ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Long Dan Xie Gan formula granule (LDXGFG) on regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in female guinea pigs with recurrent genital herpes (herpes simplex virus 2, HSV-2).

Methods Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood of HSV-2-infected guinea pigs, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, were detected by ELISA; corresponding gene expression levels in tissues were detected by real-time PCR.

ResultsIL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF-α decreased significantly in both blood and diseased tissues after infection with recurrent genital herpes. Upon feeding LDXGFG to HSV-2-infected guinea pigs, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF-α demonstrated significant increases, similar to the effects of acyclovir (ACV). LDXGFG promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood and tissue, with a stronger effect than ACV. Moreover, LDXGFG demonstrated broader effects than ACV.

Conclusion The present results suggest that LDXGFG can serve as an alternative, inexpensive, and long-term treatment for HSV-2 infection.