Plant-based approach to combating Dengue Fever: Active compounds, Immunotargets and Mechanism of actions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48075/aes.v9i2.34118

Keywords:

Vírus da Dengue, Fitoterápicos, Modulação imunológica, Alvos imunológicos

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever remains a global health threat, particularly in tropical regions, with no effective vaccines or antiviral treatments available. This review explores plant-based therapies as a promising approach to manage dengue by focusing on bioactive compounds, immunotargets, and mechanisms of action. Aim: The review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of phytomedicines in dengue management, highlighting their antiviral and immune-modulating effects, and addressing the challenges in clinical application. Methods: In this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted, sourcing peer-reviewed articles on medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in relation to dengue fever. The review analyzes the interaction of these compounds with key immunotargets and their mechanisms in alleviating dengue symptoms. Results: Plants such as Andrographis paniculata, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Curcuma longa, Tinospora cordifolia, and Euphorbia hirta contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. These compounds inhibit viral replication, modulate immune responses, and target critical immunotargets, including viral proteins and cytokine production. For example, quercetin suppresses viral replication, while berberine reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially reducing dengue complications. Terpenoids, with their anti-inflammatory properties, can mitigate excessive immune activation. Saponins may enhance antiviral defenses, lowering viral load and disease severity. Conclusion: Phytomedicines offer significant potential as adjunct therapies for dengue, with antiviral and immune-modulating properties. However, challenges related to standardization, quality control, and variability in active compound concentrations must be addressed to ensure their clinical application. Integrating phytomedicines with conventional therapies may provide effective and sustainable strategies for managing dengue globally.

Author Biographies

Seyi Samson Enitan, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Public and Allied Health, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, 121109, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Richard Yomi Akele, University of Brighton

Department of Biomedical Science, School of Applied Science, University of Brighton, Brighton ES BN2 4AT, United Kingdom

Khairah Oyinade Adedotun , Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja

Department of Microbiology, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, 260006, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Michael Unata Iduh, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, 840104, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Ernest Chibuike Ohanu, Pamo University of Medical Science

Department of Medical laboratory Science, Pamo University of Medical Science, Elelenwo, 500102, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Aolat Olamide Adetosoye, Aberdeen University

Department of Microbiology, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, GB, United Kingdom

Abiodun Oluwasegun Adetola, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, 121102, Ogun State, Nigeria

Michael Muo-Ode Dickson, Nottingham Trent University

Department of Biotechnology, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Mansfield, NG18 5BH, United Kingdom

Aimanose Love Ediale, Naval Medical Center, Victoria Island

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Naval Medical Center, Victoria Island, Lagos 106104, Lagos State, Nigeria. 

Chinwendu Nwanneoma Ikonne, Ikate Primary Healthcare Centre

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ikate Primary Healthcare Centre, Ikate, 106104, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Mercy Anuoluwapo Ade-Ige, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba

Department of Population Genomics and Cancer Research, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research,

Yaba, Lagos 101245, Lagos State, Nigeria

Oluwanifemi Adefiyinfoluwa Ajayi , Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Public and Allied Health, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo 121109, Ogun State, Nigeria.

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Published

24-10-2024

How to Cite

ENITAN, S.; AKELE, R.; ADEDOTUN, K.; IDUH, M.; OHANU, E.; ADETOSOYE, A.; ADETOLA, A.; DICKSON, M.; EDIALE, A.; IKONNE, C.; ADE-IGE, M.; AJAYI , O. Plant-based approach to combating Dengue Fever: Active compounds, Immunotargets and Mechanism of actions. Acta Elit Salutis, [S. l.], v. 9, n. 2, 2024. DOI: 10.48075/aes.v9i2.34118. Disponível em: https://e-revista.unioeste.br/index.php/salutis/article/view/34118. Acesso em: 21 apr. 2025.

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Artigos de Revisão