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.