*Dr. Rajendra Prasad Pathak, Divisional Ayurvedic & Unani Officer (Retired), Shahjahanpur, UP
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Paper Received: 18-04-2021 Paper Accepted: 12-05-2021 Corrected: 30-05-21
Abstract: Some of pandemics have occurred throughout the history as even Veda refers to causing agents under drishya and adrishya. Viruses and bacteria are dealt under adrishya. Viruses are matter of interest looking to horrible scenario COVID-19. Ayurveda has indicated number of drugs for such cases, maximum being from herbal origins. They work by various modes including interference with life-cycle of viruses, inhibiting replication, disrupting the attachment with host cells etc.
The aim of this paper is to illustrate the antiviral activities of herbs used in Ayurevda or their compounds working against different viruses. Haridra is observed to work against a wide range of viruses of both types RNAs’ and DNAs’ by inhibiting replication or by blocking the entry. Rasona and its organosulfur compounds have been investigated against Kaposi sarcoma-associated virus while Sulfonoquinovosyldiacylglyceride (SQDC), a glycolipid isolated from leaves of Nimba shows inhibitory effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2. Even anthraquinones of Kumaari is observed working against both RNA and DNA viruses by inhibiting attachment to host cells or penetrating the viruses. Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin isolated compounds from Bhumyamakali have shown antiviral activities by involving GAGs receptor. The ethanolic extract of leaves of Kaalmegha have been successfully investigated against HIV and SRV. Many more herbs used in Ayurveda are presented in this paper.
Key Words: Ayurveda, Antiviral herbs, Plant compounds, Mode of action of antiviral herbs…………………