Antiviral flavonoids from Mosla scabra.

An ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction (EFMS) prepared from Mosla scabra showed potential inhibition against influenza viruses. The compounds isolated from EFMS were elucidated to be ursolic acid (1), 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone (2), 5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone (3), apigenin (4) and acacetin (5) based on their spectral analysis. Compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5 showed significant anti-influenza viruses activities. Compared with ribavirin, EFMS appeared to have similar efficacy against influenza viruses, was considered to be less toxic and may warrant further evaluation as a possible agent for the treatment of influenza.