As I wrote previously, researchers in the U.S. and India are
exploring the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda to combat the coronavirus. There
are clinical trials underway to study the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines
touted by many Indian doctors. In the meantime, the Indian ministry has endorsed immunity
boosters specifically for COVID-19. They include concoctions like turmeric
powder mixed with hot milk- a common remedy in India, also known as "golden milk"- and daily meditation with deep breathing.
Indian Ministry of Ayush poster. Image: Twitter |
Even though these therapies may not kill the virus, they can help boost
the body’s natural immune system and improve lung condition. Lungs are the
most affected organ in COVID. According to Ayurveda, herbs such as holy basil,
Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu and other common household (to Indians) spices like
turmeric can help boost immunity against respiratory diseases and help fight
pathogens.
Because people are skeptical of their efficacy against COVID-19, Indian
researchers are looking for scientific evidence that these herbs work, and interestingly,
they have started finding it. In one study conducted at IIT-Delhi (my dad's alma mater!), they discovered that Ashwagandha, which is a prominent Ayurvedic
medicine, contains Withanone, which used with other natural ingredients can impact COVID-19’s enzyme
responsible for replication. The main SARS-CoV-2 enzyme responsible for viral replication by splitting proteins is known as Main protease (Mpro). The Withanone interacts with Mpro and blocks its activity as explained in the diagram below.
Because all the formulations are completely natural, Ayurvedic medicines generally have no side effects (unless taken in extreme doses I imagine) so trying it out certainly is a great idea for those who are adventurous with taste or are at increased risk of contracting the virus. I’ll however, wait for the goodness to be delivered in a form of a pill!
Image: India Science Wire |
Because all the formulations are completely natural, Ayurvedic medicines generally have no side effects (unless taken in extreme doses I imagine) so trying it out certainly is a great idea for those who are adventurous with taste or are at increased risk of contracting the virus. I’ll however, wait for the goodness to be delivered in a form of a pill!
Sources:
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/jul/04/ayurveda-for-covid-patients-clinical-trials-show-positive-results-2165076.html
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ImmunityBoostingAYUSHAdvisory.pdf
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ACM.2020.0177
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ImmunityBoostingAYUSHAdvisory.pdf
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ACM.2020.0177
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