The Effect of Kalanchoe-Pinnata Extract on Epstein-Barr Virus

Authors

Miles Murri, Brigham Young University
Dr. Brian D. Poole, Brigham Young University

Keywords

EBV, Epstein-Barr Virus, Kalanchoe pinnata, cancer cells

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

For the last year I have been working on a project that would test the efficacy of a potential drug on a common human virus called Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Though the virus often resides in a latent or dormant state, it is commonly found in nearly all adults worldwide (1). When it is active, its upregulated gene expression leads to conditions ranging from ear infections and tonsillitis to highly serious conditions like lymphomas (1). It has also been linked substantially with multiple autoimmune diseases such as Lupus (2). A certain immunosuppressive plant extract called Kalanchoe has been used traditionally as an herbal medicine and is seen to have an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells in the body (3). My aim has been to show that Kalanchoe pinnata, the extract used in the experiments, does inhibit EBV gene expression.

Recommended Citation

Murri, Miles and Poole, Dr. Brian D. (2013) "The Effect of Kalanchoe-Pinnata Extract on Epstein-Barr Virus," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1325.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1325