The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world’s attention to the immune system, the body’s defence force against disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other organisms that we touch, ingest and inhale every day. 

Vaccines and treatment options for COVID-19 are currently being investigated around the world. There’s some evidence that certain medications may have the potential to be effective with regard to preventing illness or treating the symptoms of COVID-19.

Role Of Ayurveda In COVID-19

With the Ministry of AYUSH giving a boost to ayurveda even in pandemic

times, many ayurveda centres were able to conduct research and find out new ways to tackle the virus. A groundbreaking interim result from a clinical trial on COVID-19 patients has raised new hopes. According to the interim report, a combination of ‘Immunofree’

and ‘Reginmune’ resolved Coronavirus symptoms faster than the current pharmaceuticals being used by Indian hospitals. 

Furthermore, 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 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.

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. 

How efficient is conventional therapy?

Allopathic studies that involved several antiviral drugs, which were used in different combinations for the treatment of COVID-19, include:

Antiviral drugs:

Based on data collected from the trial, the WHO (World Health Organisation) has released an interim report of patients' responses to repurposed drugs (including remdesivir, Favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ ritonavir and interferon) for COVID-19 treatment. 

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were initially given for emergency

use by the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration). However, the FDA withdrew that authorization when data analysis showed that the drugs are not effective for treating COVID-19. They can also cause serious heart problems. 

Dexamethasone.

The corticosteroid dexamethasone is one type of anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat or prevent organ dysfunction and lung injury from inflammation. Studies have found that it reduces the risk for deaths by about 30% for people on ventilators and by

about 20% for people who needed supplemental oxygen. A recent clinical trial data stated that dexamethasone may be harmful if given for less severe COVID-19 infection.

Anti-inflammatory therapy.

According to the multi-centric study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), use of convalescent plasma therapy in coronavirus-infected patients does not help in reducing mortality or progression to a severe case of COVID-19.

“Data has now emerged globally suggesting natural medicine's effectiveness

and efficacy in both preventing and treating COVID. This data has come from well-designed clinical trials, and also states and countries incorporating and mandating natural medicine for COVID. Hence the time has truly come for all doctors and patients to strongly

consider and incorporate natural medicine into their daily regime during this pandemic, says Dr Apurve Mehra, Founder, Biogetica.

It should be noted that none of these herbs and supplements are

currently approved in India to treat COVID-19 and therefore can only be taken for immunity. Hopefully, in addition to modern medicine, Ayurveda could also be considered as a potential treatment/ prevention of COVID-19.