Ricerc@Sapienza

DR2B and DR2C extracts, obtained by ethanolic maceration of peel from commercially
and physiologically ripe aubergine berries, were studied for the antioxidative cytoprotective
properties and anti-HSV-1 activity, in line with the evidence that several antioxidants can impair
viral replication by maintaining reducing conditions in host cells. The antioxidative cytoprotective
effects against tBOOH-induced damage were assessed in Caco2 cells, while antiviral activity was
studied in Vero cells; polyphenolic fingerprints were characterized by integrated phytochemical
methods. Results highlighted different compositions of the extracts, with chlorogenic acid and
delphinidin-3-rutinoside as the major constituents; other peculiar phytochemicals were also identified.
Both samples reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and exhibited scavenging and
chelating properties. DR2C partly counteracted the tBOOH-induced cytotoxicity, with a remarkable
lowering of lactate metabolism under both normoxia and hypoxia; interestingly, it increased
intracellular GSH levels. Furthermore, DR2C inhibited the HSV-1 replication when added for
24 h after viral adsorption, as also confirmed by the reduction of many viral proteins’ expression.
Since DR2C was able to reduce NOX4 expression during HSV-1 infection, its antiviral activity may be
correlated to its antioxidant properties. Although further studies are needed to better characterize
DR2C activity, the results suggest this extract as a promising new anti-HSV-1 agent.