Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Prunella vulgaris L. is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat a variety of ailments
for hundreds of years. In recent decades, P. vulgaris has been shown to have antiviral and
immunomodulatory properties. Potent antiviral effects of P. vulgaris polar fractions against HIV-1, HSV-1
and HSV-2 have been reported. In addition, it has been shown that the extracts and chemical components
can modulate various immune factors including histamine, TNF-alpha, IgG, IgG1, IgG2b, nitric oxide,
LTB4, IFN-gamma, IL-2 in T cell activation and Src family protein kinase. This review will describe the
novel discoveries and potential therapeutic applications of P. vulgaris extracts and its chemical components
with regard to their antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

Key words: Prunella vulgaris, antiviral, HIV, HSV, immunomodulation