An integrative approach to harnessing the potential of Traditional Indian Medicinal plants for acute viral infections

Viruses are known to significantly affect global health and are the leading cause of death worldwide as evident from numerous virus epidemics/ pandemics in the present and past. Though there are several antiviral therapies for human health care, only a few of them have significant therapeutic efficacy. The high costs of synthetic antiviral drugs, the rapid emergence of resistance, and the related side effects, are important challenges faced in anti-viral therapies. Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) has a major advantage over modern medicine with their wider therapeutic window and rare side effects. The phytochemicals from the plants have shown strong inhibition of many viral infections. In the present study, the TIM plants in the classical codified texts of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Sowa Rigpa (AYUSH) and plant repository of the National Innovation Foundation –India (NIF) database was reviewed to explore plants that have sufficient scientific experimental data demonstrating efficacy against different viruses. Fifteen years of literature presenting different treatment options available for control of viral infections was reviewed. It was found that reducing inflammation, enhancing immunity, and disrupting viral infection cycle were useful strategies for combating acute viral infections. In this paper, the authors suggest an integrative strategy of incorporating TIM plants in preventive healthcare that may act as the first line of defence against acute viral infections. Development of an effective polyherbal formulation from a combination of potent TLR antagonists (anti-inflammatory), immuno-modulators, antivirals, and herbs that are rich source of micronutrients (especially Vitamin C and Zn) can act as a preventive strategy for a wide range of viral infections.