In vitro Evaluation of the Antiviral Activity and Cytotoxicity Effect of Holothuria leucospilota Sea Cucumber Extracts from the Persian Gulf

Aims Antiviral activity and cytotoxicity effect of methanol and diethyl ether extracts from different parts of sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) against HIV-1 were assessed on human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB) and Human embryonic kidney 293T cells (HEK293T). Materials & Methods Sea cucumber was collected at a depth of 10-30 m of Larak Island (Persian Gulf). Extracts were prepared by diethyl ether and methanol solvents. The antiviral activity of each extract was evaluated by inhibition of single-cycle replicable HIV-1 (SCR HIV- 1) p24 Core antigen production in HeLa cells and cellular toxicity of different extracts were assessed, using a cell proliferation XTT kit. Findings Antiviral activity of each extract showed that some concentrations were able to inhibit the replication of HIV-1. Diethyl ether extract of body wall with 2.79 TI index displayed the highest antiviral activity as well as less cytotoxicity effect. Conclusion This study showed that crude extracts of Holothuria leucospilota, especially methanol and diethyl ether extracts of digestive organs and body wall had good cytotoxicity effect and antiviral activity, respectively.