Of importance for this study is its antiviral activity. A significant part of it is due to the suppression of production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (quenching of the infamous "cytokine storm"). Cepharanthine has been shown to suppress HIV-1 virus replication due to inhibition of NFκB transcription factor, and reducing the cell membrane fluidity. Other viruses susceptible to cepharanthine treatment are hepatitis B, herpes, human T-lymphotropic virus, coxsackievirus, possibly ebola virus .