Sho-Saiko-To, a Traditional Kampo Medicine, Enhances the Anti-HIV-1 Activity of Lamivudine (3TC) In Vitro

Abstract

Sho-saiko-to (SST), a traditional Kampo medicine, has been examined for its inhibitory effect on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). SST alone moderately inhibited HIV-1 replication at a concentration of 25μg/ml. When SST was combined with zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC) or AZT plus 3TC, SST enhanced the anti-HIV-1 activity of 3TC. In contrast, SST slightly enhanced the anti-HIV-1 activity of AZT plus 3TC but did not enhance the activity of AZT alone. These results suggest that the combination of SST and 3TC has potential as a chemotherapeutic modality of HIV-1 infection.