Neem, Turmeric, Basil can prevent corona. Image Courtesy – Times of India
Indian Ayurveda has succeeded in treating many complex diseases. A task force under the control of the Union Ministry of AYUSH is conducting a vigorous study on the role of Ayurveda in preventing the Corona epidemic. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a government agency, has also joined hands with the Ministry of AYUSH in corona-resistant Ayurveda research.
Scientists at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow recently claimed that indigenous ayurvedic ingredients such as Neem, Turmeric, Basil, Giloy, Ashwagandha and their combinations can not only boost immunity but also prevent the coronavirus from entering the body and spreading the infection. These herbal ingredients contain bioactive compounds that can counteract viral strains.
A scientific study by King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India. Image Courtesy – Times of India
Scientists at King George’s Medical University say that a thorough scientific study has shown that Ayurvedic ingredients have antiviral properties. Research and trials are underway on what ingredients and in what combinations drugs can be made. The report of this study has been published in the science journal of ‘Springer Nature Journal of Viral Diseases’.
The scientific findings are from the research guided to the natural herbal ingredients of Ayurveda managed by a team of scientists headed by Prof Shailendra Saxena, Head of the Centre for Advanced Research at KGMU. Prof Dr Madan Lal Brahma Bhatt, The Vice-Chancellor, KGMU, was also part of the team.
Prof Saxena says that they know both the protein structures of the virus and the herbal ingredients. They have collected a huge collection of herbal ingredients for the research. He says that they found ingredients of Turmeric and Neem were blocking the virus to the protein ACE2 receptor much more effectively in comparison to hydroxychloroquine. He also told that their research has been sent to the World Health Organization due to the relevancy with the pandemic.
The scientists have not yet revealed the details of the combination of herbal ingredients including Neem, Basil and Turmeric. It was being said that the Ayurvedic ingredients can act as a very good immune booster, as well as stop the growth of viral strains inside the body. For example, the roots, leaves, branches and barks of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) all are used to prepare the medicine. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Ashwagandha root has anti-viral properties. It is also used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, cough and cold. These symptoms are more common in corona infections.
Read: Importance and usefulness of Moon Plant to maintain prolonged youthfulness
Mulethi or Liquorice contains many bioactive compounds and Glycyrrhizic acid that is useful in reducing asthma, bronchitis, inflammatory diseases, infection of the esophagus. Anti-oxidant of Neem and Basil acts as an antidote to disease.
Anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-allergic, anti-neoplastic, anti-inflammatory properties of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) are useful in the treatment of tuberculosis, inflammatory diseases and even arthritis. Various infectious diseases are cured with the application of Giloy or Guduchi Pipli.
The Union Ministry of Health has given approval for the treatment of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy beyond the experimental application of the drugs used in the treatment of corona. Rajesh Kotecha, a top official in the Ministry of AYUSH, said that a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of Ayurveda and Homeopathy was underway. The initial trial report is satisfactory. That report will be brought forward only after it is applied and monitored on more patients.
