Clinical trials for lagundi as supplemental treatment for COVID to start Aug. 1 —DOST

The Philippines is set to start by August 1 the clinical trials for the lagundi (Vitex negundo) as a supplemental treatment to individuals infected by the coronavirus disease 2019.

According to Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, the trials have already been approved by the University of the Philippines Research Ethics Board and could start even earlier.

"Ang aim ng ating study na sisimulan sa August 1 or earlier kung makakalabas na 'yung FDA [Food and Drug Administration] clearance, ay mapakita kung ito ay makakabuti para ma-address 'yung mga symptoms," he said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing on Tuesday.
 
"(Kung) guminhawa 'yung pasyente doon sa kanilang pag-ubo at itong lagnat at sore throat, kasi malaking bagay kung giginhawa 'yung pasyente," he added.

The department began studying the effects of several herbal medicines — such as lagundi and tawa-tawa — against COVID-19 in April.

During the briefing, de la Peña noted that lagundi has already been proven as effective against cough, while the tawa-tawa is considered a health supplement for dengue treatment.

"Ito ay binibigay na adjuvant therapy or parang supplement doon sa iba pa nilang binibigay na gamot ng kanilang mga doktor," he said.

"'Yan din ay magsisilbing parang research para makita kung 'yun bang probability kung magpro-progress 'yung mga mild to moderate and severe ay mababawasan kung bibigyan ng lagundi. Kasi nga meron na siyang mga napatunayan na characteristics or anti-virual properties na puwedeng gamitin sa COVID-19," de la Peña added.

The Philippines on Monday, July 20, reported 1,521 new infections of COVID-19, bringing the total to 68,898. This includes 23,072 recoveries and 1,835 deaths. —KG, GMA News