PLANT-SUBSTANCES AS ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

Among the numerous compounds that have been reported to exhibit potent antiviral activity in cell cultures and/or in experimental animals ar e several natural products isolated from higher plants. Some of these plant compounds exhibit an unique antiviral mechanism and are good can didates for further clinical research. In this review, an approach to the isolation of potential antiviral plant agents and lead compounds i s outlined. A discussion of plant selection, followed by a description of antiviral testing, both in vitro and in vivo, is also given. The i mportance of the plant kingdom as a source of potent antiviral lead su bstances will be illustrated by presenting a survey on plant-derived a nti-herpes virus and anti-human immunodeficiency virus agents.