Research Progress on Antiviral Herbalism, Material Basis and Mechanism of Dendrobium Genus

Dendrobium is the largest genus of the Orchidaceae family. The fresh and dried stems of many species of this genus have been used as Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis) in traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as the foremost of the "Nine Great Herbs of China". Ancient texts highlight its uses for "strengthening yin, enhancing essence, nourishing the five viscera, alleviating fatigue, and dispelling skin heat and prickly heat". Modern research confirms that the polysaccharides and alkaloids it contains have antiviral effects, it can apply in treating immunodeficiency caused by viral infections clinically. While studies are gradually uncovering the antiviral mechanisms and material basis of Dendrobium, the lack of systematic analysis and organization has hindered its resource development. The paper employed CiteSpace software for bibliometric analysis of Chinese and English literature on Dendrobium. It reviewed the herbalism, material basis, and mechanisms of its antiviral properties building upon the systematic review of ancient materia medica and modern literature. Results indicate that Dendrobium can boost vital energy and resist pathogens, showing great potential in antiviral drug development.