New influenza data have been reported by D. Karoline and co-authors

   "Here we show that CYSTUS052, a plant extract from a special variety of Cistus incanus that is rich in polymeric polyphenols, exhibits antiviral activity against a highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H7N7) in cell culture and in a mouse infection model. In vitro and in vivo treatment was performed with an aerosol formulation, because the bioavailability of high molecular weight polyphenols is poor. In MDCK cells, a 90% reduction of plaque numbers on cells pre-incubated with the plant extract was achieved. For in vivo experiments we used a novel monitoring system for influenza A virus-infected mice that allows measurement of body temperature and gross motor-activity of the animals," wrote D. Karoline and colleagues.

   The researchers concluded: "Mice treated with CYSTUS052 did not develop disease, showed neither differences in their body temperature nor differences in their gross motor-activity and exhibited no histological alterations of the bronchiolus epithelial cells."

   Karoline and colleagues published their study in Antiviral Research (New influenza data have been reported by D. Karoline and co-authors. Antiviral Research, 2007;76(1):1-10).

   For more information, contact O. Planz, Institute Immunology, Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Paul Ehrlich Str 28, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany.

   Publisher contact information for the journal Antiviral Research is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

   Keywords: Germany, Tubingen, Antiviral Activity, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Bird Flu, Influenza Virus, Respiratory Disease, Therapy, Treatment, Viral Inhibition, Viral Research, Viral Therapy, Virology.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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