AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR

2 ADENOVIRUS DISEASES
Dr. Firoj A. Tamboli*, Dr. Harinath N. More, Sajid A. Mulani,
Vijaya G. Chougule, Yogesh S. Kolekar
*Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Bharati Vidyapeeth College
of Pharmacy, Kolhapur -416013 Maharashtra, India.
firojtamboli143@[Link]

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION
Adenoviruses were discovered in
Adenoviruses (AdVs) are icosahedral
1953. Adenoviruses are a common
and the most complex non-enveloped
infection that can produce a variety
types of viruses. Adenoviruses were
of clinical syndromes in
first discovered in 1953 when a
immunocompromised people,
cytopathogenic agent was discovered
ranging from gastrointestinal,
during the long-term cultivation of
respiratory tract, and urinary tract
tonsil and adenoidal tissues after
disease to widespread disease. As a
operations in children with Rowe and
result of original infection or
Coworkers. More than 120 species of
reactivation of the latent virus,
adenovirus have been identified in
adenovirus infections may emerge in
humans, mammals, birds, fish, and
this distinct group. In individuals
reptiles. Human adenoviruses are
with pneumonia and disseminated
generally not causing severe disease
illness, the disease can be potentially
in immunosuppressed humans but
progressive, with substantial fatality
can cause severe infections in
rates. When immunocompromised
immune-compromised people [1].
patients appear with any clinical
Human adenoviruses have been
condition that could be associated
suspected as infectious agents, who
with adenoviral infection, adenovirus
are responsible for numerous
should always be evaluated. After
diseases; they may infect the
diagnosis proper treatment should be
respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract
carried out since only two allopathy
and also cause ophthalmic disorders.
drugs are used to date we should go
Adenoviruses typically cause mild,
for some alternative ayurveda
self-limiting respiratory diseases,
treatment in its mild stage. The main
mainly in children, as a result of
contribution of this study is to
normal host responses such as the
highlight the ayurvedic approach to
generation of cytokines and
heal this disease. This comparative
activation of effector leukocytes [2].
study has brought to you several
medicinal plants such as Syzygium Structure of adenovirus:
aromaticum, Black soybean,
pomegranate peel extract, lemon Adenoviruses are dsDNA viruses that
balm, Radix lithosphere, etc. which are categorized into six groups based
tend to have a remarkable anti- on biochemical, immunological, and
adenovirus activity.

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 11

morphological criteria. There are at for adenovirus. Fever, hack, rapid
least 51 human Adenovirus breathing, wheezing, and sore throat
serotypes. Adenoviruses are 90 to are common symptoms. It can also
100 nanometers in size, with an cause diarrhea, as well as an infection
icosahedral capsid made up of three of the eyes and urinary tract. The
major components: hexon, penton mild infection of adenovirus can cure
base, and thin fibers, with hexon on without any treatment, but severe
the faces and corners of the capsid. infections can lead to respiratory and
Penton base is located on the 12 hepatic failure, as well as death [3].
fivefold apices; thin fibers are
attached to the penton base. Other Diagnosis
minor components are IIIa, VI, VIII, The detection of acute respiratory
and IX, and they are associated with disorders based solely on clinical
the capsid. Inside the capsid is the diagnosis is exceedingly challenging
virion protease which assumes a due to the similar symptoms of viral
crucial part in the get together of the and bacterial infections.
virion and the double-strand DNA
genome-related with five 1. Adenoviral Culture and Isolation:
polypeptides (terminal protein (TP), The gold standard for detecting
V, VII, Mu, and IVa2) [2]. adenoviruses is their isolation and
rapid identification in clinical
How Adenovirus spread samples. This method is the reference
Adenovirus can spread from infected for all other diagnostic methods and
person to healthy person; it also can is an indication of disease etiology.
spread from touching a surface or
objects that are contaminated with the 2. Microscopic and Serological
virus. Persons can infect by inhaling Methods: Adenoviruses can be
the virus droplets from air, from a detected in stool samples using an
person who coughs or sneezes. Can electron microscope because of their
spread by the hands touching infected distinctive shape. Antigens against
eyes (conjunctiva) or nose or cough adenovirus can be detected using
mucus. It also can spread from the immunofluorescent microscopy in
stool of a person having diarrhea. nasopharyngeal swabs. The technique
Adenovirus can survive up to a is extremely sensitive and precise.
month on environmental surfaces [3].
3. Immunomorphological Methods:
Symptoms Antibodies to adenovirus can be
detected using immune enzymatic
Adenovirus infections can happen at (EIA), radio immunologic (RIA), and
any season, but they are most immunofluorescent (IFA) (direct and
common in the winter and early indirect) testing. One of the antigen-
spring. Adenovirus primarily affects antibody reaction ingredients is
children under the age of five. The bound with a specific marker, i.e., an
respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) enzyme, radioisotope, or
tracts are the most common targets fluorochrome [4].

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 12

 Fig.2.1 Model of Adenovirus type5, Adapted from [5]

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF
THE ADENOVIRUS intussusceptions, hepatitis, and
appendicitis. Adenoviruses are also
INFECTION responsible for bronchopulmonary
dysplasia and chronic obstructive
Adenovirus generally infects post
lung diseases [4].
mitotic cells and some important
tissues like skeletal muscle, heart,
brain, and lungs. Infections of the
Mechanism of multiplication
lungs and gastrointestinal tract are the When an adenovirus infects a person,
most prevalent Adenovirus it does so by binding fibers to a
infections. In adults, it may cause specific receptor on the cell surface.
exudative pharyngitis and acute The virus enters the cell via
respiratory disease epidemics. Febrile endocytosis when the penton base
laryngitis and conjunctivitis, keratitis binds with the surface protein av
and conjunctivitis, necrotizing integrins. Acidification of the
enterocolitis, pharyngeal-conjunctival endosome causes the virion to be
fever, and hemorrhagic cystitis are all released into the cytoplasm; causes
possible complications. Adenovirus the virion to migrate to the nucleus.
is a less prevalent virus; testis, Adenoviruses release viral DNA for
nephritis, arthritis, myocarditis, and virus replication inside the nucleus.
pericarditis are all symptoms of The adenovirus replication cycle is
infection. Infections of the separated into two stages: early phase
gastrointestinal system and and late phase. The beginning stage
gastroenteritis are common in conveys regulatory proteins which
children, as are mesenteric can activate other viral genes, to
lymphadenitis, agonal

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 13

circumvent the early death of infected Black soybean
cells, and to adjust the appearance of Traditionally black soybean infusion
host proteins for DNA synthesis. The has been used as a folk medicine that
late phase can start when components can treat pharyngolaryngeal
for DNA replication are ready. The symptoms like acute respiratory
powerful major late promoter (MLP) diseases such as sore throat, and for
is responsible for late viral gene improving hoarseness (hoarse voice)
transcription, which encodes the viral and sputum expectoration. Usually,
structural proteins and proteins for acute respiratory diseases are caused
the maturation of viral particles. The due to virus infections such as
virus is built into a virion and then adenovirus, influenza virus, and
released to infect more cells via coxsackievirus. Hence, the
virally induced cell lysis [2]. pharmacological effect shown by
black soybean extract may be due to
ALLOPATHIC REMEDY antiviral activity. A study has been
FOR HUMAN carried out which says that hot water
extract of black soybean especially
ADENOVIRUS cotyledon has a significant action
Even though adenoviruses have been against adenovirus which is in a
recognized for quite a long time, yet dose-dependent manner [8].
there is no FDA-supported
medication for the treatment of
human adenovirus disease. Currently, Pomegranate Peel Extract
only two antiviral medications, Pomegranate fruit, leaves, bark, roots
cidofovir, and ribavirin are used in have been used widely but
first-line adenovirus therapy [2]. predominantly for gastrointestinal
disorders out of which its rind and
AYURVEDIC REMEDIES bark are used in the treatment of
tapeworm and diarrhea. Pomegranate
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum):
[Link] contains a wide fruit juice is said to be an anti-fever
spectrum of different chemical agent. It is rich in iron content and
constituents such as sesquiterpenes, possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral
triterpenoids, tannins, and eugenyl activity as well as being used in
acetate, eugenol, and β-caryophyllene reducing simple throat pain. The
is the most remarkable bioactive main phenolic compounds in
compound in clove oil as an pomegranate peel are ellagic acid,
antioxidant [6]. It possesses gallic acid, and punicalagin which act
antimutagenic activity in addition, it on human adenovirus. The study
also shows antiviral activity. The stated that n-butanol fraction and
phenolic compound eugenol shows a gallic acid compounds possess the
significant anti-adenovirus activity. highest anti-adenovirus activity. They
This eugenol does not prevent the did not prevent the entry of the virus
entry of adenovirus but acts after its but showed inhibitory action after its
penetration into the cell by showing penetration. Also, there is a
inhibitory action [7]. possibility of synergistic effect

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 14

because compounds show against allergic or hypersensitivity
comparatively lower activity than n- reactions by inhibiting histamine
butanol fraction so the action might release and producing inflammatory
be due to ellagic acid or punicalagin cytokine in mast cells, recent
present in it, this study gave the research has shown that LR has
future idea for the investigation to the different activities like antiviral, anti-
researchers [9]. cancer, anti-bacterial and also has
wound healing properties. Shikonin
inhibits the hexon protein which is
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) expressed by Adv3 and thus, inhibits
The essential oil extracted from fresh proliferation. Also, reduce apoptosis
or dried leaves, flowers and branches induced by Adv3 infection. Hence,
contains mainly citronellal, citral, and the study says that shikonin could
geranial. It also contains caffeic acid combat Adv3 by inhibiting apoptosis
and several more flavonoids, in a concentration-dependent manner
rosmarinic acid ferulic acid. Different [11].
experiments have stated that it
possesses antioxidant, antianxiety, Black tea (Camellia sinensis)
antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal Black tea is the richest source of
activity. Traditionally this plant is phenolic compounds which possess
utilized to treat depression, antioxidant activity. Various in-vitro
bronchitis, asthma, menstrual studies had been previously carried
problems, hypertension, migraines, out to check the anti-viral activity of
vertigo, fever, snake bite, eczema. C. Sinensis against herpes viruses
Research had been done to evaluate and influenza so, a study was
the anti-adenovirus activity of this performed by Ali Karimi to evaluate
herb by Mohammad et al. and they the anti-viral activity of C. Sinensis
noticed that hydroalcoholic extract of against adenovirus and it has shown
Melissa officinalis L. showed a that the black tea extract inhibited the
remarkable inhibitory effect on adenovirus after its infection [12].
adenovirus after infection [10]. It is
said that caffeic acid derivatives like Pistacia atlantica Desf.
rosmarinic acid, are potent Pistacia atlantica Desf. was used as
antioxidants with reputed antiviral traditional medicine as it shows the
activity. gastrointestinal effect, hepatic and
splenic effect, antidepressant
Radix lithosphere property, respiratory benefits,
Lithospermi radix (LR) is a urogenital effect, dermatologic effect.
traditional Chinese medicine used The antiviral activity, as well as
because of its pharmacological antimicrobial and antifungal activity
action. Shikonin, a naphthoquinone of pistachio extract and its various
pigment i.e., red dye is the fractions, had been studied previously
fundamental component extracted and it showed a relation with
from Lithospermi radix which has phenolic compounds and flavonoid
medicinal activity. It may be used compounds present in them. The

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 15

main phenolic compound of leaf The anti-adenovirus activity of crude
extract of the Pistacia genus includes aqueous extract and flavonoid in C.
caffeic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, Pulcherrima showed inhibitory
ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic action against Adv-3 & Adv-8
acid, ursolic acid, synaptic acid, replication. Quercetin was found to
juglone, and catechin. Caffeic acid have this anti-adenovirus activity
and chlorogenic acid showed an [16].
inhibitory effect against adenovirus
and considerable antiviral effects of
ursolic acid against adenovirus have Shallot
been reported. The n-butanol fraction The botanical name of shallot is
of Pistacia atlantica Desf. the extract Allium ascalonicum and it pertains to
showed a significant inhibitory action the family Liliaceae. Among the
against adenovirus [13]. allium vegetables, shallots contain
the highest concentrations of
quercetin and allicin compounds. It
Green Tea was reported that quercetin and its
Considerable literature has been conjugates are found in rich supply in
documented which shows the Allium plants. Some naturally
anticancer activity of green tea occurring quercetin compounds were
catechin especially due to the shown to possess antibacterial or
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) antiviral activity. IT shows the
compound. Joseph M. Weber studied antiviral activity for both adenovirus
that EGCG shows a notable effect on type Adv3 and Adv41. The shallot
adenovirus infection and the viral shows the presence of flavone,
protease adenain, in cell culture. scaling, and furostanol saponins.
Moreover, the plasma concentration Lyophilized shallot powder
of EGCG in green tea drinkers can be containing quercetin possesses anti-
assumed to protect against adenoviral activity [17].
adenovirus infection based on in-
vitro and ex-vivo measurements Leek
against adenovirus [14]. The botanical name of the leek is
known as Allium porrum belonging
Caesalpinia pulcherrima to the family Liliaceae. allium
Various parts of this herb are used to vegetables have been used as folk
treat disorders like pyrexia, medicines in ancient times. Leeks
menoxenia, wheezing, bronchitis, and have a delicate, sweet onion flavor.
malarial infection [16]. C. The phytochemical screening of the
pulcherrima is rich in caesalpin-type plant showed the presence of tannin,
diterpenoids, sitosterol, pulcherrimin, saponins, flavonoids, quinine,
lupeol, lupeol acetate, myricetin, glycoside, cardiac glycoside,
quercetin, and rutin, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenol, coumarins,
carotenoids, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, anthocyanin, and
peltogynoids, phenols, and steroids, betacyanin. Allium porrum is used in
gallic acid, epicatechin [15]. many pathological conditions such

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 16

as stomach ulcers, sores, wounds, Home Remedies
tuberculosis, reduced blood pressure,
and anti-helminthic, along with it Ayurvedic treatment for
also shows action against adenovirus conjunctivitis consists of internal
[18]. cleansing of herbs to clarify irritant
Garlic agents which may be viral or
The botanical name of garlic is bacterial.
nothing but an Allium sativum
1. Soak ½ teaspoonful of triphala
belonging to the family Liliaceae. It
powder in a glass for the time being
is a familiar spice consumed
and strain it and utilize this water to
worldwide as a functional food and a
wash your eye.
traditional solution for the
2. Boil 1 tablespoon of coriander seed
counteraction of infectious disease
powder or 1 small bowl of fresh cut
since old times. Garlic and its
coriander leaves in 2cups of water
dynamic organosulfur compounds
and reduce it to half, cool it. Use this
(OSCs) have been accounted for to
water 3-4 times a day to wash your
lighten various viral infections in pre-
eyes [20].
clinical and clinical examinations.
Garlic has been utilized traditionally Note: It is very crucial to keep a
as herbal medicine to treat different sufficient level of chlorine in pools to
infectious diseases including cold/flu forestall outbreaks of conjunctivitis
and other viral infections. garlic brought about by adenoviruses.
exhibits strong antiviral activity and
it contains a good amount of CONCLUSION
flavonols and organosulfur
compounds which impart medicinal There is much need for the evolution
properties to these plants, and this of novel antiviral agents, especially
garlic shows action against for adenovirus as there are no FDA-
adenovirus [18-19]. approved drugs available to treat
adenovirus. So, there is a need to
Dietary and lifestyle tips for look out for ayurvedic treatment.
the patients infected with There are pretty many medicinal
viral conjunctivitis plants available that show an
effective action against the
adenovirus. The ayurvedic remedy is
1. The eyes must be washed with better than the allopathic one because
clean water and wiped with a clean ayurvedic treatment has low side
cloth to prevent contamination effects as compared to allopathic
treatment and it is also cost-effective,
2. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or so nowadays there is a need to go for
your upper shirt sleeve, not your the Ayurveda. As adenovirus may be
hands. mild and severe too, if we follow
ayurvedic remedies in its mild stage
3. Avoid sharing cups and eating then we can prevent it from getting to
utensils with others a severe condition.

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN, VOLUME-I 17

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