Oleandrin Modulates the Innate Immune System Response

Most antiviral products exhibit a direct antiviral effect, meaning that they directly impact the propagation or even infectivity of viruses. For example, we previously reported on the direct antiviral activity of oleandrin and Nerium oleander extracts containing the same. The antiviral activity is primarily directed towards enveloped viruses.

Here we announce the publication, “Differential Activities of the Botanical Extract PBI-05204 and Oleandrin on Innate Immune Functions under Viral Challenge Versus Inflammatory Culture Conditions“, which reports on in vitro evaluation of the indirect antiviral activity of oleandrin and extracts containing the same. The data strongly suggest that oleandrin modulates the response of the innate immune system by providing both a beneficial pro-inflammatory effect and beneficial anti-inflammatory effect.

The publications together suggest that the extremely high efficacy of oleandrin, at very low concentrations, is due to the combined direct and indirect antiviral activities. Moreover, the data demonstrate that the extract exhibits even greater activity than oleandrin alone. More to come…