Figure 1.

The 11 steps in the life cycle of herpes simplex viruses. Virion attachment (ingress) occurs via specific glycoproteins (1), which also elicit membrane fusion (2). The capsid is then transported to the nucleus (3) and viral DNA released (4) and expressed (5). Viral transcripts are then translated to protein at ribosomes (6), allowing reformation of capsids (7). Meanwhile, viral DNA replication (8) occurs, which is then packaged into capsids (9). Upon budding from the Golgi, the envelope is reformed to encase capsids (10), followed by egress of progeny virions (11). While not firmly established, the beneficial natural products discussed herein likely interfere with protein synthesis (lysine, arginine, steps 6,7) DNA replication (propolis, step 8), and egress (terpenes, step 11).