Antiviral activity of Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. natural plant extract against transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus in vitro

The primary goal of our study was to investigate the antiviral potential of natural extract of unique aboriginal Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis. The aqueous-ethanolic extract was assessed in vitro using MDСK (Madin-Darby Canine Kidney) and PEK (Porcine Embryonic Kidney) cell cultures, challenged with Porcine Coronavirus (TGEV). The observed antiviral properties were juxtaposed with those of synthetic flavonoid compounds, namely apigenin and luteolin. Ultimately, the data show that C. quitensis extracts exhibit in vitro potent antiviral activity against TGEV coronavirus. The composition of natural C. quitensis extracts was investigated using MALDI mass spectrome-try method.