Botanical warriors: Harnessing nature's antiviral arsenal – A comprehensive study of medicinal plants combatting pathogenic viral infections

Abstract

Viral infection one of the major causes of concern, as it has complex pathophysiology and treatment challenges. Virus like Covid-19, Hepatitis, Dengue, and influenza are commonly occurred infection, there are different medication for the symptomatic relief, but a specific potent therapeutic option is rare. However, diverse medicinal plants include a variety of vital phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, alkaloids, acids and enzymes, and essential oils. There are also some bioactive phytoconstituents which showing antiviral activity for different types of viruses. Discovering newer antiviral drugs are always challenging for pharmaceutical companies. However, these are having specific spectrum as compared with the traditional existing various kind of natural products. Several studies have shown that medicinal plants definitely can be a promising approach in case of treatment. The mechanistic approach also proposed by several scientists through the computer assisted drug design and experimental process like in vivo and in vitro testing. So, the potent medication as well as the therapeutic option finding is the ultimate solution of this root cause problem. As most of the virus is highly contagious it’s very difficult to control the spreading. These plant-based products can be the pioneers for the treatment strategies for this kind of virus and future therapy.