Antiviral Activity of AV-001 against Influenza and Three Common Cold Viruses

Abstract

AV-001 is a dietary supplement; it is used as a throat and nose spray composed of natural ingredients, including Sambucus nigra (European elder) and eucalyptus with 1, 8-cineole. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of AV-001 against the pathogenic viruses human influenza A viruses H1N1 and H7N9, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, human coronavirus, and adenovirus. Antiviral activity was evaluated by reduction of the viral-induced cytopathic effect; AV-001 was assessed against a challenge virus in suspension, inoculated onto host cells, and assayed for infectious viral load. AV-001 inactivated human influenza A viruses H1N1 and H7N9, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and human coronavirus, by ³7.17 Log₁₀, ³6.42 Log₁₀, ³4.72 Log₁₀, ³4.35 Log₁₀ and ³3.92 Log₁₀, respectively. Thus, AV-001 exhibited strong and broad-spectrum antiviral activities and may represent an effective treatment or preventive agent for respiratory viral infection by inactivating the viruses upon their entry into the body.