Ayurveda and Management of COVID-19 in Rural Indian Population: A pilot, double blind, randomized control trial

Abstract

Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic is a highly contagious and rapidly mutating virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions globally over the last 18 months and continues to overwhelm the healthcare system in several countries to date. The healthcare and scientific community has been vigorously searching for ways to manage the disease. Several solutions based on traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda are also being explored for their effectiveness in managing COVID-19. The study explored the efficacy of a 19 ingredient Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation called NOQ19, on the recovery of mild, RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients. Methods This was a prospective, double blind, randomized control trial that included 92 patients with a RT-PCR positive mild case of COVID-19. The patients were enrolled from rural areas of Karnataka, a state in India. The patients were randomized between the NF2 and placebo arms, in a 1:1 ratio, and were provided their respective intervention, along with the standard of care treatment (SOC). The trial took place at the Community Care Center, Konnanuru, Hassan, Karnataka. The study duration was around 2 months and the follow-up period for an individual patient was 14 days. RT-PCR analysis was done at baseline, Day 3, 7 and 10. Blood markers to track inflammation were assessed at baseline, Day 3 and 7. Result A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups with regards to the percentage of population who turned RT-PCR negative on Day 3 and Day 10. On all three assessment time points (Day 3, 7 and 10), the NF2+SOC arm showed a greater percentage of population who were RT-PCR negative compared to the placebo+SOC arm: Day 3 (NF2 -19%, Placebo - 0%) ; Day 7 (NF2- 41%, Placebo - 19%) ; Day 10 (NF2-73%, Placebo 44%). No significant changes were observed in blood markers for both the groups. Conclusion NF2 administered along with standard of care treatment aided early recovery from COVID-19 as demonstrated by a higher percentage of population who were RT-PCR negative on Day 3, 7 and 10. No side effects were observed during the entire study duration. Early recovery of patients is essential for rational usage of limited healthcare resources in a pandemic.