A systemic review on medicinal plants and their bioactive constituents against avian influenza and further confirmation through in-silico analysis

Background: Avian influenza or more commonly known as bird flu is a widespread infectious disease in poultry. This review aims to accumulate information of different natural plant sources that can aid in combating this disease. Influenza virus (IV) is known for its ability to mutate and infect different species (including humans) and cause fatal consequences.

Methods: Total 33 plants and 4 natural compounds were identified and documented. Molecular docking was performed against the target viral protein neuraminidase (NA), with some plant based natural compounds and compared their results with standard drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamivir to obtain novel drug targets for influenza in chickens.

Results: It was seen that most extracts exhibit their action by interacting with viral hemagglutinin or neuraminidase and inhibit viral entry or release from the host cell. Some plants also interacted with the viral RNA replication or by reducing proinflammatory cytokines. Ethanol was mostly used for extraction. Among all the plants Theobroma cacao, Capparis Sinaica Veil, Androgarphis paniculate, Thallasodendron cillatum, Sinularia candidula, Larcifomes officinalis, Lenzites betulina, Datronia molis, Trametes gibbose exhibited their activity with least concentration (below 10 μg/ml). The dockings results showed that some natural compounds (5,7- dimethoxyflavone, Aloe emodin, Anthocyanins, Quercetin, Hemanthamine, Lyocrine, Terpenoid EA showed satisfactory binding affinity and binding specificity with viral neuraminidase compared to the synthetic drugs.

Conclusion: This review clusters up to date information of effective herbal plants to bolster future influenza treatment research in chickens. The in-silico analysis also suggests some potential targets for future drug development but these require more clinical analysis.

Comments：

It is interesting to note that many of the identified plants act by interacting with viral hemagglutinin or neuraminidase, which are important proteins for viral entry and release from host cells. It is also noteworthy that some plants can reduce proinflammatory cytokines, which may help to alleviate symptoms of the disease.

The identification of natural compounds with potential binding affinity and specificity for viral neuraminidase compared to synthetic drugs is a promising finding for future drug development. However, it is important to note that in-silico analysis is just the first step in drug discovery and that clinical analysis is required to validate the efficacy of these compounds.

Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential use of natural plant sources for combating avian influenza in chickens and highlights the importance of continued research in this area.

Related Products

Cat.No.	Product Name	Information
S3007	Zanamivir	Zanamivir (GG167,GR 121167X) is a neuraminidase inhibitor used in the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza caused by influenza A virus and influenza B virus.

Related Targets

Influenza Virus Neuraminidase