Authors : A. A. Acharya; M. D. Pomaje; A. B. Patil; S. M. Gangan; G. C. Parab

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/tvvhcatd

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26Oct376

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Herpes zoster is a painful viral disorder caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and is frequently associated with acute neural pain and post-herpetic complications. Conventional antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir remain the primary treatment options, as they effectively suppress viral replication, accelerate lesion healing, and reduce disease severity when initiated early. However, pain and inflammatory symptoms may persist despite antiviral therapy. Herbal medicines have emerged as supportive therapeutic options due to their antiinflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. Although they do not directly inhibit viral replication, herbal interventions contribute to symptom relief, pain reduction, and tissue repair, thereby improving patient comfort. This review presents a comparative overview of conventional antiviral agents and herbal therapies, focusing on their mechanisms of action, clinical roles, efficacy, safety, and therapeutic relevance in herpes zoster management. The review highlights that an integrated approach combining antiviral therapy with evidence-based herbal support may provide comprehensive disease management. Further clinical validation and standardization are required to optimize such combined treatment strategies.

Keywords : Herpes Zoster, Antiviral Therapy, Herbal Supportive Therapy, Traditional Use, Pain Management.

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