based medicine in addressing modern health crises. For centuries, traditional healers have relied on plants like D. pseudomezereum to treat a variety of ailments. Now, modern science is validating their wisdom, uncovering compounds that could revolutionize medicine. “Nature has always been the best chemist,” said Dr. Li. “By studying plants like D. pseudomezereum, we can discover compounds that are not only effective but also safe and sustainable.” The next step for researchers is to optimize these compounds through structural modifications, enhancing their efficacy and reducing potential side effects. If successful, these compounds could join the ranks of other plant-derived drugs, such as paclitaxel (derived from the Pacific yew tree) and artemisinin (from sweet wormwood), which have transformed cancer and malaria treatment, respectively. As the world continues to grapple with infectious diseases, the discovery of anti-HIV compounds in D. pseudomezereum raises an important question: How many other life-saving remedies are hidden in the natural world, waiting to be uncovered? In the words of renowned ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, “The plant kingdom is a vast reservoir of chemical compounds, many of which have yet to be discovered and understood.” Perhaps, in the leaves, bark, and fruits of plants like D. pseudomezereum, we will find the keys to unlocking a healthier future. Sources include: Phys.org ScienceDirect.com ScienceDirect.com
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