Ampelopsin is a flavanonol, a type of flavonoid. It can be found in Cedrus deodara or in the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis). It is also found in Erythrophleum africanum. The compound is credited with hepatoprotective effects observed in rodents. Use of Hovenia species in traditional Chinese herbal medicine as a hangover cure has led to research into the potential action of dihydromyricetin in counteracting the effects of alcohol in the brain. Ampelopsin could protect sensitive cells against HIV-1 infection and dramatically reduce HIV-1 antigen P24 expression. Ampelopsin displays a strong inhibitive role during HIV-1 absorption, incubation and acute infection. These results are coincident with its immune enhancement. Ampelopsin also augmented cellular immunological functions in immunosuppressive mice. Ampelopsin, a small molecule inhibitor of HIV-1 infection targeting HIV entry.
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