COVID-19: Ministry of Ayush starts clinical trials for Ashwagandha and 4 other Ayurvedic herbs for coronavirus treatment; Here is what you need to know

Coronavirus cases have crossed the 4 million mark globally and in India too, it is seeing a sharp rise. Even though there is no ready cure in sight yet, many scientific bodies are in the run to develop a vaccine or find potential treatment plans to fight COVID-19.

In a recent positive development, Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has started clinical trials testing formulation of four important Ayurvedic herbs in fighting the novel coronavirus. The medicines under study include ashwagandha, guduchi, yasthimadhu, peepli and another formulated drug, 'Ayush 64'.

The trials, which will be done on health workers first will be conducted in high-risk zones identified by the Arogya Setu App first. Reports say that over 50 lakh people from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune will be a part of the clinical trial. Ayush ministry is also studying the impacts of Ayush-based prophylactic interventions in some preventive cases. In the first phase, patients are likely to be administered ashwagandha and later, the other drugs will be given to patients, depending on how they react or severity of the symptoms.

A while back, Ministry of Ayush also rolled out some Ayurvedic recommendations to boost immunity using simple home measures and stop the spread of the viral disease.

Even though the clinical trials and the efficacy of the same is still under study, all of the listed herbs have proven potent medicinal benefits. We list out a few of them:

Considered a modern superfood, this Ayurvedic herb is said to contain magical powers of healing the body of infections and symptoms of cold, cough and viral bugs. While Ashwagandha should be consumed regularly to charge the body's immunity naturally, experts suggest that increasing the dosage of ashwagandha during a sudden spike or onset of a cold can work really well in healing the body. The herb's natural immuno-boosting properties can also help you deal with chronic stress and fatigue which can come with viral infections. It is also known as an ayurvedic vitalizer which is good for the heart and the body.

Guduchi, or Giloy, also known as the Ayurvedic root of immortality has wondrous healing powers. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antipyretic, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties. With the high antioxidants present in the compound, the drug can boost your immunity and fight free radicals. It also contains antipyretic properties which are known to contain a fever in no time. What it also does is fight several respiratory issues and root out any digestive issues, which can be quite helpful in fighting some of the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

The sweet herb, also known as mulethi or liquorice has been hailed for its therapeutic benefits, especially for those who are recovering from a cough, cold or flu. It also has high anti-inflammatory notes and helps deal with problems related to sore throat, cough or any irritation. It has also been widely studied for its ulcer fighting properties.

Peepli is a traditional medicinal herb which is also known for its strong aromatic notes. A lot of non-traditional studies have also shown that regular usage of this root may be helpful in curbing down the symptoms usually associated with a persistent respiratory infection, bronchitis, cold, cough, asthma, improve blood circulation, strengthen immunity. Ayurveda also suggests that pippali pepper, the root medicine can also fight some sharp pains and aches, with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Ayush 64 is another drug under testing for COVID-19 which has been exclusively developed by the Central Ministry by procuring age-old ayurvedic herbs. It has been said that this medicine works as a malaria fighting drug. It is surprising to know that one of the allopathic drugs used to fight malaria, Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has also been administered to many patients and high-risk frontline workers to fight COVID-19.