Local company develops herbal supplement vs. dengue

A herbal supplement that can be taken against dengue virus will be up for grabs in the local market next week, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Mariz Umali, in her report in GMA's 24 Oras, said the tawa-tawa capsules (Euphorbia hirta) will be manufactured by Herbanext, a local herbal medicine company.

"When we developed this product, marami nang gumagamit ng tawa-tawa. So what we did is we created an extract. 'Yung extract na product kasi ano siya pwede mong i-standardize 'yung active compound," said Philip Cruz, president of Herbanext.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said tawa-tawa has long been believed to significantly increase the platelet count in the blood of dengue patients.

"Alam naman natin na ang critical na indicator sa dengue ay 'yung pagbagsak ng platelet count kaya kung mapapataas natin 'yung platelet count para mo na ring nalabanan 'yung dengue," he said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the tawa-tawa capsules manufatured by Herbanext in April 2019.

With the capsules, however, both the DOST and the FDA still reminded the public that herbal supplements have no approved therapeutic claims.

Officials also said the public should seek early medical consultation upon the manifestation of dengue symptoms of fever, rashes, severe joint and muscle pain, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News