In Vitro Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity of Hydroxytyrosol from Lindernia ruellioides

Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease that threatens the health of all mankind. In this study, we isolated and extracted hydroxytyrosol from <i>Lindernia ruellioides</i> with anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity. The structure of hydroxytyrosol was identified by the nuclear magnetic resonance technique. HepG2.2.15 cell models were used to detect the anti-HBV activity and liver protection of hydroxytyrosol in vitro. Hydroxytyrosol can inhibit hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg). The IC₅₀ values of HBsAg and HBeAg were 4.02 mg/L and 5.19 mg/L, respectively. At the highest concentration of hydroxytyrosol, the inhibition rates of supernatant and intracellular HBV DNA were 75.99% and 66.33%, respectively. Hydroxytyrosol was less toxic to normal human hepatocytes. Molecular docking showed that hydroxytyrosol was bound to three amino acid residues of HBV polymerase with a binding energy of -7.0 kcal/mol. This study provided data for the development and utilization of <i>Lindernia ruellioides</i> and the research and development of anti-hepatitis B virus drugs.