Antiviral Medicinal Plants of Veterinary Importance: A Literature Review

Abstract

Viruses have a high mutation rate, and, thus, there is a continual emergence of new antiviral-resistant strains. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore and develop new antiviral compounds continually. The search for pharmacological substances of plant origin that are effective against animal viruses, which have a high mortality rate or cause large economic losses, has garnered interest in the last few decades. This systematic review compiles 130 plant species that exhibit antiviral activity on 37 different virus species causing serious diseases in animals. The kind of extract, fraction, or compound exhibiting the antiviral activity and the design of the trial were particularly considered for review. The literature revealed details regarding plant species exhibiting antiviral activities against pathogenic animal virus species of the following families–Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, Poxviridae, Nimaviridae, Coronaviridae, Reoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae–that cause infections, among others, in poultry, cattle, pigs, horses, shrimps, and fish. Overall, 30 plant species exhibited activity against various influenza viruses, most of them causing avian influenza. Furthermore, 30 plant species were noted to be active against Newcastle disease virus. In addition, regarding the pathogens most frequently investigated, this review provides a compilation of 20 plant species active against bovine herpesvirus, 16 against fowlpox virus, 12 against white spot syndrome virus in marine shrimps, and 10 against suide herpesvirus. Nevertheless, some plant extracts, particularly their compounds, are promising candidates for the development of new antiviral remedies, which are urgently required.

Autophagy Delays Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus in Epithelioma Papulosum Cyprinid Cells

“…So far, many rhabdovirus strains have been isolated and identified from wild or farmed fish bodies around the world in recent decades [ 17 ]. Revealing the infection and pathogenic mechanisms of fish rhabdoviruses is vital for the construction of antiviral techniques and development of vaccine or antiviral drugs in the future [ 18 ], as one strain of fish rhabdovirus, SCRV, could infect some kinds of fish and activate the typical programmed apoptotic cell death [ 19 ]. Recent research confirmed that it could activate autophagy via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway in one fish cell line, Chinese perch brain (CPB) [ 20 ].…”

Contribution of Symptomatic, Herbal Treatment Options to Antibiotic Stewardship and Microbiotic Health

“…However, some constituents with relevant pharmacological activity have been identified. For example, in vitro studies demonstrated the antiviral activity of various constituents of medicinal plants, e.g., quercetin, carvacrol, or theaflavins [ 111 ], as well as antibacterial activity of flavonoids [ 112 ], isothiocyanides [ 113 ], hydroquinone, and umbelliferone [ 114 ].…”

Structural insights into inhibition of PRRSV Nsp4 revealed by structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamics, and MM-PBSA studies

“…Antivirals might be useful in controlling and managing PRRSV, and recent studies have reported the ability of herbal extracts to inhibit PRRSV infection [ 6 – 8 ]. Many compounds derived from natural sources such as plants have shown inhibitory activity against viruses and a wide variety of pathogens [ 9 , 10 ]. Several natural compounds have demonstrated antiviral activity (for instance, immense potential for inhibiting viral replication) and drug-like activity [ 10 ].…”

“…Many compounds derived from natural sources such as plants have shown inhibitory activity against viruses and a wide variety of pathogens [ 9 , 10 ]. Several natural compounds have demonstrated antiviral activity (for instance, immense potential for inhibiting viral replication) and drug-like activity [ 10 ]. The identification of potent inhibitors of PRRSV from natural sources is challenging, as it requires compound extraction and evaluation of antiviral activity, both of which require funds and specific experimental equipment.…”