Antiviral astragalus

Reports on the antiviral activity of isoflavonoids isolated from medicinal plants have also been found in the literature. Calycosin-7-0-P-Z)-glucopyra-noside is the main isoflavonoid compound isolated from Astragalus... 

Astragalus chinensis L. Sha Yuan Zi (Vetch) (seed) Astragalin, canavanine, homoserine.33 436 Sedative, antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic effect. 

The pharmacologically active constituents of these Astragalus belong to two different kinds of chemical compounds, polysaccharides and saponins, and the most interesting pharmacological properties are hepatoprotective, immunostimulant and antiviral. 

PS from terrestrial plants have also been reported as anti-CMV agents. For example, PS from three plant species, Astragalus brachycentrus D. C., Astragalus echidnaeformis Sirjaev and Sterculia urens Roxb., which are devoid of in vitro antiviral activity, were evaluated in mouse models of murine CMV infections [109], Treatment with the compounds needed to be started one day prior to virus inoculation for maximum protective benefit. Treatments starting after virus inoculation were ineffective. The mannose-specific plant PS from the orchid species Cymbidium hybrid Cym., Epipactis helleborine (L) Crantz. and Listera ovata (L.) R.Br. Svenska are potent and selective inhibitors of human CMV in vitro [110], They presumably interact at the level of virion fusion with the target cell. 

---