Linking chemistry to activity: Antiviral effects and GC–MS phytochemical profile of Smilax zeylanica Linn

Viral infections are among the most prevalent global health threats, with emerging strains capable of disrupting normal life. Current antiviral drugs are often expensive, have significant side effects, and can promote secondary infections, creating an urgent need for safer, plant-based alternatives. Smilax zeylanica Linn, a medicinal plant widely used in Indian traditional medicine, was investigated for its antiviral potential. Smilax zeylanica Linn leaves were extracted using aqueous and ethanol solvents, the ethanol extract exhibited higher antiviral activity and was fractionated into petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were evaluated on lentivirus-infected Vero cells using the MTT assay. The chloroform fraction demonstrated the most notable activity. GC–MS analysis revealed a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, terpenoids, and fatty acid derivatives. These findings suggest Smilax zeylanica Linn as a promising candidate for developing novel, plant-derived antiviral agents, warranting further phytochemical isolation and mechanistic studies.