Potential of Rasayana (ayurvedic) polyherbo-mineral formulation in prophylaxis of COVID-19 infection

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic has become a cause of global concern because of its fast rate of transmission and high mortality rates in patients with comorbid illness. In absence of any vaccine or approved chemoprophylaxis, this threat will keep on increasing till effective solution is found. The ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has released guidelines for use of certain herbs as an immunity booster in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, several patients are approaching the practitioners for alternative medicine advices that will enhance overall health and keep diseases at bay. Although the herbs, which are used as immunomodulators to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, have long history of use but there is paucity of well documented and published data about its tolerability, safety and efficacy. Aims and Objectives: To study the outcomes of Ayurveda herbs treatment in individuals residing in coronavirus hotspot city. Materials and Methods: Individuals, who have approached our Ayurveda clinic, have received Ayurveda formulation containing Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Adhatoda vasica, Piper Longum, Piper Nigra, Acorus calamus and Sacrum offcinarum. These herbs have been consumed orally for about two months. Result: The herbs are well tolerated by all and none of the individual have developed any symptoms of influenza like illness or tested positive for COVID-19. These observations indicate that immunomodulator herbs mentioned in Ayurveda are well tolerable and safe. Conclusion: This formulation can be considered as preliminary evidence for the tolerability, safety and can be used as a prophylactic herbs, mentioned in Ayurveda. In view of the scarce information available for this newly appeared pandemic, such results can serve as a primary basis for carrying out further studies. Further investigations and clinical studies using the Ayurveda herbal medicine, described in this work, may help in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection by boosting our immunity.