THE ROLE OF HERBS IN MANAGEMENT OF VIRAL DISEASES

Herbal medicine has gained significant attention as a complementary approach to treating viral diseases, particularly in the context of increasing drug resistance and the side effects associated with conventional antiviral medications. Various herbal plants have demonstrated antiviral properties through their phytochemical constituents, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The review highlighting their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and traditional uses in managing viral infections like influenza, hepatitis, and COVID-19. The findings suggest that while herbal remedies can provide supportive treatment and enhance immune response, further clinical trials are necessary to establish their efficacy and safety profiles. Integrating these herbal treatments into conventional therapies may offer a holistic approach to viral disease management. Herbal medicine has emerged as a promising avenue for the treatment and management of viral diseases, particularly due to the growing concerns over the side effects of conventional antiviral drugs and the rising incidence of drug-resistant viral strains. Numerous studies have documented the antiviral properties of various herbal plants, which possess bioactive compounds that interfere with viral replication and enhance the host's immune response. This review highlights several significant herbal plants renowned for their antiviral properties, including Garlic, Zingiber officinale (ginger), Neem (Azadirachta indica) etc. Keywords- Herbal medicine, antiviral, ginger, Herbal plants, pathogenic virus , hepatitis C virus, host cell, immunodeficiency virus ,Respiratory viruses, Clinical trials, viral diseases, Traditional medicine, Complementary therapy, Natural remedies, Phototherapy, Viral replication, Immune support.