Logo-jhp
J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3): 292-301.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53076
  Abstract View: 40
  PDF Download: 33

Review

Plant-derived tannins as anti-herpes simplex agents: A systematic review of in vitro evidence, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

Alizamen Salehifard Jouneghani 1 ORCID logo, Dhiya Altememy 2 ORCID logo, Majid Asadi-Samani 3* ORCID logo, Mohammad-Taghi Moradi 4* ORCID logo

1 Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
3 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
4 Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
*Corresponding Authors: Majid Asadi-Samani, Email: asadi.m@skums.ac.ir; Mohammad-Taghi Moradi, Email: mtmoradi65@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: The herpes simplex virus (HSV), a double-stranded DNA virus, establishes persistent infections and frequently reactivates. While acyclovir and its derivatives remain first-line therapies, the emergence of drug-resistant HSV strains highlights an urgent need for alternative antiviral agents. Tannins, plant-derived polyphenolic compounds, have demonstrated potent in vitro antiviral activity against HSV. This review synthesizes current evidence on the anti-HSV properties of tannins, with emphasis on their mechanisms of actions.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Chemical Abstracts, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library (1985–December 2024) using the keywords “Herpes simplex virus,” “HSV,” “antiviral,” and “tannin.”

Results: Thirty-seven tannins from diverse botanical sources were identified in vitro for anti-HSV activity, with efficacy assessed via selectivity index (SI). Thirty-five compounds inhibited HSV-1, among which pentagalloylglucose, tannic acid, and castalagin exhibited the strongest effects. Eight tannins showed anti-HSV-2 activity, with chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid being most potent. Four compounds were tested against acyclovir-resistant strains, and pentagalloylglucose emerged as the most effective. Mechanistic studies revealed that tannins disrupt viral attachment, penetration, and membrane fusion, while also targeting key viral enzymes and structural proteins essential for replication and assembly.

Conclusion: Tannins represent promising candidates for novel antivirals, particularly against acyclovir-resistant HSV. Further research is warranted to elucidate their mechanisms and translate these findings into clinical applications.



Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

This systematic review highlights the therapeutic potential of tannin-rich herbal extracts as complementary or alternative treatments for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in clinical settings. Given their ability to inhibit viral replication and alleviate cytopathic effects, tannins may serve as natural antiviral agents to reduce lesion severity, recurrence frequency, and drug resistance in patients. The study supports future development of standardized, plant-based topical or oral formulations that could be integrated into HSV management protocols, especially for individuals with acyclovir-resistant strains or seeking phytotherapeutic options.

Please cite this paper as: Salehifard Jouneghani AZ, Altememy D, Asadi-Samani M, Moradi MT. Plant-derived tannins as anti-herpes simplex agents: A systematic review of in vitro evidence, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3):292-301. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53076.


First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Comments
Security code


Abstract View: 41

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 33

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 20 Dec 2024
Revision: 20 Mar 2025
Accepted: 31 May 2025
ePublished: 01 Jul 2025
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)