Anti-avian influenza virus H9N2 activity of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) and Allium sativum (Garlic) in chick embryos.

In the present study, anti-Avian influenza virus H9N2 activity of aqueous extracts (5, 10, 15, 20, 25%) of Zingiber officinalis and Allium sativum was evaluated. Embryo-toxicity was evaluated by histopathological scoring of Chorio-allantoic membrane of chick embryos. Cytotoxicity of extracts was determined by MTT assay on Vero cells. Aqueous extract of ginger had antiviral activity at 10, 15, 20 and 25% while garlic had activity at 15, 20 and 25%. Histopathological scoring of chorio-allantoic membrane for aqueous extracts (5, 10, 15, 20, 25%) of ginger (0.66±0.57, 1.33±0.57, 1.66±0.57, 2.66±0.57, 3.66±0.57, respectively) and garlic (1.00±0.00, 1.33±0.57, 2.00±0.00, 2.33±0.57, 3.66±0.57, respectively) was concentration dependant. MTT assay revealed cytotoxicity of both plants was also concentration dependent. Extracts of ginger (5, 10, 15, 20, 25%) had lower cytotoxicity (71, 59, 28, 22, 0 % cell survival, respectively) as compared to garlic (61, 36. 20, 11, 3% cell survival, respectively). Overall results revealed that concentration of aqueous extract of ginger (10%), showing antiviral activity against H9N2, was less toxic to vero cells (> 50% cell survival). It is insinuated that ginger may have anti- Avian influenza virus H9N2 potential and its active compounds needs further investigations.