Volume 7, Issue 2 (5-2025)
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Seyfi M, Shahsavari S. Phytotherapy in Influenza: A Review of Medicinal Plants Effective against Influenza. pbp 2025; 7 (2)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-273-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-273-en.html
1- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran & School of Medicine, Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
2- Islamic Azad University, Science and Research BranchThis link is disabled., Tehran, Iran ,somayeh.shahsavari.pbp@gmail.com
2- Islamic Azad University, Science and Research BranchThis link is disabled., Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (28 Views)
Objective: Influenza is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Given the limitations of conventional treatments and their potential side effects, phytotherapy, or treatment with medicinal plants, has gained attention as a complementary approach for managing this illness. This study aims to review the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants that are effective against influenza and analyze their mechanisms of action based on traditional medicine teachings and scientific evidence.
Methods: In this review study, key terms such as influenza, traditional medicine, medicinal plants, and treatment were searched in databases including Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and Scopus. Irrelevant articles were excluded, and relevant articles were used for the literature review.
Results: Several medicinal plants, including turmeric, ginger, echinacea, and peppermint, are used in traditional medicine for treating cold and flu. The most common plant families are Lamiaceae (26.1%) and Asteraceae (17.4%). The main therapeutic properties are antiviral (39.1%) and immune-boosting (34.8%), followed by anti-inflammatory and symptom-relieving effects (26.1%). Other properties, like antimicrobial and sedative effects, were less common.
Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of medicinal plants in managing and treating influenza. Given the widespread nature of the disease and its disruptive symptoms, phytotherapy can complement conventional treatments, helping to reduce illness severity and accelerate recovery. The findings suggest that these plants are a safe and effective option, especially for high-risk groups like children. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm their safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage and administration methods.
Methods: In this review study, key terms such as influenza, traditional medicine, medicinal plants, and treatment were searched in databases including Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and Scopus. Irrelevant articles were excluded, and relevant articles were used for the literature review.
Results: Several medicinal plants, including turmeric, ginger, echinacea, and peppermint, are used in traditional medicine for treating cold and flu. The most common plant families are Lamiaceae (26.1%) and Asteraceae (17.4%). The main therapeutic properties are antiviral (39.1%) and immune-boosting (34.8%), followed by anti-inflammatory and symptom-relieving effects (26.1%). Other properties, like antimicrobial and sedative effects, were less common.
Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of medicinal plants in managing and treating influenza. Given the widespread nature of the disease and its disruptive symptoms, phytotherapy can complement conventional treatments, helping to reduce illness severity and accelerate recovery. The findings suggest that these plants are a safe and effective option, especially for high-risk groups like children. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm their safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage and administration methods.
Received: 2024/11/7 | Accepted: 2025/01/19 | Published: 2025/05/31
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