DOST exploring lagundi, tawa-tawa as potential treatment vs. COVID-19

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is studying various herbal medicines available in the Philippines to improve the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Thursday, DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said aside from virgin coconut oil, a study on lagundi and tawa-tawa is in the pipeline.

He said these will undergo in vitro trials in a laboratory in Singapore where active components of these herbal medicines will be introduced to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. 

"Dalawa 'yung nakalinya na rin, ganoon din ang pagdadaanang proseso [tulad ng VCO]. Kaya lang ito, imbes na sabay ang pagpapa-in vitro trial sa Singapore, uunahin kasi hindi na kami magki-clinical trials kung hindi maganda ang resulta sa laboratoryo,"  Dela Peña said.

"Ang tinutukoy ko ay lagundi at tawa-tawa... kasi pareho ring may antiviral properties 'yan kaya nga approved na gamot ang lagundi sa ubo at approved na health supplements ang tawa-tawa sa dengue," he added.

The Cabinet official underscored that the country's rich biodiversity should be put to good use amid the health crisis.

He said the DOST supports all studies which would help in the discovery of cures for various ailments, not just COVID-19.

"Pati 'yung lupa sa ilalim ng dagat inaaral namin ngayon dahil maraming potential antibiotics. 'Yung sediments sa ilalim ng dagat. Inaaral ngayon 'yan sa University of San Agustin ng ating dalawang balik-scientist," Dela Peña said.

"Pag nakita na namin ang active ingredients at saan nakakapagpagaling, iyon nag-uumpisa na kami mag-alok sa industry. Inaalok namin sa mga industry na Pilipino na i-pick up itong mga active ingredient na ito at sila na ang magtuloy hanggang maging gamot."

Dela Peña shared that many Filipino scientists abroad have expressed intent to return to the country after the DOST announced its plan to establish a virology institute.

He also said he thinks the P50 million reward offered by President Rodrigo Duterte to any Filipino who will discover a vaccine for COVID-19 may go to groups who are pursuing another important endeavor.

"Ang malamang makakuha ng premyo ng Presidente ay gumagawa ng ventilator. Pinayagan naming sabay-sabay na mag-research ang iba't ibang grupo. Magugulat tayo, magkakaroon tayo, magkakaroon tayo," he said. --KBK, GMA News