GFS, a preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida is associated with healing and inhibition of reactivation of Herpes

Abstract

Background

We sought to assess whether GFS, a proprietary preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida, has effects on healing or re-emergence of Herpetic infections, and additionally, to assess effects of GFS in vitro. Undaria is the most commonly eaten seaweed in Japan, and contains sulphated polyanions and other components with potential anti-viral activity. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections have lower reactivation rates and Herpes type 2 (HSV-2) infections have lower incidence in Japan than in the west.

Methods

Patients with active (15 subjects) or latent (6 subjects) Herpetic infections (HSV-1, 2, EBV, Zoster) were monitored for response to ingestion of GFS. GFS extract was tested in vitro for human T cell mitogenicity and anti-Herpes activity.

Results

Ingestion of GFS was associated with increased healing rates in patients with active infections. In addition, patients with latent infection remained asymptomatic whilst ingesting GFS. GFS extract inhibited Herpes viruses in vitro and was mitogenic to human T cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Ingestion of GFS has inhibitory effects on reactivation and is associated with increased rate of healing after Herpetic outbreaks. GFS extract potently inhibited Herpes virus in vitro, and had mitogenic effects on human T cells.

Background

Herpes viruses are important human pathogens, causing both primary and secondary infections that range from trivial mucosal ulcers to life threatening disorders in immuno-compromised patients [1,2]. The Herpes group includes HSV-1, HSV-2, Herpes Zoster (chicken pox/shingles), HCMV (human cytomegalovirus), EBV, Herpes 6, 7 (Roseola, post transplant infections) and Herpes 8 (associated with Kaposi sarcoma). The conventional treatment of these infections is with drugs such as acyclovir (ACV) that target the viral DNA polymerase. Whilst these drugs are undoubtedly efficient, their long-term use has led to the development of resistant viral strains that now comprise 5% of all HSV infections in immuno-compromised patients [1]. Finding non-toxic alternatives to these drugs is of interest to patients and to drug companies investigating more effective remedies. Whilst the epidemiology and serotype of Herpes infections varies widely within the world community, as a result of differing subpopulations and childhood exposure rates, it seems that the incidence of HSV2 in Japanese women is substantially less than that of American women. (e.g., 50% seroprevalence in one study of African-American women vs. 7% in Japan) [3]. We also noted that the reactivation of Herpes simplex I (HSV-1) as measured by shedding [4] is considerably less in the Japanese population than in the west. However, EBV, some strains of which are associated with malignancies, affects over 90% of the population world wide [5], and seropositivity for CMV is higher in the Japanese population [6].

Several plants have been shown to have anti-viral activity, but edible brown marine algae are unique in that they are a regular part of the Japanese daily diet. Key anti-viral active agents within brown algae are the sulphated polyanions [7-9]. In recent years both natural and synthetic sulphated polyanions have been a research focus for their potential therapeutic activity. They are considered to act principally by inhibiting the entry of coated viruses such as Herpes into host cells [7-9], by competing for receptors at the cell surface. This activity is, in part, due to the similarities of the algal polyanions to mammalian heparin sulphate molecules. There are a number of receptors (including a heparin sulphate receptor) expressed differentially on various cell types, which provide entry points for Herpes viruses [10]. This mechanism of inhibition contrasts with that of commonly used drugs such as ACV which act as nucleic acid inhibitors, preventing viral replication after the virus has entered the cell.

The main seaweed in the Japanese daily diet is Undaria pinnatifida, commonly known as 'wakame' [11]. The major sulphated polyanion present in Undaria is characterised as a 'galactofucan sulphate' [12,13]. Other sulphated polyanions such as the synthetic dextran sulphates, pentosan sulphates, clinically used heparins, and seaweed-derived carageenans have all been investigated for anti-viral activity in humans, either systemically or topically [7-9]. However, to date, Undaria ingestion has not been clinically assessed in a western population for its effects on common coated viruses such as HSV-1 and 2 which have reduced incidence in the Japanese population [3,4]. Undaria extracts have been shown to have anti-viral effects on HSV-1 in vitro [14] and also against the Herpes group virus Epstein Barr Virus or EBV [15]. Specific molecules were not identified in these studies, thus the observed anti-viral activity may arise from either or both polyanions and other components. Undaria aqueous extract (made by boiling Undaria in water) and a partially purified galactofucan sulphate extract were recently assessed for activity against clinical isolates of Herpes I and Herpes II in vitro [16,17]. Twenty of the viral strains were sensitive to ACV, and nineteen were resistant. In the test, both types of extract were active against all strains, and more active against strains of HSV-2 than strains of HSV-1. The mode of action was shown to be blocking attachment and entry of HSV into the host cells.

Undaria fractions have also been shown to have immune stimulating qualities in vitro [18] and other brown seaweed fractions have been shown to have immunological effects in vivo [19,8,9].

The mechanism of viral inhibition by polyanions such as galactofucan does not generate resistant strains at the same rates as ACV [7]. Aside from the inhibition of viral infectivity, it is possible that immune stimulation via polyanions or other components, increases anti-viral activity [18,19]

We hypothesised that Undaria ingestion may be associated with resolution of Herpes infections in a western population, and that this would be reflected by inhibition of HSV infectivity and increased T cell activity in vitro. In this study, a proprietary Undaria preparation 'GFS' was assessed for effects on the healing of, and the inhibition of outbreaks of HSV infections in otherwise healthy patients. In addition, whole aqueous extracts of the GFS were assessed for effects on HSV infectivity in vitro and on human T cell stimulation in vitro.

Methods

A) GFS

GFS was prepared from Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida and supplied in 560 mg capsules by Marine Resources Pty Ltd. It comprises solely of the alga, processed to complete dryness in the dark within a day of harvest, in hygienic conditions. Batches were milled and mixed to ensure uniformity.

B) Patient study

Seventeen patients were recruited for the study by health practitioners. Patients gave verbal informed consent to the study. Health practitioners monitored the patients' health. There are no known adverse effects related to the ingestion of Undaria. No other anti-viral medications were taken at the same time as GFS. The duration of the study was from one month to 24 months. Patient ages were from less than 10 years up to 72 years.

In total, seven cases of HSV-1, five cases of HSV-2, three of active Herpes zoster (one chicken pox, two shingles) and two of EBV were assessed. Results are presented in tables 1 and 2. Patients suffering from HSVI typically experienced lesions lasting ten days. Patients with HSVII had experienced recurrent events of varying severity, sometimes overlapping, of up to ten days in duration. One patient with shingles reported 'cycle' duration of over ten days. Others did not report on duration.

Table 1.

Patients with active Herpes infections

Patient	Sex	Age	Virus	Site infection	Resolution of infection?	If on maintenance, Inhibition of outbreaks?	Comment
1	M	50	HSVI	Orolabial	Yes, no progression to lesion	Yes, inhibition of further outbreaks on maintenance dose >2 years.	Varied dosage, consistent inhibition.
2	F	14	HSV1	Orolabial	Yes, very severe outbreak resolved within course.	N/a	Patient noted rapid reduction in pain.
3	F	72	HSVI prodrome	Orolabial (prodrome) and ocular conjunctiva	Yes, no progression to lesion	Yes, continued Inhibition of low grade conjunctival HSVI for three months	Notes improvement in skin condition.
4	M	40	HSVI prodrome	Orolabial	Yes, in normal time.	N/a	Not taken consistently. No benefit noted but no spread of lesion.
5	F	50	HSVI active lesion	Orolabial	Yes, in normal time	N/a	No spread of lesion and pain reduced. Took half dose only.
6.	F	47	HSVI	Orolabial	Yes, reduction in lesion severity	N/a	No recurrence, no spread of lesion.
7.	F	47	HSVI	Orolabial	Yes, rapid clearance compared to previous.	N/a	Post chemotherapy outbreak (breast cancer)
8	F	20	HSVII	Genital	Yes, lesions cleared.	N/a
9	F	42	HSVII	Genital	Yes. Existing lesion healed.	Yes, inhibition of further outbreaks on maintenance dose 3 mths.	Prior two weekly outbreaks of ACV resistant strain of HSVII.
10	F	23	HSVII	Genital	Yes, chronic lesion healed	N/a
11	F	17	EBV	systemic	Yes	N/a	Normal blood exam after 4 days course.
12	F	<10	EBV	Systemic	Yes, EBV symptoms absent at ten days	N/a	Three capsules per day Chronic sinus infection also cleared
13	F	85	Zoster (shingles)	Torso	Yes	Yes, inhibition for two months.	Relief from lesions at 4 capsules per day
14.	M	Adult	Zoster (chicken pox)	Whole body sores	Yes	N/a	Pain reduction, rapid clearing of lesions.
15	M	40	Zoster (shingles)	T7,8, dermatome Right side	Yes	N/a	Faster drying of lesions, increased speed of cycle, no change in pain

Table 2.

Patients with latent Herpes infections.

patient	sex	age	virus	Site of infection	Also treated for active infection?	Inhibition of outbreak whilst on maintenance dose?	Comments
1	M* (1)	50	HSVI	Orolabial	Yes Existing lesion healed.	Yes, inhibition of further outbreaks on maintenance dose >2 years.	Varied dosage, consistent inhibition.
2	F* (3)	72	HSVI prodrome	Orolabial (prodrome) and ocular conjunctiva	Yes, no progression to lesion	Yes, continued Inhibition of low grade conjunctival HSVI for three months	Notes improvement in skin condition.
3	F* (13)	85	Zoster (shingles)	Torso	Yes	Yes, inhibition for two months.	Relief from lesions requires 4 capsules per day
4	F* (9)	42	HSVII	Genital	Yes. Existing lesion healed.	Yes, inhibition of further outbreaks on maintenance dose 3 months.	Prior two weekly outbreaks of ACV resistant strain of HSVII.
5	F	41	HSVII	Genital	No(not taken during active infection)	Yes, inhibition on two capsules per day for 1 month.	Did not take during active lesion outbreak.
6	F	36	HSVII	Genital	No(not taken during active infection)	Yes, inhibition on two capsules per day for 1 month.	Did not take during active lesion outbreak.

* the number in brackets refers to the number assigned to the same patient in table 1.

Dosage levels were chosen to fall within the limits of normal dietary seaweed ingestion in Japan. Fifteen patients with active Herpetic viral infections were given four 560 mg capsules of GFS per day for ten days as a 'therapeutic dose'. All patients except subject 14, table 1 (primary zoster infection) were suffering repeat outbreaks of known aetiology

Six patients with latent HSV-1 or 2 were given two capsules per day as a 'maintenance dose'. Four of these patients, identified by an asterisk *, were continuations of treatment after the active infection phase. One patient (subject 3, table 2) took four capsules per day.

C) In vitro effects on HSV

GFS was mixed 1:40 w/v with distilled water and boiled for 5 minutes. The liquid was filtered through a 0.45 μM filter for sterilization and stored at -20 degrees Celsius. An aliquot of the preparation was dried and the weight was obtained to determine the concentration. The concentration used was the dry weight of the dissolved solids present.

Immortalized human fibroblasts, HF cells, were grown in Minimal Essential Media supplemented with glutamine, antibiotics, and 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS). Maintenance medium was supplemented with 1% FBS. Laboratory strains of HSV and HCMV (American type culture collection) were tested in this study. A stock of each virus was grown in cultured HF cells and aliquots were frozen at -70°C. The titre of each virus was determined by a plaque assay using HF cells in 24-well plates with an agarose overlay.

D) T cell stimulation in vitro

T cell mitogenicity was evaluated by chromium uptake. Whole T cell preparations were obtained from buffy coats from pooled human blood samples. They were incubated in RPMI supplemented with 10% heat inactivated foetal calf serum, 5 mM L-glutamine, 5 × 10 ^-5 M 2-mercaptoethanol and 30 U/ml gentamycin. Incubation for 72 hours was at 5%CO₂, 37°C in 24 well plates. Cells were incubated with either GFS whole extract (at 25, 125 and 250 mcg/ml as 1%, 5% or 10% of total culture volume prepared from a stock solution at 2.5 mg/ml) or with the known mitogens (PHA) (1 mcg/ml) or Concanavalin A (ConA) (1 mcg/ml). Each concentration was assessed in triplicate (n = 3)

Results

Patient study

Results are presented in tables 1 and 2.

Active infection-table 1

All fifteen patients with active Herpetic viral infections experienced significant lessening or disappearance of symptoms. No adverse side effects were noted during the study.

Two patients (subjects 4 and 5, table 1) with noncompliant dosage regimes resolved infections in normal time, but noted no spread of lesions (as occurred during previous outbreaks). Reduction in lesion severity and rapid clearance were noted in two patients (subjects 6,7, table 1), and pain reduction as compared to previous events was noted by two patients (subjects 2,14, table 1). Two females with genital HSV-2 had persistent lesions which resolved during the course of treatment (subjects 8,10, table 1).

In two cases of diagnosed EBV, one clear at four and the other by ten days. In the latter patient a chronic sinus condition also cleared (subjects 11,12, table 1)

Over ten days, faster drying of zoster lesions and increased speed of normal cycle as compared to previous outbreaks was noted by a male patient (subject 15, table 1) although no reduction in pain was reported. In an adult male suffering primary zoster (chicken pox) lesions of whole body (subject 14, table 1), pain reduction and rapid healing of lesions were noted. An elderly female patient noted a reduction in pain and visible skin lesions during the ten day course, and had no recurrence of symptoms whilst on a lower dose for the next two months.

Latent infections-table 2

All six patients on maintenance doses noted inhibition of further outbreaks of infection. No adverse side effects were noted during the study.

HSV-1 outbreaks were inhibited in two patients taking a maintenance dose over three months and two years respectively (subjects 1 and 2 in table 2). Low grade HSV-1 associated keratoconjunctivitis in the former patient was also inhibited

GFS ingestion correlated with inhibition of a previously persistent HSV-2 infection for three months in subject 4, table 2. In this patient, the infection was ACV resistant and outbreaks had been apparent on a two weekly basis for over a year.

HSV-2 outbreaks at the genital site were inhibited in two other female patients whilst taking a maintenance dose of two capsules per day, for one month (subjects 5,6, table 2).

Low grade recurrent Herpes zoster (shingles) lesions of the torso were inhibited for two months in an elderly patient whilst maintaining a dose of four capsules per day (subject 3, table 2).

C) In vitro effects on HSV

Herpes viruses were assessed for infectivity of human fibroblasts cells in vitro. Inhibition by GFS extract was noted as shown in table 3.

Table 3.

IC50 for GFS whole extract as measured by infectivity of HSVI, HSV2 and HCMV (human cytomegalovirus) in human fibroblasts.

Herpes virus	GFS 1:40 w/v
HSV – 1, strain F	3.1 ug/ml
HSV – 2, strain G	1.6 ug/ml
HCMV, AD169	2.5 ug/ml
HCMV, D16	2.5 ug/ml

D) T cell stimulation in vitro

GFS extract was assessed for effects on whole human T cell preparation in vitro. After incubation with GFS extract or mitogens PHA and ConA, for 72 hours the relative uptake of chromium was assessed as a measure of mitogenicity. The lowest concentration of GFS extract tested (25 mcg/ml) exerted a four fold mitogenic effect on T cells, over 50% of the mitogenic potency of the known mitogens PHA (six fold) and ConA (seven fold). Paradoxically, increased concentrations of the whole extract showed decreasing effects on mitogenic activity. This may be accounted for by the increasing physical inhibition due to increased viscosity in the culture media, or the increasing concentration of unidentified inhibitory components present in the extract. Results are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

T cell mitogenicity in the presence of GFS whole extract in vitro. GFS extract assessed at 25, 125, 250 micrograms/ml (as1%, 5% and 10% of culture medium from a stock solution at 2.5 mg/ml). PHA and ConA were assessed at 1 mcg/ml. N = 3 in all cases. Blue bars indicate average readings, red bars indicate standard deviations.

Additional studies illustrated little effect on NK cell activity and no effects on L929 fibroblast growth over 24 or 72 hours (results not shown). There was no bacterial contamination of the GFS (results not shown), thus the presence of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (which may also act as mitogens) was ruled out.

Discussion

This study was carried out to assess the effects of GFS in patient studies and in vitro.

GFS was ingested by patients suffering active or latent Herpes infections. Results indicated firstly, a positive effect on healing, and secondly, inhibition of outbreaks in cases of HSV-1, HSV-2, ACV resistant HSV-2, and zoster. There were no adverse side effects noted, and GFS was well tolerated by all subjects. Reduced pain levels were noted in some cases.

A particularly noteworthy result in this study was inhibition of an ACV resistant case of HSV-2. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease of increasing incidence [4]. In part, this is due to the fact that partner transmission may occur during asymptomatic shedding [4] or unrecognised minor outbreaks. Suppressive therapies such as ACV have been tested for their ability to inhibit shedding [20]. However, for long-term use, non-toxic alternatives such as GFS may be preferred by patients, who perceive long-term conventional drug use as detrimental. In addition, GFS may reduce the generation of resistant strains which arise through prolonged use of drugs such as ACV.

GFS extract potently inhibited HSV and HCMV infection of human cells, and stimulated human T cell proliferation in vitro. In other studies [16,17] extracts were active against clinical strains of HSV. These mechanisms may be relevant to the observed clinical response.

Human T cell proliferation in vitro observed here concurs with observations by Shan et al [18]. Shan found that in the presence of various seaweed extracts including Undaria, lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic T cell activity was enhanced, but that NK cell activity was not. Cytotoxic T cells play a prominent role in the immune response in the local environment of HSV-2 infections [21], and have been shown to be key elements of immune defence against HSV-I and other viruses [22,23]. Thus the observed T cell mitogenic effect caused by GFS in vitro may be related to enhanced immunity in vivo.

Sulphated molecules with similarities to sulphated galactofucan, such as dermatan sulphate have been shown to be present in plasma after oral ingestion [24]. Macromolecules are known to pass through the gut into plasma and into lymph via the extensive gut lymphoid system [25] where they may affect immune function. The gut lymphoid system or 'GALT' comprises Peyers patches and gut cryptopatches where different types of T cells and other immune cells participate in uptake or contact with gut contents. T cell uptake or contact with GFS by either Peyers patch or gut cryptopatch dwelling cells may result in the proliferative response noted here in vitro. However, immune indicators were not measured in this study.

Whilst further research is called for, the results obtained in this study show that ingestion of GFS is associated with resolution, reduced pain and outbreak inhibition of Herpes virus infections. Studies regarding uptake, immunostimulation and anti-viral effects of GFS are in progress.

Conclusions

The rise in nucleic acid inhibitor resistant strains of HSV-2, and the need for less aggressive anti-viral therapies, indicates a role for alternative therapeutic routes such as that demonstrated here for GFS.

Ingestion of GFS has inhibitory effects on reactivation of HSV and positively affects the resolution of active Herpes infections. GFS has inhibitory effects on Herpes infectivity in vitro and a T cell mitogenic effect in vitro.

The mechanism of inhibition of Herpes infections may be, in part, mediated by galactofucan present in the GFS.

Competing interests

Russell Cooper, Ken Thompson, John Godwin, Kate Elliot have no declared interests. JH Fitton and Charles Dragar are employed Marine Biomedical Research Tasmania Australia.

Authors' contributions

RC, JG, KE and JHF participated in clinical studies and JHF drafted the manuscript. KT carried out the in vitro studies. JHF and CD conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Pre-publication history

The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/2/11/prepub