Results of trials on tawa-tawa and lagundi as COVID-19 treatment may be announced by end of February 2021, according to DOST.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Friday said that the results of clinical studies on the use of tawa-tawa and lagundi as COVID-19 treatment may be announced by the end of February 2021.
This, as the research and development project on the medicinal plants was added as one of the initiatives being funded by the Department of Science and Technology last year in its effort to help the Philippine government fight the coronavirus pandemic, along with the clinical study on virgin coconut oil (VCO).
In a televised “Laging Handa” Public Briefing, DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said that the results of clinical studies on the use of tawa-tawa and lagundi as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19 may be announced by the end of February 2021.
Tawa-tawa was also known as Euphorbia hirta or asthma-plant, while lagundi was also known as Vitex negundo or Chinese chaste tree.
READ ALSO: VCO Decreases COVID-19 Symptoms Of Suspect, Probable Cases In Study, Says DOST
As for the clinical study on virgin coconut oil, Dela Peña said that they’re expanding the trials in order to get more data.
“Iyong VCO sa Sta. Rosa ay natapos na at uumpisahan na iyong VCO trials sa Valenzuela para madagdagan pa iyong ating mga trials na magawa. Iyong sa PGH (Philippine General Hospital) naman medyo nilawakan na nila ang kanilang volunteers, sa amin na ring kahilingan, na hindi lamang iyong severe at moderate cases ang isama sa kanilang trials kundi isama na rin iyong ilang may comorbidity,” Dela Peña said.
An initial trial data from the Department of Science and Technology showed that virgin coconut oil as a food supplement could reduce symptoms among probable and suspect COVID-19 cases.
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