The Progress of Anti-HBV Constituents from Medicinal Plants in China

Hepatitis B infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can become either acute or chronic diseases. HBV infections are among the top ten causes of death, and lead to 0.89 million deaths every year. It is estimated that 257 million people are living with chronic HBV infection. China is one of the high prevalence areas accounting for one-third of the infections. The major complications of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [ 1 , 2 ]. Hepatitis B vaccination is effective in preventing HBV infections; however, it is invalid to those who have already been infected with HBV. Interferons and nucleoside analogs are the most common drugs for CHB in clinic. Interferons (INF-α and PegIFN-α) take effects by enhancing the immune system of patients, but their application is limited by the low curing rate and serious side effects. Nucleoside analogues (mainly lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, telbivudine, entecavir, tenofovir disoprox and clevudine) can inhibit HBV replication by targeting on viral DNA polymerase; however, the drug-resistance and relapse are challenging after long-term treatment [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Currently, there is no cure for CHB, and new treatment methods with unprecedented targets are urgently needed. Traditional Chinese herbs that have long been used for medicinal purpose in China are fascinating sources for anti-HBV candidates [ 6 , 7 ]. This paper summarized the progress of anti-HBV constituents from medicinal plants in China.