Review on Herbal alternatives for the treatment of Herpes zoster infection

Background: Herpes viruses are responsible for a variety of mild to severe human diseases, which are sometimes life-threatening, particularly in immunocompromised patients and neonates. After the latency period, the latent virus is reactivated spontaneously causing recurrent infections in immunocompromised patients. Search for new effective anti-herpetic drugs are important due to the development of Acyclovirresistant herpes viruses’ mutants’ particularly in immunosuppressed and in immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Many natural plants are known to have antiviral activity and parts of them have been already used for the treatment of human infections with RNA and DNA viruses. Aim: In the present review a critical analysis of data regarding the use of herbal plants in the treatment of varicella-zoster virus infection has been done. Methods: Information available regarding varicella zoster virus infection and traditional medicinal herbs used for its treatment is collected, analyzed and compiled from various sources of literature both online and offline. Observations: Review on the eight medicinal plants exhibit good virucidal action and anti-inflammatory action in herpes infection. Conclusion: The reviewed medicinal plants revealed antiviral activity against herpes zoster virus. Suitable formulations containing these herbal constituents can assist in control of varicella zoster virus infection.