The Thai Ministry of Health has approved the use of an herbal extract to treat the early stages of Covid-19 as a pilot program in the middle of a flareup in the outbreak of coronavirus in the country of Southeast Asia.
Andrographis Paniculata, commonly known as green chiretta, will serve as an alternative treatment to reduce the severity of the outbreak and reduce treatment costs, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The treatment will initially be available in five state hospitals, he said.
Thailand reported 250 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the nation’s total to nearly 7,000, and a government official said the rate of growth of local broadcasts is alarming and urged people to stay home to prevent the virus from spreading. The government has also banned large gatherings in high-risk areas, said Taweesilp Witsanuyotin, a spokesman for the Covid-19 National Response Center.
- Herbal treatment will be done voluntarily for those in the 18-60 age group with minor symptoms and should be within 72 hours of confirmation of infections.
- The plant extract, known as Fah Talai Jone in Thai, can reduce the virus and reduce the severity of inflammation, according to the ministry, citing studies
- Human studies have shown that the patient’s condition improves within three days of treatment, with no side effects if the drug is administered within 72 hours of a positive test.
- Separately, the Thai Food and Drug Administration said it is ready to register Covid-19 vaccines.
- The FDA has opened a special registration channel to ensure fast processing