An experiment on standardized cell culture assay in assessing the activities of Composite Artemisia Capillaris Tablets against hepatitis B virus replication in vitro.

Objective: To explore the activities of Composite Artemisia Capillaris Tablet (CACT) against hepatitis B virus replication in vitro.

Methods: By means of radioimmunoassay (RIA), Dot blot and Southern blot, the surface and e antigen production of 2.2.15 cells, HBV DNA in 2.2.15 cell culture medium and that in 2.2.15 cells were examined respectively.

Results: HBsAg, HBeAg values of 2.2.15 cells treated by CACT were lower than those of the control, the HBV DNA quantities in culture medium and in 2.2.15 cells decreased as compared with those cells with no treatment by CACT given to them.

Conclusion: CACT could inhibit HBV DNA replication, showing its potential antiviral activity in hepatitis B treatment.