In a study to screen Chinese herbs for activity against influenza, an extract of the 'Orange Climber' plant (Toddalia asiatica) came out as the most powerful among over 200 plants that were tested. The extract cut H1N1 activity in half at concentrations as low as 5 mg per liter. It offered the greatest protection if administered around the same time as the virus, but moderate protection was seen when the herbal extract was administered 24 hours before virus exposure. The toxicity was relatively low, with a selective index of over 200 (200 times more inhibitory to the virus than to host cells. PMID:16161428 (cache)

While promising, this has not been tested against the H5N1 virus, and little is known of the mechanism by which the Orange Climber extract works.

In Africa, the Massai use Toddalia fruit to treat coughs, and Toddalia root is used for treating influenza. (Toddalia at Plantzafrica (cache)) This plant is also used in a number of Asian countries, including the Philippines, where it is known as Dawag (cache).

H5N1 Avian Flu Disclaimer Copyright