Gov’t studying effects of local medicinal herbs against COVID-19

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is looking into the benefits of using local herbal medicine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to a 24 Oras report by Joseph Morong on Monday, the DOST is leading the study of virgin coconut oil, lagundi, and tawatawa as possible supplements to the diet of COVID-19 patients.

The Department of Health earlier announced that the DOST has launched a study on the effects of virgin coconut oil on COVID-19 cases.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said the DOST will also look into lagundi and tawatawa.

“Meron na po tayong apat na gamot na sinasubject po natin sa clinical trial… [Ang] pang-apat na pag-aaral ay may kinalaman po sa herbal drugs. Isa sa tinitingnan ay ang lagundi po,” he said.

“Pinag-aaralan din po ng DOST kung makakatulong yung tawatawa na tinatawag para po isang supplement sa dengue,” he added. “Ito po ay titingnan nila kung epektibo nga laban sa COVID-19.” -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News