ISSN: 2578-4986
Authors: Bhagat R* and Mhaiska B
Background Ayurved, an ancient system of medicine with rich heritage and antiquity, is well known since Vedic period. Viral infections are responsible for many illnesses, and recent outbreaks have raised public health concerns. Viral infections are being managed therapeutically through available antiviral regimens with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The refractory viral infections immune to available antiviral drugs are alarming threats and a significant health concern. For hepatitis, the interferon and vaccine therapies solely aren't ultimate solutions thanks to recurrence of hepatitis C virus. Owing to the growing incidences of viral infections and particularly of resistant viral strains, the available therapeutic modalities got to be improved, complemented with the invention of novel antiviral agents to combat refractory viral infections. It is widely accepted that medicinal plant heritage is nature gifted, precious, and fueled with the valuable resources for treatment of metabolic and infectious disorders. The aims of this review are to assemble the facts and to conclude the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants within the eradication and management of various viral diseases such as influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis, and coxsackievirus infections, which have been proven in diverse clinical studies. The scientific literature mainly focusing on plant extracts and herbal products with therapeutic efficacies against experimental models of influenza, HIV, HSV, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus were included in the study. Pure compounds possessing antiviral activity were excluded, and plants possessing activity against viruses other than viruses in inclusion criteria were excluded. Hundreds of plant extracts with antiviral effect were recognized. On the basis of the work of several independent research groups, the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against listed common viral diseases in the region has been proclaimed. In this context, the herbal formulations as alternative medicine may contribute to the eradication of complicated viral infection significantly. The current review consolidates the data of the various medicinal plants, holding promising specific antiviral activities scientifically proven through studies on experimental animal models. Consequently, the original research addressing the development of novel nutraceuticals based on listed medicinal plants is highly recommended for the management of viral disorders.
Keywords: Ayurveda; COVID 19; Virus
