Anti-Avian influenza virus H9N2 activity of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) & 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.