Evaluation of in vitro antiviral activity of Vitex Negundo L., Hyptis suaveolens (L) poit., Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn., to Chikungunya virus

ObjectiveTo screen the three Indian plants for the antiviral activity to chikungunya virus since chikungunya infections are treated symptomatically without specific drugs till date.MethodsIn vitro cytotoxicity assay of the lyophilised extracts was assessed in vero cells for the determination of maximum non toxic concentration and in vitro antiviral assay was evaluated by the inhibition of virus induced cytopathic effect.ResultsAqueous and aqueous ethanolic extracts of Hyptis suaveolens exhibited partial inhibition to Asian strain of chikungunya virus.ConclusionOf all the three plants tested for antiviral activity to both the lineages of chikungunya virus, Hyptis suaveolens were found to be effective to Asian strain of chikungunya virus.