A Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina Medicinal Plants with Promising Antiviral Properties

Abstract

The study explored the antiviral potential of ethnobotanical plants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to identify plants with promising antiviral properties and commonly used plant organs and preparations. Three plant families, Lamiaceae, Compositae and Rosaceae showed significant antiviral potential based on the number of species mentioned in the literature. The most studied viruses were herpes simplex virus (HSV), influenza virus (Influenza), and SARS-CoV-2. Tea was the most popular herbal preparation, and aerial parts and leaves were the most frequently used for therapeutic applications. These findings highlight the potential of plants as natural sources of antiviral compounds, paving the way for further research and new therapeutic approaches.