The antiviral potential of Phyllanthus species: a systematic review

AbstractViral infections and diseases caused by viruses are worldwide problems. According to a WHO report, three to five million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) each year globally. Since some viruses mutate very quickly, developing antiviral drugs can be a daunting task. Moreover, currently used synthetic drugs are toxic and associated with side effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for alternative natural remedies that have low toxicity, a new mechanism of action, and no major side effects.Phyllanthus plants have traditionally been used to treat viral hepatitis and liver damage in many tropical and subtropical countries worldwide. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential ofPhyllanthus spp. against HBV, HCV, HIV, herpes simplex virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The inferences fromin vitro andin vivo studies and clinical trials validate the use ofPhyllanthus in antiviral remedies.
Source: Archives of Virology - Category: Virology Source Type: research