Antiviral Medicinal Plants of Veterinary Importance (A Literature Review)

Today, there is an ever-increasing need for substances with antiviral effects since specific therapies against viral infections often appear unsatisfying and limited. Treatment with antiviral drugs often leads to the formation of new genetic virus mutations, which are resistant to drug therapy. Hence, medicinal plants with their diversified secondary compounds provide a promising alternative solution. Plant substances that are effective against animal viruses have been the subject of intensive research over the last few decades. The objective of this systematic review was to survey plant species with activities against viruses causing serious animal diseases, particularly those with high mortality rate or substantial economic losses. The methods were based on the recommendations of the PRISMA statement and the AMSTAR measurement tool. The kind of extract, fraction, or compound exhibiting the antiviral activity of the plants and the design of the trial were particularly considered. In total, 130 plant species that exhibit antiviral activity on 37 different virus species of the following families – Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, Poxviridae, Nimaviridae, Coronaviridae, Reoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae were compiled in this systematic review. These species cause infections, among others, in poultry, cattle, pigs, horses, shrimps, and fish. Overall, 30 plant species exhibited activity against various influenza viruses, and 30 plant species were noted to be active against the Newcastle disease virus. In addition, several plant species were effective against the bovine herpes virus and the fowlpox virus. Some of these plant compounds are promising candidates for the development of new antiviral remedies, which are urgently required.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
13. Dezember 2021