DOST receives foreign queries on COVID-19 symptom relief from VCO, herbal meds

Several countries have inquired about a Philippine study that suggested virgin coconut oil (VCO), lagundi, and tawa-tawa provided “symptomatic relief” against COVID-19, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Saturday.

DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra said that countries also shared their study of herbal medicines, which were also currently being studied by Philippine researchers.

“Maraming [tayong] natatanggap na inquiry kasi gusto nila magkumapara kung ano yung equivalent doon sa kanilang bansa dito sa ating mga halaman so we had to exchange scientific names and sila din naman nagbibigay sila sa atin ng mga scientific names na pinu-pursue nila at inaaral din ang ating mga researchers,” Guevarra said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

(We received inquiries because they want to compare their equivalents to the plants here in their country. So we exchanged scientific names and they give us the scientific names that they are also pursuing and also studying.)

Guevarra said based on the study it was found that for mild COVID-19 cases, VCO compounds decreased the amount of virus by 60 to 90%.

Meanwhile, the lagundi trials also showed positive results and were declared as “safe to use for symptomatic treatment of mild COVID-19 cases for those without comorbidities.”

The DOST undersecretary said that at least 172 COVID-19 patients recovered from mild to moderate symptoms after using tawa-tawa.

“Kaya masasabi natin na itong tatlong sinasabi natin na locally available food supplements at saka locally available na herbal medicine at supplements ay makakaprovide ng symptomatic relief sa COVID-19,” she underscored.

(We can say that these three locally available food supplements, as well as locally available herbal medicines can provide symptomatic relief against COVID-19.)

According to Guevarra, if these herbal medicines are exported soon, it will also help increase the income of Filipino farmers.

“Kung makakapagexport tayo ng mga produktong ito ay tataas ang kita ng ating mga farmers na nagtatamin ng tawa tawa, lagundi, at coconut. Ang ineemphasize lang po namin tamang variety ng lagundi at tawa tawa ang itatanim natin,” she added.

(If we can export these products, those farmers who planted tawa tawa, lagundi, and coconut will increase their income. We are just emphasizing the right variety of lagundi and tawa tawa must be planted.)

The DOST earlier said that the country would hold another trial to check if VCO can prevent COVID-19. — DVM, GMA News