Plant Biotechnology Persa

fa Anti-Influenza Medicinal Plants: A Phytotherapeutic Review of Mechanisms and Efficacy <div style="text-align: justify;">Objective: Influenza is a common viral illness that primarily affects the respiratory system, often presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Due to the limitations of conventional treatments and their potential side effects, phytotherapy or the use of medicinal plants has gained increasing attention as a complementary approach to managing the disease. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants used for treating influenza, analyzing their mechanisms of action in light of both traditional medicine and contemporary scientific evidence. Methodology: In this narrative review, relevant keywords such as “influenza,” “traditional medicine,” “medicinal plants,” and “treatment” were searched across several academic databases, including Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and Scopus. Irrelevant studies were excluded, and those deemed relevant were selected for further analysis. Results: According to the findings, a variety of medicinal plants have been traditionally used in the treatment of influenza and cold-like symptoms in children. These include Curcuma longa L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Salvia officinalis L., Mentha piperita L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Allium sativum L., Piper nigrum L., Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Hypericum perforatum L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Echinacea angustifolia DC., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Thymus vulgaris L., Urtica dioica L., Sideritis scardica Griseb., Tribulus terrestris L., Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Crocus sativus L., Melissa officinalis L., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., and Origanum vulgare L.. Among these, the Lamiaceae family accounts for the highest proportion (26.1%), followed by Asteraceae (17.4%) and Zingiberaceae (8.7%). Collectively, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae represent over 43% of all cited species, suggesting a traditional emphasis on these botanical families for their anti-influenza properties. In terms of therapeutic attributes, antiviral effects were most frequently reported (39.1%), followed by immune-boosting properties (34.8%), with anti-inflammatory and symptom-relieving effects each cited in 26.1% of the sources. Additional effects such as antimicrobial, respiratory symptom relief, and mild sedative action were also noted, albeit with lower frequencies. Overall, the focus of these plant-based interventions lies primarily in their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, with secondary benefits supporting symptom management. Conclusion: This review underscores the potential role of various medicinal plants in the complementary management of influenza. Given the prevalence and symptomatic burden of the illness, phytotherapy may serve as a safe and effective adjunct to conventional treatments, particularly in high-risk populations such as children. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage of these plant-based remedies in human populations.  </div> Infection, Virus, Influenza, Medicinal Plants, Treatment 151 157 http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-423-12&slc_lang=fa&sid=1 Rahim Asghari rahimasghari@gmail.com 10031947532846005970 10031947532846005970 No Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Somayeh Mohammadi sm9589920@gmail.com 10031947532846005971 0009-0002-8202-8834 Yes Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran