Use of Plant Polyphenols in Antiviral Therapeutics

Plants are enriched with diversified and complex bioactive components that could immensely contribute towards Phyto-therapeutics without exerting any side-effects. In the context of pathogenic infections, several plant-derived antimicrobial agents have been found to be effective in specifically eliminating the pathogen-infected cells. Unlike the fewer known antiviral drugs, antibacterial agents are available against a wide range of pathogens. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, flowers, tea, wine, honey, etc. For centuries, these compounds have been used as the chief physiologically active constituents in treating several virus-associated diseases. Phenols and bioflavonoids are some of the major classes of polyphenols, enriched with antiviral properties. They are therapeutically efficient against a wide range of viral infections viz. HCV, HIV, influenza virus, herpes simplex virus, dengue virus, poliovirus, etc. Currently, the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of polyphenols has taken the central focus in drug delivery against pathogens. In the current comprehensive book, an attempt has been taken to highlight the recent research on plant polyphenols with antiviral activities, their mode of actions especially via nanoparticle tagging, and many other novels and newer insights into the Phyto-therapeutic field against viral infection.