In vitro anti-influenza viral activities of constituents from Caesalpinia sappan.

Six constituents with neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory activity, namely brazilein, brazilin, protosappanin A, 3-deoxysappanchalcone, sappanchalcone and rhamnetin, were isolated from the hearthwood of Caesalpinia sappan (Leguminosae). Their in vitro anti-influenza virus activities were evaluated with the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method. The results showed that 3-deoxysappanchalcone and sappanchalcone exhibited the highest activity against influenza virus (H3N2) with IC50 values of 1.06 and 2.06 microg/mL, respectively, in comparison to the positive control oseltamivir acid and ribavirin with IC50 values of 0.065 and 9.17 microg/mL, respectively.