Work

The Effects of Cocoons of Larinus Hedenborgi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Extracts on Inflammation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is an inflammatory disease that manifests with symptoms including dry cough, fever, myalgia, and even pneumonia. Despite antiviral treatments, no definitive therapy has been proven effective. Trehala manna (TM), the edible cocoons of Larinus hedenborgi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) weevil as a natural product are traditionally used to alleviate respiratory symptoms because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. The current study aimed to determine the effects of TM add-on treatment on inflammatory biomarkers and some clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The present study was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 60 patients were randomly allocated to TM (5 gr, twice/day) or a placebo for one week. The main outcomes of the current study include CRP, ESR, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and visual analog scale (VAS) for cough were evaluated at both the beginning and end of the study. Our finding revealed that CRP, ESR, BUN, Cr, FBS, SBP, and VAS for cough were significantly reduced in the TM group after intervention ( p -value < 0.05), also CRP, ESR, and VAS for cough, and fever were significantly reduced in the TM group compared to the control after seven days ( p -value < 0.05). TM is a natural remedy with potential as an adjunctive therapy for reducing inflammatory biomarkers and improving certain clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. No adverse effects were observed during the trial. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20211029052904N1, December 2021).

Source: Current Therapeutic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2025.100811