Ayurvedic Remedies

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.

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.ft.com/content/15f489ae-0108-4900-97e4-69ec4794d65c

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

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