Abstract

Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) is an evergreen flowering plant found in the Atlantic Forest and has previously been determined to have antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this research is describe the phytochemical profile and evaluate the in vitro antiviral properties of crude extracts from leaves of D. brasiliensis, collected in different periods, against equine and bovine herpesviruses. Hydroalcoholic crude extracts were prepared from fresh leaves, collected bimonthly during one year (from August/2008 to June/2009). Phytochemically, these extracts showed to be composed by flavonoids quercetrin, astilbin and isoastilbin. The antiviral activity was evaluated by a viral cytopathic effect inhibitory assay. The MTT colorimetric assay for one data collection was also done. All tested extracts displayed inhibitory effects against bovine herpesvirus without seasonal influence, but varied in their effect against equine herpesvirus. The results obtained in this study indicate that the extracts from leaves of D. brasiliensis exhibited significant antiviral activity against animal herpesviruses, indicating its potential for medicinal use.

Key words: Drimys brasiliensis; flavonoids; antiviral; bovine and equine herpesvirus