Chemical Composition, Antiviral and Antiproliferative Activity of Extracts from Agrimonia eupatoria L.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The limited spectrum of currently available antiviral drugs and the emergence of viral resistance highlight the need for novel antiviral agents with broad-spectrum activity and low toxicity. Agrimonia eupatoria L. (Rosaceae) is a medicinal plant rich in phenolic compounds with diverse biological activities. The present study investigated the phytochemical composition and antiviral and antiproliferative activities of methanolic (Ae-M) and hydromethanolic (Ae-WM) extracts of A. eupatoria. HPLC–HRMS/MS analysis revealed 28 phenolic constituents, predominantly flavonoid glycosides, flavan-3-ols, hydrolysable tannins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed luteolin 7-O-glucoside, isoquercetin, hyperoside and agrimoniin as the major constituents. Both extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity and no detectable phototoxicity. Antiviral assays revealed inhibitory effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), with greater activity against HSV-1 (selectivity indices of 14.3–16.2 for both extracts). Additionally, both extracts exhibited pronounced virucidal activity against both viruses, reducing viral titers by Δlg = 2 to 3. They also completely inhibited HSV-1 adsorption to MDBK cells (with a reduction in Δlg = 5) and protected healthy cells from viral infection, with the strongest protective effect observed against HCoV-OC43, with a reduction in Δlg = 3.75. In addition, both extracts showed selective antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells compared with non-tumorigenic MCF-12F cells. Overall, these findings identify A. eupatoria as a promising source of phenolic-rich extracts exhibiting in vitro antiviral and antiproliferative activities and support further investigation of their biological potential.
Source: Molecules
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7225662937