In vitro effect of Phyllanthus amarus on hepatitis B virus.

To evaluate the effects of P. amarus on hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens and HBV-DNA, initial ethanolic extract and subsequent fractions of the plants were prepared. The whole plant material was dried, powdered and extracted with alcohol and subsequently fractionated in hexane, chloroform, butanol and finally in water. All the material were tested for in vitro effects on HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV-DNA in serum samples positive for HBV antigens followed by the screening of respective antigens by Elisa. HBV-DNA was determined by molecular hybridization. The extracts were effective against HBV antigens, the butanol extract being the most potent. Further chromatographic fractions showed an enhanced activity. The active fractions inhibited the interaction between HBsAg/HBeAg and their corresponding antibodies suggesting anti-HBs, anti-HBe-like activity and also an effect on HBV-DNA.