Treatment using phytochemicals for Ebola virus infection

Ohe, Masashi

doi:10.51094/jxiv.6067

##article.authors##

Ohe, Masashi Department of Internal Medicine, JCHO Hokkaido Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51094/jxiv.6067

キーワード:

Ebola virus、 phytochemical、 Kampo medicine、 traditional Chinese medicine

抄録

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly pathogenic filovirus whose structural proteins mediate entry, replication, and immune evasion. Glycoprotein (GP) enables host‑cell attachment and endosomal fusion, VP40 regulates virion assembly and budding, VP24 blocks STAT1 nuclear transport, VP30 activates transcription, VP35 supports polymerase activity and suppresses innate immunity, and Nucleoprotein (NP) protects viral RNA and drives replication. Favipiravir, remdesivir, and azithromycin show experimental antiviral and anti‑inflammatory effects, while monoclonal antibody therapy neutralizes GP and improves survival but remains costly. Numerous phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, and others, inhibit EBOV by targeting VP24, VP30, VP35, VP40, NP, GP‑mediated entry, or endosomal trafficking. These phytochemicals are present in Kampo medicines (KMs) such as Senkyuchachosan, Hachimijiogan, Ninjinyoeto, Saikokeishito, and Juzendaihoto, which may offer therapeutic value beyond traditional indications. Their anti‑inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions may further mitigate EBOV‑induced pathology. Rigorous in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are required to validate the safety and efficacy of KMs, and a combination KM and non‑KM may provide additional benefit once the KM efficacy is confirmed.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest associated with this article.

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