Chromosomal level genome of Ilex asprella and insight into antiviral metabolite pathway

Ilex is a monogeneric plant group in
the family Aquifoliaceae. In Lingnan
area of China, Ilex asprella is
commonly used as a major component of cooling beverages. According to the
records of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), root of I. asprella was effective in treating lung infections and relieving
organ inflammations.

The
pharmacological activities of I. asprella
have been proved by biochemical research in recent years. With reference to
the in vivo studies, ethanolic
extract of I. asprella can significantly decrease the viral load of influenza A
virus. Lung index, which is an indicator of lung edema, was also massively
reduced. By using the column chromatography, the main anti-influenza compound
Asprellcosides B, which is an ursane type triterpenoid saponin, was discovered.
In fact, triterpenoid saponin is one of the most common biological active
chemical in I. asprella. Other than treating influenza virus, triterpenoid
Asprellanoside A were also showing anti-herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
activity. Anti-cancer and anti-complement triterpenoids have also been found in
I. asprella.