Debabrata Sarkar

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious viral disease affecting millions of people, particularly children, in several Asian countries including India. The absence of effective antiviral therapy and concerns about adverse effects of existing vaccines highlight the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the effect of ultradiluted preparations of Belladonna (3, 6, 30, and 200 potencies) on Japanese Encephalitis virus infection using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Fertile embryonated hen eggs were inoculated with JE virus (Nakayama strain) followed by the administration of ultradiluted Belladonna preparations. Viral growth was assessed by observing pock formation on the CAM after incubation. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in pock counts in the presence of Belladonna preparations compared to virus control groups, indicating decreased viral activity. The findings suggest that ultradiluted Belladonna may inhibit viral growth, possibly due to the action of calystegines, glycosidase inhibitor compounds present in Atropa belladonna. These compounds may interfere with viral glycoprotein processing and replication. The study indicates a potential role of ultradiluted Belladonna in reducing JE virus infection, although further research is required to understand the exact mechanism and confirm its clinical relevance.