FIG. 1.

Natural products that suppress HIV replication. Natural product-derived compounds have been studied, which target multiple steps in HIV replication (A) Calanolide A/B, Tulsi/Holy Basil, Kuwanon-L, Rheum-palatum L, and Patentiflorin A inhibit HIV RT, blocking the reverse transcription of HIV genomic RNA into proviral DNA. (B) In addition to their anti-RT activity, Kuwanon-L and Rheum-palatum L have anti-IN activity, which prevents integration HIV proviral DNA into the host genome. (C) The soybean-derived Bowman-Birk inhibitor increases cellular expression of HIV restriction factors, RIG-I and Apobec3G, which also inhibit at the RT step. Additionally Bowman-Birk inhibitor also inhibits expression of inflammatory cytokines. (D) Betulinic acid inhibits HIV Gag processing and prevents release of infectious viral particles. IN, integrase; RT, reverse transcriptase.