| abstract |
The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the formation of infectious herpes virus particles, particularly infectious herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles, in a host cell. The method involves administering an effective amount of a hydroxylated stilbene, particularly resveratrol, to a herpes virus infected host cell. The present invention also provides a method of treating a herpes virus infection, particularly an HSV infection. The method comprises administering a topical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a hydroxylated stilbene to a herpes virus-infected site. The present invention also relates to a topical composition for treating a herpes virus infection selected from the group consisting of an HSV infection, a cytomegalovirus infection, and a varicella zoster virus infection. The present invention also provides a method of reducing the cytopathic effect of HSV on mammalian cells. The method involves administering resveratrol to the host cell, either in vitro or in vivo, in an amount sufficient to inhibit replication of HSV-1 or HSV-2 within the host cell. |