Antiviral

Antiviral herbs help prevent and treat viral infections by interfering with the viral life cycle by preventing them from attaching, penetrating, or replicating within host cells. Antivirals strengthen the body’s natural defense mechanisms by stimulating immune cell activity and modulating inflammatory responses.

Their activity can be attributed to multiple phytoconstituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and saponins, which act through diverse mechanisms including inhibition of viral enzymes or release from infected cells. These herbs may also offer symptomatic relief from viral infections and aid recovery.

Examples of antivirals include andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), garlic (Allium sativum), and baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis).