Which herb has antiviral and antimitotic actions?

• A. Panax quinquefolius
• B. Olea europaea
• C. Podophyllum peltatum
• D. Ligustrum lucidum

Answer: (C)

Podophyllum peltatum carries podophyllotoxin, a lignan that binds tubulin and blocks microtubule formation, which stops cells in mitosis (antimitotic action). It also has antiviral effects, notably against papillomaviruses responsible for genital warts, making it useful topically for those infections. Among the options, this herb uniquely shows both antiviral activity and a strong antimitotic mechanism, whereas the others are not characterized by this combination—panax quinquefolius is mainly an adaptogen with immune-modulating effects; Olea europaea is valued for anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits but not antimitotic antiviral action; Ligustrum lucidum is used for immune support and other traditional uses but does not have this dual action.