Future prospects of antiviral research in traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating viral diseases through holistic approaches and multi-component formulations. In response to emerging global viral threats like coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), TCM has demonstrated significant potential in both antiviral and immune-modulatory roles. This review summarizes the current state of TCM antiviral research, highlighting advances in identifying active components and elucidating their mechanisms, which include direct viral inhibition and immune regulation. Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery and advanced extraction methods, are accelerating the development of TCM antiviral products. However, challenges remain in standardization, mechanistic validation, and international regulatory acceptance. Looking ahead, research should prioritize systems pharmacology, the development of multi-dimensional evaluation models, standardized clinical trials, and global health integration. By addressing these challenges, TCM can play a vital role in worldwide antiviral strategies and public health.