Antiviral activities of flavonoids and organic acid from Trollius chinensis Bunge.

The flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge is used for treating upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and bronchitis in Chinese folk medicine. The antiviral activities of the crude extract, total flavonoids, orientin, vitexin and proglobeflowery acid isolated from the flowers of T. chinensis against parainfluenza type 3 (Para 3) virus were investigated. The results showed that the crude extract and total flavonoids exhibited a weak antiviral activity against Para 3. Orientin and vitexin demonstrated potent or moderate antiviral activity against Para 3. Proglobeflowery acid showed weak antiviral activity against Para 3.