Acrocomia aculeata (Mbokaja) kernel oil inhibits herpes simplex virus 1 replication and promotes cutaneous wound healing in infected mice

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a global and prevalent pathogen, presenting significant clinical challenges because of its recurring infections, the development of drug resistance and severe clinical complications. This study evaluated the antiviral efficacy against HSV-1 of Acrocomia aculeata (A. aculeata) kernel oil, a Neotropical palm native to the Americas. Methods: The chemical profile of A. aculeata kernel oil was determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Antiviral activity was assessed using dose–response curves, time-of-addition assays, and quantification of intracellular viral genomes, viral gene transcripts, and IL-6 expression. A. aculeata kernel oil’s antiviral effect was also evaluated using an in vivo HSV-1 cutaneous infection model. Results: GC-FID analysis revealed lauric, oleic, and myristic acids as predominant components in the kernel oil. A. aculeata kernel oil exhibited potent antiviral activity against HSV-1. The oil inhibited HSV-1 early step post-entry, reducing the mRNA levels of the immediate-early genes ICP4 and ICP22, leading to the downregulation of early and late viral gene expression and intracellular viral genome. Furthermore, the oil suppressed IL-6 expression in infected cells. Importantly, A. aculeata kernel oil promoted the healing of cutaneous lesions in HSV-1-infected mice. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that A. aculeata kernel oil is a promising candidate for developing novel antiviral and topical therapies against HSV-1.