Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Egypt with Antiviral Potential: A Systematic Review.

Viral diseases are a worldwide concern as some of them are associated with unexpectedly high mortality rates. Common viruses include e.g., Influenza virus, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and recently COVID-19. Many viral diseases are still incurable by conventional antiviral drugs. Moreover, the emergence of resistant viral strains has reinforced the search for other alternatives. In ancient times, herbal therapy was commonly used where medicinal formulations were created from various plants. In recent times, in vitro, in vivo, animal studies, and clinical trials have revealed the antiviral properties of these plants, sparking hope for the treatment of serious viral diseases. The present review aims to summarize studies that focus on medicinal plants available in Egypt with antiviral properties.