Anti-HBV activity of the different extracts from Phyllanthus rheedei Wight in cell culture based assay systems.

Phyllanthusrheedei Wight is a plant used by Muthuvan tribes of Kerala for treating liver related diseases. The different extracts of Phyllanthus rheedei were analysed on cell lines were viz, PLC/PRF, Hep3B, FLCII10 and HepG2215 for its anti-HBV property. The analysis was done through ELISA, SQRT-PCR and immuno blotting. The most active extract was then divided in to fractions using HPTLC and the most active fraction was further identified. From the screening experiments it was shown that the ethanol extract of this plant has the maximum activity in lowering the viral markers like HBsAg, HBV Core and HBV X protein and whole virions with comparatively lesser cytotoxicity. The dose responses of this particular extract were further established. This study concluded that the ethanol extract of Phyllanthusrheedei is very much effective in preventing the multiplication of HBV at the cellular level. This study scientifically validated the tribal claim of the use of this plant for severe liver disorders.