ABSTRACT
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and viral pneumonia pose significant health threats worldwide, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The emergence of drug-resistant viral strains and the limited efficacy of existing antiviral therapies has spurred the exploration of alternative treatment options. Medicinal plants and herbs have long been recognized for their therapeutic properties and have gained renewed interest as potential sources of antiviral compounds. This chapter comprehensively analyzes the current scientific literature on medicinal plants and herbs with potential efficacy against RSV and viral pneumonia. Through an extensive search of databases and relevant publications, this chapter identified numerous medicinal plants and herbs with documented antiviral activity against RSV and viral pneumonia. These natural sources have identified and characterized various active compounds, including polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils. The mechanisms of action underlying their antiviral activity involve inhibition of viral attachment, entry, replication, and release and modulation of host immune responses. Additionally, this review highlights the in vitro and in vivo studies conducted to evaluate the antiviral potential of medicinal plants and herbs, including their efficacy, safety, and potential synergistic effects with conventional antiviral drugs. The findings of this chapter emphasize the potential of medicinal plants and herbs as a valuable resource for developing novel antiviral therapies against RSV and viral pneumonia. Further research is warranted to unravel the full therapeutic potential of these natural compounds, optimize their formulation, and conduct rigorous clinical trials to validate their safety and efficacy. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches will contribute to discovering new antiviral agents and enhance global efforts in combating RSV and viral pneumonia.
