Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Epidemics have wreaked havoc on humanity since ancient times. Thailand has gone through various crises due to epidemics. Since 2019, the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been severe and long. It has affected the public health department, especially in terms of personnel and medical supplies. In Thailand, herbs such as the special herbal formula recipe from Takkasila scriptures have been used since ancient times to treat health ailments. This review focuses on the application of the “Takkasila Recipe” of Thai herbal medicine to treat symptoms of COVID-19. The herbal formula has the registration number G40/50 and the registered name is "KERRA capsules" from the Thai Ministry of Public Health. This recipe has been clinically tested. Its mechanism of action affects COVID-19. According to laboratory research, it contains a small molecular compound that has therapeutic effect on COVID-19 infection. It effectively inhibits the activity of the enzyme Covid-19 Main Protease, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. “KERRA capsules” also have an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). They exhibit intracellular virus inhibition in Crandell Rees Feline Kidney Cells (CRFK). "KERRA capsules" effectively relieve symptoms of COVID-2019, such as fever, cough, body aches, within 1-3 days after infection. Patients treated with “KERRA capsules” showed no symptoms within 5-14 days. Among those infected with COVID-19 who were treated with “KERRA capsules,” there were no reports of more severe symptoms or deaths. No additional COVID-19 infections were found among people who were initially infected with COVID-19. Our findings suggest that the herbal medicine in "KERRA capsules" could be an alternative to self-care for those who are infected with the COVID-19. They potentially could inhibit the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results should be shared with those who are managing response to the pandemic, and who take care of people infected with COVID-19. There should also be further clinical research to examine the effectiveness of “KERRA capsules” in treating COVID-19.
Language: Thai
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7219344444