Screening for Antivirally Active Flavonoids Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and Influenza A Virus

The discovery of antiviral agents is an important research area because the world is increasingly exposed to the risk of viral infectious diseases. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes globally prevalent sexually transmitted diseases, and numerous individuals are living with HSV-2. Influenza A virus (IAV) causes annual epidemics and occasional pandemics, attracting great concern in public health. In this study, antiviral activities against HSV-2 and IAV of 103 flavonoids were screened. The screening identified cirsilineol and apigenin as active against HSV-2, while cirsimaritin and hymenoxin displayed anti-IAV activity. These flavonoids have the potential to serve as therapeutic candidates for viral infectious diseases.