Medicinal Plants as Effective Antiviral Agents and Their Potential Benefits

Gabriel Atampugbire, Eureka Emefa Ahadjie Adomako, Osbourne Quaye

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper explores a diverse field of medicinal plants as potential antiviral agents, and delves into utilization of plant medicine for combating viral infections, emphasizing recent surge in research on natural products from plants as antiviral agents. Specific plant-derived compounds, like phyllanthin and iscador, have been proven to exhibit antiviral properties with great potential for pharmaceutical development. Mechanisms of antiviral action by phytochemicals that are present in medicinal plants, including direct viral inhibition, degradation of viral capsid, and immunomodulation were identified, and a combination therapy of medicinal plants with conventional antiviral drugs were explored. Efficacy of medicinal plants as antiviral agents was critically assessed and revealed that the complexity and variability of herbal formulations, and safety concerns regarding toxicity levels, pose challenges in drug development. However, research on medicinal plants is often hindered by limited understanding of phytochemical mechanisms, the complexity and variability of herbal formulations, and safety concerns regarding toxicity and interactions with other medications. The way forward in harnessing full potential of medicinal plants as antiviral agents underscores the need for further research into developing models that seek to enhance the selectivity of plant extracts in order to minimize toxicity levels.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNatural Product Communications
Volume19
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2024

Keywords

  • alkaloids
  • antiviral agents
  • efficacy
  • flavonoids
  • medicinal plants
  • natural products
  • phytochemicals
  • terpenoids

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