Plant as a source of natural antiviral agents

Abstract

Viruses are one of the main hazards for both humans and animals. They enter in the living body and redirect body's metabolism to produce large copies of their genome and proteins. Diseases caused by these viruses are difficult to tackle with the help of currently available antiviral drugs. So the aim of this study was to explore the plants with reported antiviral activity, to get understanding for better control of these viruses. Herpes virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), influenza and hepatitis virus were at top among all studied viruses. Prominent modes of action against these viruses were inhibition of viral entry and its replication in host cell. Against RNA viruses plants mainly targeted their Reverse Transcriptase (RT) enzyme (like HIV) or protease (mostly found against hepatitis C virus). A range of active compounds have been identified which could be the potential antiviral agents for future drug development. Some plants like Allium sativum, Daucus maritimus, Helichrysum aureonitens, Pterocaulon sphacelatum and Quillaja saponaria emerged to have broad spectrum antiviral activity. Detail study of their phy to chemicals and mode of action against these viruses could be help full for more effective control of hazardous viruses. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.