[Comparative study on activation of latent HSV-1 induced "Shanghuo" by two different properties of traditional Chinese medicines]

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory suggests that "Shanghuo" is a comprehensive clinical symptom resulting from an imbalance of Yin and Yang. There is substantial clinical evidence showing that the consumption of warm or hot natured TCM can induce "Shanghuo". However, the pharmacological mechanisms and material basis of this phenomenon require further elucidation. In this study, we utilized a mouse model of "Shanghuo" induced by emotional stress to reactivate latent herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1) recurrence, and this mouse model was previously established by our research group. This study investigated whether different properties of TCM would activate HSV-1 and induce "Shanghuo" as well as explored the related material basis. Lycii Fructus with a neutral property, and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma with a warm or hot property were used as research objects. Experimental results showed that unlike Lycii Fructus, administration of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma for 14 days induced symptoms of "Shanghuo" and reactivated HSV-1 in mice. Furthermore, the study prepared different fractions of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, including polysaccharide-enriched fraction(GS1), water-soluble saponin-enriched fraction(GS2), and non-water-soluble saponin-enriched fraction(GS3). Similarly, Lycii Fructus was fractionated into different components, including polysaccharide-enriched fraction(LF1) and polyphenols-enriched fraction(LF2). Consistent with the results of Lycii Fructus administration, neither LF1 nor LF2 induced latent HSV-1 reactivation. However, both GS2 and GS3 fractions of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma could induce HSV-1 reactivation, with the virus activation rate reaching 100% in the GS3 group. Therefore, it is speculated that the recurrence of HSV-1 is induced by saponins components of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma. This study elucidates the scientific significance of medicine-induced "Shanghuo" from the perspective of HSV-1 latent reactivation, providing a basis for the rational use of warm or hot natured TCM.