Inhibition of Epstein-Barr Virus by the Triterpenoid Betulin Diphosphate and Uvaol

Betulin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from the bark of Betula papyrifera. Laboratory synthesized structural analogs were tested for antiviral activities against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) by immunofluorescent antiviral assay. Among the several analogs tested, betulin 3,28-diphosphate and uvaol exhibited significant antiviral activities against EBV. The EC 50 of betulin 3,28-diphosphate and uvaol was found to be 0.6 μM and 0.7 μM, respectively.