Effective Natural Drug Remedies against Herpes Zoster: A Review

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, is a painful vesicular rash resulting from reactivation of the virus that also causes chickenpox – Varicella zoster virus (VZV). Typically, the rash runs its course in a matter of 4-5 weeks. The pain, however, may persist months, even years, after the skin heals. This phenomenon is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This review tried to provide more comprehensive and accurate data on the effects of different herbals on the VZV as a probable alternative treatment for VZV. Further clarification of the herbals interactions with VZV is required which could provide valuable information about the chemical nature and mechanism(s) of action of the potential anti-VZV molecule(s) and all the most potential plant extracts must undertake further analysis and purification steps with the aim of identifying the active elements existing in the herbals. Key words: Herpes zoster (HZ), Shingles, Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Post neuralgia, Natural products