Antiviral activity of Flos verbasci infusion against influenza and Herpes simplex viruses.

The lyophilized infusion from flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad. (FVI) showed antiviral activity in in vitro studies against Fowl plague virus, several influenza A strains, influenza B strain as well as Herpes simplex virus. Influenza viruses titer decreased by 1-3 log units, while of H. simplex virus by 2.3 log. FVI has shown virucidal activity on H. simplex virus at 300 micrograms/ml, but did not inactivate influenza viruses. Phytochemical investigations of FVI have shown the presence of flavonoids, iridoids, phenolic acids, saponins, amino acids and free sugars.