Potential of selected Lamiaceae plants in anti(retro)viral therapy

Abstract

Constant search for new drugs with antiviral properties often extends to products of natural origin. Lamiaceae is one of the most important herbal families, well known for various biological and medicinal effects of a variety of aromatic spices, including thyme, mint, oregano, basil, sage, savory, rosemary, self-heal, hyssop, lemon balm and many others. The paper provides a review of antiviral potential of previously mentioned plants which has been demonstrated so far, with special emphasis on anti-HIV properties. Relevant articles were compiled by searching plant names combined with keywords describing antiviral activity. The antiviral effect is direct, with prominent activity against enveloped viral species. Initial stages of the viral life cycle are the most affected, as these plants appear to be targeting mainly viral structures responsible for attachment to target cells. In case of HIV, there is some activity against key enzymes in the viral life cycle. Even in the case of drug resistance, there is an equal susceptibility to applied herbal preparations. Some in vivo experiments suggest that use of Lamiaceae representatives could help in prevention and treatment of some viral diseases. A possible reduction of side effects of diseases and conventional drug therapy are also some aspects worth further investigations.

Medicinal Plants of the Family Lamiaceae in Pain Therapy: A Review

“…The Lamiaceae family, one of the most important herbal families, incorporates a wide variety of plants with biological and medical applications. The most known members of this family are a variety of aromatic spices like thyme, mint, oregano, basil, sage, savory, rosemary, self-heal, hyssop, lemon balm, and some others with more limited use [ 31 ].…”

Essential Oil Composition, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity - Determined from Leaves, Flowers and Stems of Origanum Vulgare L. Var. Aureum

“…Recently, many industrial branches have shown interest again in MAPs and their bioactive compounds with potential applications in food industry, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and perfumes (Moisă et al, 2017;Pereira et al, 2013;Zrig et al, 2016,). Different plants belonging to the Lamiaceaefamily are dispersed worldwide and represent the 6 th largest plant family containing over 200 genera and over 7000 species (Bekut et al, 2017;Trivellini et al, 2016). The genus Origanumincludes 39 herbaceous and perennial species (Martins et al, 2014;Moisă et al, 2018) that are widely distributed predominantly in the Mediterranean region, and have specific glandular and non-glandular hairs which secrete essential oils, that give the plants their specific odour (Ličina et al, 2013).…”

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Medical Plants from the Lamiaceae Family as Effective Sources of Active Compounds against Human Cancer Cell Lines

“…Plants of this family are characterized by square stems and opposite leaves [ 72 , 73 ]. The most famous representatives are thyme, mint, oregano, basil, sage, savory, rosemary, hyssop, and lemon balm, which are used as aromatic spices, and some others with more limited uses [ 74 ]. Historically, species in the Lamiaceae family have enjoyed a long history of use in flavoring, preserving food, and for medicinal purposes.…”