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In the nineteenth century, smallpox ravaged through the United States and Canada. At this time, a botanical preparation, derived from the carnivorous plant Sarracenia purpurea, was proclaimed as being a successful therapy for smallpox infections. The work described characterizes the

In the nineteenth century, smallpox ravaged through the United States and Canada. At this time, a botanical preparation, derived from the carnivorous plant Sarracenia purpurea, was proclaimed as being a successful therapy for smallpox infections. The work described characterizes the antipoxvirus activity associated with this botanical extract against vaccinia virus, monkeypox virus and variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. Our work demonstrates the in vitro characterization of Sarracenia purpurea as the first effective inhibitor of poxvirus replication at the level of early viral transcription. With the renewed threat of poxvirus-related infections, our results indicate Sarracenia purpurea may act as another defensive measure against Orthopoxvirus infections.

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    Title
    • In Vitro Characterization of a Nineteenth-Century Therapy for Smallpox
    Date Created
    2012-03-09
    Resource Type
  • Text
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    Identifier
    • Digital object identifier: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032610
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      1045-3830
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      1939-1560
    Note
    • The article is published at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0032610

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    This is a suggested citation. Consult the appropriate style guide for specific citation guidelines.

    Arndt, W., Mitnik, C., Denzler, K. L., White, S., Waters, R., Jacobs, B. L., . . . Langland, J. O. (2012). In Vitro Characterization of a Nineteenth-Century Therapy for Smallpox. PLoS ONE, 7(3). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0032610

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