Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Preventive Management of Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Pandemic: Thwarting Potential Disasters in the Bud

Table 2

List of medicinal plants, from all over the world, which may prove useful in combating novel H1N1 flu by stimulating immune system.

Plant and its origin	Native	Family	Principal chemical compounds	Anti-influenza action	Reference
Quillaja saponaria	Central Chile	Quillajaceae	Glucoside saponin, tannins, polyphenols, calcium oxalate	Facilitate the removal of phlegm through coughing, hence aids in passive immunity.	[65]
Echinacea purpurea	North America	Compositae	Cichoric acid, ethanol- and ethyl acetate	Echinacea increases the levels of a chemical called properdin in the body which activates part of the immune system responsible for increasing the defence mechanisms against bacteria and viruses. It is also a potent anti-viral photosensitizer.	[66]
Salvia officinalis	Central and Southwestern Asia, Mexico	Lamiaceae	4-hydroxy-acetophenone-4-O-𝛽-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-𝛽-D-glucopyranoside	Salviae extract increased the levels of influenza virus specific antibodies and neutralizing activities also acts as mucosal adjuvant and immune modulator during influenza virus infection.	[67]
Nicotiana benthamiana	Australia	Solanaceae	Capsanthin, Carotenoids, glycolipids.	Induce a protective immune response against a lethal influenza viral challenge in mice against the influenza.	[68]
Ginkgo biloba	China and Japan	Ginkgoaceae	Flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides)	Ginkgo, improves blood flow and improves immunity.	[69]
Thuja occidentalis	North America, Europe	Cupressaceae	Thujone, Vitamin C	Leukocyte and cytokine induction, increases antibody response.	[70]
Withania somnifera	India	Solanaceae	Anaferine, anahygrine, beta-sisterol, chlorogenic acid, cysteine, cuscohygrine, pseudotropine, scopoletin, somniferinine, withaferin 𝛼, withanine, withananine, and withanolides	Stimulant for the immune system, also a very potent adaptogen.	[71]