Symposium: Antiviral Therapy Using Natural ProductsLimitations of Current Prophylaxis Against Influenza Virus InfectionGuralnik, Mario PhD1*; Rosenbloom, Richard A MD, PhD2; Petteruti, Michael P BS2; LeFante, Carolyn RN1 Author Information 1Synergy Research, Teaneck, NJ; and 2Quigley Pharma, Doylestown, PA. *Address for correspondence: 266 Johnson Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666. E-mail: [email protected] American Journal of Therapeutics 14(5):p 449-454, September 2007. | DOI: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e3180a5e7d6 Buy Metrics Abstract Avian influenza has been a source of worldwide concern since Hong Kong authorities detected the first outbreak in 1997. Mainly as a result of poultry-to-human transmission, more than 200 cases of infection in humans have been attributed to the A/H5, A/H7, and A/H9 viral subtypes, with a case fatality rate for A/H5N1 infections exceeding 50%. A mutant or reassortant virus capable of efficient human-to-human transmission can set off a pandemic. Increased attention to prophylaxis against viral infection has identified several potentially complementary approaches: nonpharmacologic measures (eg, travel restrictions), vaccination, chemotherapeutic agents, and herbal/natural products. All have significant limitations that point out the need for additional modalities. Herbal/natural products, particularly those based on green tea extract, offer promise as adjuncts or alternatives to current interventions and warrant further evaluation in well-controlled human trials. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
