Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals that has adverse economic impacts. Given the prevalence of this viral infection, the lack of effective treatments, and the presence of resistant strains, the progression of novel antiviral agents is needed.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-FMDV activity of the methanolic extract of Alhagi maurorum Medik (camel thorn), via cell cultures. This study was done to evaluate the biologically active substances in extract of camel thorn and their applications in herbal and traditional medicine.

Extraction of A. maurorum Medik was carried out in an 80% methanol solvent system. The maximum concentration of the extract with non-cytotoxic effects on cells was determined using an MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)-assay. Then, this concentration was incubated with ten-fold serial dilutions of the virus. The antiviral activity of the tested compounds was evaluated by measuring the reduction in CPEs and calculating and comparing the TCID50, before and after treatment with the extract, via the Reed & Muench method.

The MTT assay revealed that methanolic extract in a concentration of 3 mg/mL or less has no cytotoxic impact, and the 50% cell cytotoxicity (CC50) was about 30 μg/mL. The Reed & Muench method showed that A. maurorum Medik has anti-FMDV activity and it can reduce the titer of the virus by at least 2 × 3.5 log.

The present investigation supports the use of the methanolic extract of A. maurorum as an antiviral drug in folk and modern medicine. This activity may justify its use as a source of natural compounds to control FMDV in infected animals.