By Sydney Antoinette Alipao

PHOTO: We The Public

A clinical trial conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showed lagundi has contributed to faster recoveries of patients with mild to moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms.

According to DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña in an interview with ANC, the initial results of the trial revealed that lagundi helped in the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, particularly the loss of sense of smell.

"They found out that those who took lagundi have the sense of smell restored earlier," said de la Peña.

The trial covered 278 patients from seven quarantine facilities in Metro Manila wherein half of the population received lagundi as part of their treatment.

However, in terms of recovery period, de la Peña bared that both groups recovered from seven to eight days.

"There is no significant difference in time to recovery between those who took lagundi and the other group. In terms of safety, no serious adverse events were reported," de la Peña uttered.

The DOST Secretary added that the patients were tested negative on their reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.

Lagundi is a known anti-cough and anti-asthma herbal medicine in the country that can also be used as treatment for sore throat, fever, and ulcer.

Moreover, de la Peña stated if lagundi will be proven effective, Filipinos are encouraged to use the herbal medicine as treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.

"Personally, I think if our trials say that the health improved, I think we better use our own drugs because definitely they are more accessible and they are cheaper," de la Peña noted.


Report sources: ABS-CBN News, ANC