ABSTRACT
Aims: The present study is aimed at determining the antiviral activity of Eleusine indica whole plant methanol extract. Methodology and results: Whole dried plants were extracted with methanol and the solvent was evaporated using a rotary evaporator. The crude methanol extract was previously shown to have antiviral activity towards herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with selective index (SI = CC50 / EC50) of 12.2. The extract was further studied for the possible mode of action including pretreatment, attachment, penetration or virucidal activity. The observations suggested that E. indica crude methanol extract protects cells from HSV-1 infection, inhibits virus from docking to the surface of the cells and penetrating into the cells, as well as modifying virus through the virucidal effect. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Methanol extract of E. indica is safe with antiviral potential as a prophylactic agent, inhibits viral attachment, penetration and virucidal effect.