Research Progress in Antiviral Targets and Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250099

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To elucidate the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) that are characterized by multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway interactions, and identify bioactive components with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in order to provide references for developing efficient and low-toxicity TCM formulations. Methods Modern techniques, including network pharmacology, molecular docking, high-throughput drug screening, integrative pharmacology, and structural biology, were reviewed to explore their applications in antiviral research on TCM. The binding capacity of TCM components to viral proteins and host targets, potential active ingredients in TCM formulations, and molecular pathways regulated by targets were summarized. Results TCM compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and organic acids exhibited antiviral effects by directly targeting viral invasion/replication-related proteins or modulating host targets involved in immune responses and inflammatory pathways. Conclusion TCM can not only directly inhibit viral proliferation and kill viruses, but also suppress excessive immune reactions post-infection. Additionally, it enhances immunity through immunoregulation, offering indirect antiviral benefits.

Key words: Antiviral Target, Host Target, Viral Target, Herbal Active Ingredient, Immune Response Reaction

CLC Number:

CUI Mengyao, LI Shuran, XIE Dan, YANG Xiaowei, LIU Xian, CUI Xiaolan, GENG Zihan, GUO Shanshan. Research Progress in Antiviral Targets and Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2025, 22(5): 481-487.

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https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2025/V22/I5/481

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