Introduction: Echinacea purpurea belongs to the family Asteraceae. Preparations from Echinacea purpurea are among the most widely used herbal medicines. Most uses of E. purpurea are based on its reported immunological properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate antiviral activity of aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea extract against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Methods: Aerial extract was`obtained with 70% ethanol by maceration. Vero cell was grown in DMEM medium containing 5 % fetal bovine serum, in 96-well micro titer plates. Serial dilutions of extracted suspension were exposed by the 100 TCID₅₀ HSV and monitored daily for antiviral activity of the extract.

Results: The results showed that Echinacea purpurea has activity against HSV-1 and most antiviral activity is seen with 1/10 concentration.

Conclusion: This study indicates that aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea have antiviral activity against HSV-1.

 Hakim Research Journal 2007 9(4): 59 - 64.