Antiviral activity of the infusion (SHS‐174) from flowers of <i>Sambucus nigra</i> L., aerial parts of <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> L., and roots of <i>Saponaria officinalis</i> L. against influenza and herpes simplex viruses

Abstract

Abstract The SHS‐174 preparation, a lyophilized infusion from flowers of Sambucus nigra L., aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., and roots of Saponaria officinalis (100 g; 70 g; 40 g) exhibited an antiviral effect. It inhibited the reproduction of different strains of influenza virus types A and B, both in vitro and in vivo , and herpes simplex virus type 1, in vitro. The preparation contains flavonoids, triterpene saponins, phenolic acids, tannins and polysaccharides which could be responsible for its antiviral properties.