# Advances in anti-dengue virus properties of Traditional Chinese Medicines

## TL;DR

This paper reviews Traditional Chinese Medicines with potential to combat dengue virus, highlighting their multi-target approach and safety for future drug development.

## Contribution

Systematic review of TCM compounds for anti-dengue activity, linking historical practices to modern pharmacology.

## Key findings

- TCM compounds show multi-target anti-dengue activity with low resistance risk.
- Historical TCM records on Tianxing fever inform modern dengue treatment strategies.
- Future research directions for TCM-based therapeutics are outlined to guide drug development.

## Abstract

Dengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). Based on antigenic variations in the envelope (E) protein, DENV is classified into four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), with DENV-2 being most frequently associated with severe disease. Given its high transmissibility, broad geographic distribution, and rapid viral evolution, there remains an urgent need for specific antiviral therapeutics against dengue. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-characterized by multi-target pharmacology activity, generally favorable safety profiles, and a low propensity for inducing resistance—represents a promising complementary strategy for dengue prevention and treatment. Historical TCM records on Tianxing fever, a condition exhibiting strong clinical parallels with modern dengue, provide valuable insights for selecting candidate herbs, extraction methods, and dosage strategies. This review systematically examines herbal agents documented in classical TCM texts for the treatment of Tianxing fever and synthesizes contemporary pharmacological research on TCM-derived compounds with anti-dengue activity. Furthermore, it outlines key future research directions for TCM-based dengue therapeutics, with the aim of guiding clinical practice and modern drug development.