This invention provides a process for the preparation of compositions enriched in total phenols from a crude plant extract. The process includes a novel column purification step using a brominated polystyrene resin. This invention also includes compositions enriched in total phenols. The enriched compositions are characterized as containing monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric phenols and having HPLC chromatograms substantially as set forth in FIGS. 10-13. This invention encompasses methods of using the total phenol-enriched compositions for treating warm-blooded animals, including humans, infected with paramyxovaridae such as respiratory syncytial virus, orthomyoxovaridae such as influenza A, B, and C, parainfluenza, Herpes viruses such as HSV-1 and HSV-2, and Flaviviruses such as West Nile Virus, and for treating inflammation such as caused by arthritis, stress and digestive disease.