herbal medicines

In the present review, an attempt has been  made to gather the information about Influenza virus, specifically H3N2 virus. Influenza a H3N2 is a seasonal virus and the occurrence of influenza infections normally peaks during season changes. In this paper an attempt also been taken to collect the anti- influenza drugs with special reference to a list of medicinal herbs. The influenza virus causes a highly infectious, acute febrile respiratory illness that is extremely contagious. In humans, it is caused by influenza A (genus influenza virus A) and influenza B (genus influenza virus B)  Drug-resistant variants of human and avian influenza viruses are becoming more common, the greatest novel synthetic medicines are neuraminidase agents’ oseltamivir and zanamivir. Though there are several ways to reducing the negative effects of influenza and its subsequent problems, herbal medicines are favored due to their less adverse effects and inexpensive cost. A list of medicinal herbs with anti-influenza and other therapeutic properties and  herbal medicines used to treat colds and influenza has been prepared. This study highlights anti- influenza compounds and other therapeutic properties and herbal medicines used to treat colds and influenza in rural areas of India. This review will definitely help for the researchers as well as clinicians to develop drugs or compounds against the virus, further it may be used to conduct experimental and clinical trials to study the underlying mechanisms and efficacy of antiviral properties of Indian medicinal plants.

People believe ‘Herbal’ and ‘Ayurvedic’ medicines are safe for use without medical advice. However, it is evident in the literature that due to toxicity associated with metals that are used in such preparations; these formulations are not safe for human consumptions. Government agencies should put more stringent safeguards to deal with heavy metal toxicity in Herbal and Ayurvedic medicines to protect its population at large.