Phytochemical composition and antiviral properties of A. fragrantissima methanolic extract on H1N1 virus

Abstract

Background: The H1N1 influenza virus continues to pose a substantial risk to public health because of its fast spread and the development of resistance to existing neuraminidase inhibitors. The demand for alternative antiviral drugs, especially those obtained from natural sources, is consistently increasing. Objective: The objective of this work was to examine the antiviral properties of the methanolic extract of A. fragrantissima against the H1N1 influenza virus. The main focus was to assess its neuraminidase enzyme inhibition and its capability to decrease virus-induced cytotoxicity in MDCK cells. Methods: The aerial parts of A. fragrantissima were gathered, dried, and extracted using methanol solvent. Phytochemical profiling of the extract was performed using GC-MS derivatization. The inhibition of neuraminidase was measured by a fluorometric method, and the antiviral activity was investigated in MDCK cells that were infected with H1N1. Results: Bioactive substances, including flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, fatty acids, and phenolic acids, were detected by phytochemical analysis. The extract exhibited inhibitory action against neuraminidase, identified by an IC50 value of 203.1 µg/mL. In antiviral tests, the extract treatment at a concentration of 150 µg/mL led to a significant decrease of 38.7% in virus-induced cytotoxicity at the highest viral titer. The MTT assay demonstrated minor cytotoxicity when used in antiviral investigations, with an IC50 value of 328 µg/mL. Conclusion: A. fragrantissima methanolic extract shows significant antiviral action against H1N1 influenza virus, probably via neuraminidase suppression. Bioactive substances with established antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects highlight the potential of A. fragrantissima as a natural antiviral agent. The presence of bioactive compounds with known antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties underscores the potential of A. fragrantissima as a natural antiviral agent. Additional research is required to isolate and identify the precise active components accountable for its antiviral properties.