Other compounds found in it are flavonoids, polymerized polyphenols, carotenes, tocopherols, betaine, and choline. The antimicrobial and antiviral activity of menthol has been WZ4002 reported. Mentha piperita has significant antiviral activity. Menthol is virucidal against influenza, herpes, and other viruses in vitro. Aqueous extracts of peppermint leaves exhibited antiviral activity against Influenza A, Newcastle disease virus, Herpes simplex virus, and Vaccinia virus in egg and cell culture systems. The oil contains terpenoids such as pinene or pinene, phellandren, and also ester connected with menthol or free acetic acid and isovaleric acid, which are mainly responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the herb. 5.1.9. Azadirachta indica. Azadirachta indica is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. Three bitter compounds that have been extracted from neem oil are nimbin, nimbinin, and nimbidin, respectively.
The seeds contain a complex secondary metabolite azadirachtin. All parts of the plant yield sitosterol. The antiviral activity of azadirachtin, nimbin, and nimbidin has been reported. Azadirachta indica extracts possess antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The tree stem, root, and bark possess astringent TG100-115 and tonic properties. In vitro antiviral activity of aqueous neem leaves extract, assessed in cloned cells of larvae of Aedes albopictus cells employing virus inhibition assay, showed inhibition in a dose dependent manner. Azadirachta indica has traditionally been used as an antiviral, and animal and laboratory research has shown promising results.
While researchers have still not pinpointed the exactmode of action of neem phytoconstituents, there is some evidence to show that they interfere with viral reproduction, thus minimizing the impact of viral infections. The effect of A. indica leaf extract and pure compound on the replication of Dengue virus type 2 has also been reported. Thus, neem can serve as a source of promising future antiviral drugs. 5.1.10. Aegle marmelos. Aegle marmelos also called Bael belongs to family Rutaceae. It contains primarily alkaloids, coumarins, and steroids. The leaves contain skimianinc, sterol, and aegelin. The active constituent of the fruit is marmorosin, which is identical to imperatorin. Coumarins contained in the fruits are altoimperatorin and sitosterol. Roots of the tree have been found to contain psoralin, xanthotoxin, scopoletin, and tebamide. A.
marmelos from India is reported to possess imperetorin, which has certain interesting biological properties such as analgesic, anti inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. All parts of this tree stem, bark, root, leaves, and fruit at all stages of maturity have been used in Ayurveda since ages. Medicated oil prepared from bael leaves gives relief from recurrent colds and respiratory infections. Its regular use builds up resistance to colds and coughs. The unripe fruit possesses significant antiviral activity. 5.1.11. Trachyspermum ammi. Trachyspermum ammi, called as Ajwain in Hindi and Bishops weed in English, is a member of the family Apiaceae. The principal constituents of the essential oil from the fruit are the phenols, mainly thymol and some carvacrol. The oil possesses p cymene, g terpinene, and pinenes, and dipentene, minute amounts of camphene, myrcene, and carene.