Hydrodistillation (HD), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and reflux extraction (RE) were applied to obtain Cinnamomi ramulus extracts. The yields, chemical compositions and antiviral activities of the extracts were investigated. Extracts were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the antiviral activities were evaluated using cytopathic effect inhibition assay. HD, SFE and RE afforded 0.376, 1.227 and 5.914% yields, respectively. Cinnamaldehyde (CA), SFE and ethanol extracts exhibited antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus type 1. Moreover, CA and other three extracts had inhibition efficacy against respiratory syncytial virus. The most efficient antiviral activities were obtained with SFE.
Keywords: Cinnamaldehyde; Cinnamomi ramulus; GC–MS; antiviral activities; ethanol extraction; hydrodistillation; supercritical fluid extraction.