Title:Herbal Substances with Antiviral Effects: Features and Prospects for
the Treatment of Viral Diseases with Emphasis on Pro-Inflammatory
Cytokines
Volume: 31
Issue: 4
Author(s): Geir Bjørklund*, Roman Lysiuk, Yuliya Semenova, Larysa Lenchyk, Natalia Dub, Monica Daniela Doşa and Tony Hangan*
Affiliation:
- Department of Research, Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, herbal medicine, pro-inflammatory response, cytokines, antivirals.
Abstract: Viral diseases have a significant impact on human health, and three novel coronaviruses
(CoV) have emerged during the 21st century. In this review, we have emphasized
the potential of herbal substances with antiviral effects. Our investigation focused
on the features and prospects of viral disease treatment, with a particular emphasis on
proinflammatory cytokines. We conducted comprehensive searches of various databases,
including Science Direct, CABI Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Cytokine
storm mechanisms play a crucial role in inducing a pro-inflammatory response by triggering
the expression of cytokines and chemokines. This response leads to the recruitment
of leukocytes and promotes antiviral effects, forming the first line of defense against
viruses. Numerous studies have investigated the use of herbal medicine candidates as immunomodulators
or antivirals. However, cytokine-storm-targeted therapy is recommended
for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by SARS-CoV to survive
severe pulmonary failure. Our reviews have demonstrated that herbal formulations could
serve as alternative medicines and significantly reduce complicated viral infections. Furthermore,
they hold promising potential as specific antiviral agents in experimental animal
models.
