Dengue and natural remedies for its prevention and control: A review

Abstract

Dengue virus is the most common mosquito borne viral infection and is caused by four different serotypes of dengue virus, named DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4, which belongs to Flaviviridae family and Flavivirus genus. It is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito from one infected person to another healthy person. A frontal headache, retro-orbital pain, body aches, rashes, nausea, vomiting, weakness and a high body temperature are the main symptoms of dengue infection. Dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome can result in death in severe cases if proper treatment is not given. Several medical technologies, such as monoclonal antibodies, tetravalent subunits, inactivated and live attenuated vaccines have been adopted globally, but developing and under developed countries cannot afford them due to high costs. Various developing countries use herbal and natural remedies to prevent and control dengue. In this review, we are discussing about various plant species that have antiviral, ovicidal, larvicidal and mosquito repellent properties as well as compound that can be used to treat dengue fever. Boesenbergia rotunda and Quercus lusitanica are widely used for treatment and control of dengue. Plant products and herbal remedies provided alternative of medicine for cure and recovery of various diseases including dengue fever.