The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the formation of infectious herpes virus particles, particularly infectious herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles, in a host cell. The method involves administering an effective amount of a hydroxylated tolan, particularly a polyhydroxylated tolan, to a herpes virus infected host cell. The present invention also provides a method of treating a herpes virus infection, particularly an HSV infection. The method comprises administering a topical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a hydroxylated tolan to a herpes virus-infected site. The present invention also relates to a topical composition for treating a herpes virus infection selected from the group consisting of an HSV infection, a cytomegalovirus infection, and a varicella zoster virus infection. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subject infected with Neisseria gonorrhea.