In vitro evaluation of cinnamon, basil, and ginger essential oils against Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype SAT2

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious virus which is affecting livestock globally. Natural products, such as essential oils, are known for their antimicrobial activity and may offer antiviral effects. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of cinnamon, basil, and ginger essential oils against FMDV serotype SAT2 in BHK-21 cells. Cytotoxicity of essential oils was measured by MTT assay, and antiviral activity was also measured at early (entry) and late (post-adsorption) stages by cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed maximum non-toxic concentrations (MNTCs) of 125 and 62.5 µg/100 µL for all tested oils. Cinnamon bark oil showed dose-dependent antiviral activity, with complete inhibition of CPE at 500 µg/100 µL in early-stage infection (p = 0.005), with partial inhibition in the late stage, suggesting its potential use as an antiviral agent. Basil and ginger oils showed no significant antiviral activity at any concentration or stage.