Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Egypt with Antiviral Potential: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#plants-medicinal #humans #antiviral-agents #egypt #phytotherapy

Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Egypt with Antiviral Potential: A Systematic Review

Elkhouly et al., 2024 | Altern Ther Health Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Elkhouly Abdallah M, Baldam Maram Y, ... Mansour Fotouh R. Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Egypt with Antiviral Potential: A Systematic Review. Altern Ther Health Med. 2024-Aug;30(8):43-51

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Viral diseases are a worldwide concern as some of them are associated with unexpectedly high mortality rates. Common viruses include e.g., Influenza virus, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and recently COVID-19. Many viral diseases are still incurable by conventional antiviral drugs. Moreover, the emergence of resistant viral strains has reinforced the search for other alternatives. In ancient times, herbal therapy was commonly used where medicinal formulations were created from various plants. In recent times, in vitro, in vivo, animal studies, and clinical trials have revealed the antiviral properties of these plants, sparking hope for the treatment of serious viral diseases. The present review aims to summarize studies that focus on medicinal plants available in Egypt with antiviral properties. METHODS: The articles published in English between 1988 and 2022 and available in PubMed and Scopus databases with the relevant keywords were included. RESULTS: Thirty-two plants in Egypt have met the criteria and possess in vitro or in vivo antiviral activity via different mechanisms. Only five of them; Camellia sinensis, Marine algae, Zizyphus spina-christi L., Trachyspermum Ammi, and Aloe Vera have been proven to be effective in vivo. For COVID-19, thirteen plants have shown efficacy against SARS-Cov-2 via different mechanisms including Camellia sinensis, Cinnamomum Verum, Punica granatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Marine algae, Phlomis aurea oil, Solanum nigrum, Trachyspermum Ammi, Arum palaestinum, Aloe Vera, and Cyperus rotundus. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the current scientific evidence on 32 medicinal plant species cultivated in Egypt that have demonstrated antiviral properties against various DNA and RNA viruses through in vitro and in vivo studies, highlighting their potential as prospective sources for the development of novel antiviral therapies. Further clinical research is still warranted to validate the effectiveness and safety of these plants as complementary treatment options for viral infections.

Key Findings

Thirty-two plants in Egypt have met the criteria and possess in vitro or in vivo antiviral activity via different mechanisms. Only five of them; Camellia sinensis, Marine algae, Zizyphus spina-christi L., Trachyspermum Ammi, and Aloe Vera have been proven to be effective in vivo. For COVID-19, thirteen plants have shown efficacy against SARS-Cov-2 via different mechanisms including Camellia sinensis, Cinnamomum Verum, Punica granatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Marin

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Humans
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Egypt
  • Phytotherapy
  • Animals
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Plant Extracts
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Virus Diseases

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

  • PMID: 39110055
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09