The composition of one or more embodiments of the invention may be used to treat a common cold viral infection, since the composition of the present invention has significant antiviral properties as demonstrated by the examples of this application. The composition of the present invention may also be used as a therapeutic composition to treat one or more symptoms of a viral infection, including, but not limited to, sore throat, congestion, laryngitis, mucositis, and/or mucous membrane inflammation by administration to a subject suffering from one or more of these symptoms or ailments.