Using a direct binding assay with advanced DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry technology, the researchers were able to identify specific compounds in each of the three botanical extracts that bind to and block HIV infection in target cells. Among the hundreds of compounds present in the extracts, only two compounds were found to bind to the HIV virus particles. The research also determined the inhibitory concentration (IC50 and IC100) values of each extract; and additional analysis showed no toxic effect from the extracts even at concentrations well above the determined IC100 (100 percent inhibition) values.

Furthermore, the study examined the inhibitory interactions between the elderberry extract and enfuvirtide (also termed Fuzeon), among the first of a new class of HIV antiviral drugs called entry inhibitors, or drugs that disrupt the fusion of virus and target cells. Enfuvirtide is known to bind to a specific glycoprotein of the HIV virus required for viral fusion and infection. When enfuvirtide was combined with the elderberry extract, the inhibition of infection increased by nearly 6 orders of magnitude. That result indicates that the active antiviral chemistries in the elderberry extract bind to a different HIV glycoprotein than does enfuvirtide, demonstrating a significant synergistic effect on in vitro infection.

The article detailing the study is featured in the current issue of Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy [19:6]. Its authors are Ryan C. Fink, Bill Roschek, Jr., and Randall S. Alberte, all of HerbalScience Group LLC. Dr. Fink is also affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

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