Maca Plant Compounds Help Block HIV-1 Infection

Jenn Hoskins
26th July, 2024

Maca Plant Compounds Help Block HIV-1 Infection

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid studied the anti-HIV properties of maca, a plant from the Central Andes
  • They found that n-hexane extracts of purple maca showed anti-HIV activity in lab tests
  • Three specific compounds from maca were identified that inhibit HIV infection by blocking viral entry and integration
Lepidium meyenii Walp., commonly known as maca, has been utilized for centuries in the Central Andes region both as food and traditional medicine. While its fertility-enhancing properties have garnered significant attention, other potential benefits, such as its role in metabolic or infectious diseases, remain less explored. A recent study conducted by the Complutense University of Madrid investigates the anti-infectious activity of maca, specifically targeting HIV-1 infection[1]. The study aims to explore the antiviral properties of maca, particularly focusing on its effects on HIV-1, a virus that primarily targets T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are crucial components of the immune system, and HIV-1's ability to infect these cells leads to the progressive weakening of the immune system. The transcription factor NF-κB plays a pivotal role in HIV-1 transcription, and previous reports have indicated that extracts from maca can influence NF-κB activity in human T lymphocytes. This connection prompted researchers to investigate whether maca could exhibit antiviral activity against HIV-1. To identify the active compounds, researchers employed chromatography and spectroscopy techniques. They utilized an antiviral assay system based on recombinant viruses to evaluate the anti-HIV activity of maca extracts. Additionally, they tested cell toxicity to ensure the safety of the extracts and compounds. The study also examined viral entry using VSV-HIV chimera viruses and analyzed reverse transcription and viral integration through qPCR of viral DNA in infected cells. Finally, the team studied viral transcription in primary lymphocytes transfected with HIV-1 or NF-κB luciferase reporter plasmids. The results were promising. The n-hexane extracts of purple maca demonstrated anti-HIV activity in vitro. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, the researchers identified three thiadiazole alkaloids with significant antiviral properties. These compounds inhibited HIV infection in MT-2 cell lines and primary lymphocytes (PBMCs) with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. The mechanism of action varied among the compounds: one showed activity on viral entry, while all three inhibited viral integration at low concentrations. Notably, none of the compounds affected reverse transcription or viral transcription. These findings are particularly interesting in the context of previous research on HIV-1 and its interaction with cellular mechanisms. For instance, it has been established that the breakdown of phosphatidylcholine (PC) by PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) can activate NF-κB, which in turn increases HIV enhancer activity and viral replication in T lymphocytes[2]. This underscores the critical role of NF-κB in HIV-1 transcription and suggests that modulating this pathway could be a potential strategy for controlling HIV-1 replication. Moreover, the study's identification of compounds that inhibit viral integration aligns with earlier findings that highlight the importance of reducing HIV-1 integration to control viral replication and reservoir formation. Previous research has shown that specific inhibition of protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) can decrease HIV-1 replication by interfering with viral transcription and integration, thus reducing the reservoir size[3]. The newly identified thiadiazole alkaloids from maca could potentially offer a complementary approach to existing strategies by targeting viral integration without affecting other critical cellular processes. In summary, the study conducted by the Complutense University of Madrid presents compelling evidence that n-hexane extracts of purple maca possess anti-HIV activity. The identification of three thiadiazole alkaloids that inhibit viral entry and integration provides a promising avenue for further research and development of new antiviral therapies. These findings not only expand our understanding of maca's medicinal properties but also offer potential new strategies for combating HIV-1 infection.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) inhibits HIV-1 infection through the activity of thiadiazole alkaloids in viral integration.

Published 23rd July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118613

Related Studies

2) Phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis activates NF-kappa B and increases human immunodeficiency virus replication in human monocytes and T lymphocytes.

Journal: Journal of virology, Issue: Vol 67, Issue 11, Nov 1993

3) Analysis of protein kinase C theta inhibitors for the control of HIV-1 replication in human CD4+ T cells reveals an effect on retrotranscription in addition to viral transcription.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2015.02.009


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