Could Traditional Herbs Prove Promising In The Treatment Of COVID-19?
The novel coronavirus disease has resulted in an unprecedented health crisis worldwide. Although a cure is being developed at full speed, less attention and little effort has been put into preventing this rapidly spreading infectious respiratory disease. While so far several vaccines have been the subject of clinical trials, limited data have been published on the efficacy and safety of the vaccine in humans, not to mention the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines.
Natural products and herbal medicines have been used for years to prevent viral infection. According to several studies, exploring prophylactics from herbal medicine is probably a promising and practical strategy to contain pandemic. Scientists in India, the UK and South Korea have published two studies which show plants used in traditional medicines in India could potentially be used both in face masks to improve their ability to filter out the virus and taken orally to slow infection rates and ease symptoms. Traditional herbs slow down the spread of infection providing first aid which will help in maintaining the infrastructure of the hospitals.
In fact, numerous countries and states that have adopted or mandated natural treatment for Novel Coronavirus have shown mortality rates less than 1/10 of their neighbours. Goa and Kerala both have 1/10th the mortality rate of neighboring states. Madagascar, Central African Republic, Ghana and other countries which adopted COVID Organics have seen tremendous results compared to other African countries that did not adopt the natural treatment.
With the AYUSH Ministry giving a boost to Ayurveda in times of pandemic, many Ayurveda centres have been able to carry out research and find new ways to fight the virus. According to an interim result from a clinical trial, a combination of ‘Immunofree’ and ‘Reginmune’ resolved Coronavirus symptoms faster than the current pharmaceuticals being used by Indian hospitals. In addition, 86.6% of corona patients in the trial tested negative on day 5, and hence the trial was accelerated with a positive result which should come out soon with an excellent solution for prevention. Post this the company Corival Life Sciences plans to approach AYUSH and ICMR to be listed as an Ayurvedic Treatment for COVID, and to be included in the Govt SOP for COVID treatment countrywide. These products are already in the market for immunity support.
Reginmune has been sold for years and Immunofree was made in 2020 for 2020. ‘Immunofree’ is an Ayurvedic medicine which contains 15 herbs recommended by AYUSH, and used in countries who have mandated natural treatment of Corona. ‘Reginmune’ is a western immune booster with Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids.
The coronavirus pandemic has made us realise that our immunity is our first and strongest line of defence. Healthy living and proper nutrition are essential in self-preservation. Fortunately, India, with its vast heritage and knowledge in Ayurveda, does not have to look too far.
Dr Vijaykumar Kamat
Medical Director, Biogetica
